Being from Des Moines, there’s one thing I always have to get when I’m in Chicago — Portillo’s.
The Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and their famous chocolate cake shake are a must-get whenever I visit. Far from the food in Iowa, Portillo’s can make anywhere feel like it’s Chicago.
From Iowa City, the nearest Portillo’s is in Davenport — about an hour-long drive. For students from central and western Iowa, like myself, this can be a multi-hour drive to the nearest location. This calls for a more central location.
Portillo’s would no doubt see a surge in customers if they opened a location in Iowa City. Not only would in-state students reap the benefits of a new restaurant, but students from Illinois would have a slice of home here in Iowa City. This would also bring one ever so closer to Des Moines, making what’s currently a two and a half hour drive under two hours.
Despite being founded just one state away in 1963, it took more than half a century for a location to open in Iowa. As of writing this, the Davenport location remains the solo Iowa Portillo’s, despite states further west, like Arizona and Texas, having multiple.
Iowa City is home to a little over six thousand Illinois students. Additionally, there has been an influx of Illinois residents moving into Iowa, with over 16,000 moving in 2022.
A Chicago dog could serve as a replacement for a trip home. A beef sandwich could replace the frequent calls home as they embody the essence of Chicago.
Other students who haven’t been to Chicago or tried the local cuisine could experience it here in Iowa City. Nothing will replace trying a Chicago dog in Chicago, but a Portillo’s in Iowa City can bring the magic to people who haven’t had an opportunity to visit.
Iowa City is lacking restaurants that serve Chicago food, and a Portillo’s in the area could fill that void. As the westernmost location in the state, it could potentially bring in business from Des Moines, and even Omaha, as it would be the closest location for both cities.
One day, after Iowa beats Northwestern or Illinois, maybe we can celebrate by enjoying a Chicago dog — or five — after the game. It’s time that Portillo’s brings a location to the Iowa City area.
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Publish date : 2024-09-05 14:02:00
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