STERLING HEIGHTS, MI - Chicago meets Michigan at the state’s first Portillo’s restaurant opening on March 16, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in Sterling Heights. Check out our video tour at the bottom of this story.
The 7,900 square-foot restaurant is off of Hall Road at 14425 Lakeside Circle at Lakeside Mall. The interior décor is all about showcasing Michigan’s auto and music roots with various vintage signs and historic trinkets. There’s even a 1931 Model T hanging above where patrons dine.
“It’s focus-centric on the auto industry here in Detroit,” said Jeff Deppe, Portillo’s Director of New Restaurant Operations. “We have many photos and many different tins from the local area focused on Detroit. A lot of these things are authentic and are not prints. The restaurants are decorated specific to the local community.”
The restaurant is off of Hall Rd., which has a high volume of traffic. Some in the community worry Portillo’s, which tends to have customers lined up both inside and outside at all times of the day, will create even more traffic. Deppe says you shouldn’t worry as the restaurant is an expert on keeping people moving.
“We’re professionals at managing our lots and getting people on and off. We have a good drive-thru Q here. Our lot itself is going to be very drive-thru friendly. We have a nice, long runway coming up through the drive, a nice double lane on the backside and then you’ll be able to exit out right to the access road and get out through the mall. It should work pretty seamlessly.”
RELATED: Chicago couple brings authentic Italian beef sandwiches to Metro Detroit food stand
Besides its famous Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches, Portillo’s serves Chicago-style hot dogs, char-grilled burgers, cheese fries, salads, Italian sausages and more. It’s also famous for its chocolate cake and chocolate cake milkshakes. Michael Portillo tells MLive that Michiganders are going to love the food.
“My father started this in 1963 with just a 6x12 trailer and no knowledge of how to do it,” said Portillo, whose father founded Portillo’s. “Be ready to be wowed and know that our Italian beef is slow-cooked, thin-sliced, marinated in its natural juices and in a blend of Italian spices. It’s made with just the right amount of beef, gravy and it’s put on fresh baked French bread.”
NOW HIRING
Portillo’s is looking to fill a variety of hourly and shift leader positions. Interested applicants can click here to apply or apply in-person at Portillo’s in Sterling Heights restaurant. Open interviews take place Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DRIVE-THRU ONLY... FOR NOW
The restaurant will operate as drive-thru only until Michigan’s 25% indoor restaurant capacity limit increases to at least 50% due to COVID. Currently, that restriction is in effect through March 29.
“Typically, the 25%, given how busy we are, once we’ve established the line, we’ve almost reached our capacity and you’ve got to manage the tables and keep them apart,” said Deppe. “Once we hit 50%, we can allow people to sit down, keep them social distanced and maintain the line. Safety has to be a priority at this point.”
VIDEO TOUR:
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The Link LonkFebruary 19, 2021 at 02:29AM
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What Michigan’s first Portillo’s Chicago Italian beef restaurant looks like inside - MLive.com
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