Portillo’s Hot Dogs is one of the staple restaurants of the Midwest and the Chicagoland area. In the past couple of years, they have expanded to places like Fort Wayne, Indiana; Tempe, Arizona; and even Davenport, Iowa. It’s time that Portillo’s extends even further to Ames. 

As most people know, Ames is home to Iowa State University. Many students who attend are from the Chicago area and miss eating Portillo’s. None of us can wait any longer to eat their amazing Italian beefs, hot dogs, and cheese fries. For most others from Iowa, as well as some from Minnesota, it will be a new experience for them. It will also bring more jobs and smiles to not just Ames, but to all of central Iowa.

I was lucky enough to have a Portillo’s right in my hometown of New Lenox, Illinois. Most people aren’t that fortunate, including those in Ames. I want others in Ames to be able to eat at Portillo’s whenever they want, and for students to not have to wait until they get home to have it. 

Portillo’s reached Iowa when they opened in Davenport. They can reach more people and get more recognition when they open in Ames.