Portillo’s Opens in Tomball with Chicago Flavors and a $10,000 Boost for Local Education
The unmistakable red-and-white stripes of Portillo’s are now officially part of Tomball’s dining scene. On July 22, 2025, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the new location at 25531 Tomball Pkwy, Tomball, TX 77375, marking the restaurant’s official debut in the community.
Michael Portillo, Vice President of Restaurant Support, shared the story of the brand’s beginnings and the flavors that have made it a household name. The celebration came with more than just great food — Portillo’s presented the Tomball Education Foundation with a check for over $10,000, supporting local students and teachers.
Portillo’s traces its roots to 1963, when founder Dick Portillo opened The Dog House, a small hot dog stand in Villa Park, Illinois, with just $1,100. Today, the brand serves up a menu as hearty as its history, featuring Italian beef sandwiches, char-broiled burgers, fresh salads, award-winning ribs, and their world-famous chocolate cake.
The Famous Five menu items give newcomers a starting point: the Italian Beef Sandwich (regular or Big Beef, with the option to add sweet or hot peppers), Two Hot Dogs served Chicago-style “dragged through the garden,” a Char-Broiled Cheeseburger loaded with fresh toppings, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with giardiniera sauce, and the Chopped Salad tossed with chicken, bacon, pasta, and gorgonzola cheese.
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Other menu highlights include:
- Italian Beef & Sausage Sandwich — a Chicago combo of tender beef and flavorful sausage on fresh French bread
- Maxwell Street Polish — a grilled Polish sausage with mustard and onions
- Breaded Whitefish Sandwich — wild-caught and topped with cheese, lettuce, and tartar sauce
- Award-Winning Ribs — marinated in signature rib sauce and grilled to perfection
- Desserts — from Strawberry Shortcake to the iconic Chocolate Éclair Cake and the indulgent Chocolate Cake Shake
Portillo’s is open daily, with late-night hours to curb cravings:
- Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Note that holiday hours may vary
With a menu steeped in Chicago tradition and a commitment to giving back, Portillo’s has already made a flavorful first impression in Tomball. It’s not just about what’s on the plate at Portillo's — it’s about becoming part of the community.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.