After months of permitting delays, New Braunfels' first location of cult-fave Chicago chain Portillo’s is finally set to begin construction. But for those who have visions of hot dogs dancing in their heads, the opening will require some patience. The project timeline says work won’t be complete d until 2027.In November 2024, a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) filing sparked anticipation that Portillo’s would open in fall 2025. The hype heightened when locals began seeing crews working at FM 306 and Sophie Lane, the intersection mentioned in the state paperwork.That build turned out to be an unintentional red herring. In late 2025, NewsQuest — the developers of Town Center at Creekside — said the shell was to become a Chase Bank branch, and Portillo’s has been delayed until 2026.On July 13, a new TDLR filing was submitted to the state at 2807 Sophie Ln. It appears the original blueprint has been altered; instead of a 6,250-square-foot storefront, the company now says the unit will be a streamlined 4,987 square feet. The build is not expected to begin until November with an estimated May 2027 completion date.The smaller size tracks with Portillo's new "restaurant of the future" design, which includes a smaller, more efficient footprint, the brand's signature double drive-thru lanes, pick-up shelves, and a convenient grab-and-go area. Portillo's is best known for selling glizzies, an homage to its Windy City roots. Hot dogs come in regular, chili cheese, a chargrilled Maxwell Street Polish sausage, and a vegan Garden variety.Its other marquee offering, the Italian beef sandwich, features thinly sliced roast beef served on French bread, which can be plunked in hot "gravy," technically au jus. The chain rounds off the menu with burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, Italian-American pastas, and saucy ribs.Although the menu is relatively simple, it has drawn a fierce following. When the chain opened its first area location in Schertz, it attracted hour-long lines. Meanwhile, Portillo’s still hasn’t revealed any plans to open within San Antonio city limits.Be honest, was it something we said? ...read more read less