Out of the Dog House

Dick Portillo, founder of Portillo’s, a Chicago-style restaurant known for its hot dogs, Italian beef and chocolate cake, announces the release of his memoir – Out of the Dog House. The book, penned by Portillo with 11-time New York Times best-selling author Don Yaeger, is currently available for preorder, with the official launch date set for November 27, 2018. Portillo will host book signings throughout the month of December at select Chicagoland Portillo’s locations and at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois.  From a child of immigrants (his mother was born in Greece and his father, born in Mexico, was also of Spanish and French descent) to a business mogul of a beloved restaurant chain, Portillo shares wisdom that he learned while growing the brand, relevant to those aspiring to start a business of their own.

In 1963, Dick Portillo opened a simple hot dog stand in Villa Park, Illinois with an initial investment of just $1100. Housed inside a 6 x 12 trailer, the stand had no running water or bathrooms. The stand, serving a short menu of hot dogs, tamales and fries, was appropriately named “The Dog House,” and was soon a hit with locals. Nearly 55 years later, Portillo has cultivated an iconic brand for his Chicago-style concept, Portillo’s. The restaurant has grown to over 50 locations across seven states. Portillo’s menu of sandwiches, pastas and desserts has earned a cult-like following across Chicagoland and throughout the country, especially with ex-pat Chicagoans longing for a taste of home.

From a child of immigrants (his mother was born in Greece and his father, born in Mexico, was also of Spanish and French descent) to a business mogul of a beloved restaurant chain, Portillo shares wisdom that he learned while growing the brand, relevant to those aspiring to start a business of their own.

Portillo’s fans will have a chance to meet Mr. Portillo and purchase Out of the Dog House at the following book signings throughout the month of December:

·      December 3 (5 – 7 p.m.) – Anderson’s Bookshop (123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, Illinois) 

·      December 8* (11 a.m.  – 1 p.m.) – Portillo’s Naperville (1992 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, Illinois)

·      December 12* (5 – 7 p.m.) – Portillo’s Summit (5532 S Harlem Ave, Summit, Illinois)

·      December 13* (5 – 7 p.m.) – the original Portillo’s, Villa Park (635 1/2 North Ave, Villa Park, Illinois)

*First 50 guests at the events held at Portillo’s stores will receive a complimentary copy of Out of the Dog House and a T-Shirt

To preorder Out of the Dog House, visit Amazon.com.