Portillo's plans to expand in Vernon Hills

As he ate lunch Thursday at Portillo's Hot Dogs in Vernon Hills, Sean Clayton was excited to hear the popular eatery is set to expand.

Clayton, who works at nearby Focus Products Group, knows it can be difficult to get a table during the midday rush.

"Sometimes we'll come in and get it to go if we can't find a seat," he said.

But that shouldn't happen as often once the restaurant - already Vernon Hills' biggest - spreads out.

Under plans before the village board, Portillo's, which is at 221 E. Townline Road, is set to gain room for more than 100 additional seats, bringing the total to 404.

Additionally, a second lane for drive-through customers would be added to reduce the all-too-common vehicle backups outside the popular eatery.

The expansion plans, unveiled this week, were welcomed by village leaders who know the nation's current economic struggles are forcing many businesses to shrink or close.

"We're very pleased to have them here," Assistant Village Manager John Kalmar said. "It really serves the market well."

A spokesman for Oak Brook-based Portillo Restaurant Group could not be reached for comment.

The restaurant, which doubles as a Barnelli's Pasta Bowl, has a diverse clientele. Families, employees at local businesses and shoppers at area stores can be found enjoying hot dogs, spaghetti and meatballs, salads or Italian beef sandwiches - just to name a few of the restaurant's noted dishes - throughout the day.

The drive-through lane often is busy, too. At one point on Thursday afternoon, more than a dozen cars were backed up into the restaurant parking lot as employees took orders from hungry motorists.

"I come expecting the wait," said frequent drive-through customer and Zion resident Rob Spanton.

Portillo's' popularity indicates Vernon Hills' other businesses are thriving, too, Kalmar said.

"It shows we have a pretty diverse economy," he said.

The village board is expected to approve the expansion plans at its next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7. No one opposed the concept during this week's discussion, he said.

Kalmar didn't have any information about a potential groundbreaking date.

The Vernon Hills location is the only Portillo's in Lake County. More than 30 others, all privately owned, are located throughout the Chicago area and in Indiana and California.

The Portillo Restaurant Group also operates the Key Wester Fish and Pasta House in Naperville, Luigi's House in Aurora and a catering business.