Portillo’s Cancels Local Restaurant Plans, Blames Rockford

by Ron Kites | May 19, 2015 2:08 PM

Rockford, IL –  [1]Portillo’s newest restaurant was supposed to be opening in Rockford this summer, but a press release from Portillo’s Restaurant Group released today shows otherwise.

“We truly thank the citizens of Rockford for their enthusiasm and support of our Chicago-style sandwiches.  Unfortunately, at this time, we feel that it is not in our best interest to continue with our expansion into the Rockford market.  Rockford seemed like a great place to build — the people just can’t eat enough fast food — but recent events have us reconsidering our plans.  The exceedingly high property taxes, worsening crime rate, nightly shootings, and poorly educated work force have forced us to look elsewhere.”

The decision comes as a blow to the Rockfordians who have been patiently waiting for years for the famous Chicago-based restaurant chain.

“It’s friggin’ ridiculous,” says Derg Coughman, the man who started an online campaign to bring Portillo’s to Rockford.  “I mean, I understand why they’re doing it.  Hell, even I don’t live in Rockford anymore.  But we were so close.  We had so many signatures – I could almost taste the au jus!”

“I guess when it comes down to delicious sausage sandwiches or bullets, the bullets win,” said Derg.

 

 

Source URL: https://rkfdnews.com/portillos-cancels-local-restaurant-plans-blames-rockford/

---