Hot Dog News

The second Portillo's in Texas preps hot dogs for big opening in Allen

Portillo's famous hot dogs.

Portillo's

Allen residents can hot dog it over to Portillo’s, the fast-casual restaurant concept known for Chicago street food, because the opening date for the new location in Allen at 1955 Central Expwy. is near.

According to a release, the restaurant will open on Thursday, September 7, at 10:30 am.

Those who love fanfare will want to arrive early: The opening of the doors will be preceded by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 am, attended by Portillo’s VP of Restaurant Support Michael Portillo.

Once open, they'll have the full menu, and by now we have it pretty much memorized: Chicago-style hot dogs, "Famous" Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, and Portillo’s "Famous" Chocolate Cake. Come on, not every dish can have a "Famous." Either the Italian beef sandwich is "Famous" or the chocolate cake, but not both. Choose one, Portillo's.

The restaurant is just south of the Allen Premium Outlets, which is an awesome reference point. All things in the DFW area should be measured by how close they are to the outlet mall.

The 7,700-square foot restaurant will have a retro automotive/garage theme, with indoor seating for more than 170, a seasonal outdoor patio, and double drive-thru lanes.

This is the second Portillo's in Texas. The first opened at the Grandscape development in The Colony in January 2023.

This is also the second Portillo’s built with a new format that includes a grab-and-go retail area and self-serve soda fountain, plus "other efficiencies in the kitchen." Hmm.

Founder Dick Portillo opened the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Illinois in 1963. There are now more than 75 locations across 10 states.

openings

Craft Beer News

Dallas Stars owner to open beer-centric Craft restaurant in the U.S.

Craft

Food and beer from Craft.

A restaurant concept from Canada is opening its first U.S. location in little old Dallas: Called Craft Restaurant & Beer Market, it's a small chain with an emphasis on craft beer and elevated casual dining opening in Preston Center at 5974 W Northwest Hwy.

That location is a former medical office, across the street from the Starbucks at the corner of Kate Street. According to a release, it will open in in early 2026 — their first in the American market.

The concept was founded in 2019 by craft beer wunderking PJ L'Heureux, who is partnered with Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars and the Moxies chain. It will feature more 100 beers on tap including local Texas brews, along with cocktails, wine, and a fresh, globally inspired menu.

L'Heureux calls Dallas "a natural fit" for Craft.

"Our large restaurant footprint, commitment to local products, and dedication to community are what Texas is all about," L'Heureux says in a statement. "Texas and specifically the Preston area of Dallas, with its booming economy, diverse culture, and love for craft cocktails and beer, is the perfect place for us to begin this exciting new chapter."

Craft will occupy a state-of-the-art, 10,500 square-foot space with a modern yet welcoming interior, featuring warm woods, industrial accents, and a massive 360-degree bar as its center.

The space will also include a 5,250 square-foot rooftop patio with a full bar, booth seating, lush greenery, and a games area — suitable for casual gatherings and special celebrations.

Craft president Scott Frank says that the chain, which has nine locations across Canada and is no relation to the Craft restaurant concept by chef Tom Colicchio, likes to create unique menus and partnerships in each of the communities they are in.

"Craft has always been about bringing people together, and we're thrilled to share our passion for craft beer, exceptional dining, and community building with our friends in the Texas market," L'Heureux says.

Gaglardi previously brought Moxie's Grill & Bar, his glossy Canadian sports-bar restaurant, to Dallas in 2016 — the first in the U.S. He's since opened locations in Plano, Southlake, and Houston.

craft beer openings