CHICAGO, IL Frigid temperatures and a little snow did not stop the 50th groundbreaking for Portillo's as government and media personalities of two Midwest cities celebrated the restaurant chain in their communities. Novak Construction led two well-attended ceremonies for the new 9,000-square-foot Portillo's in Woodbury, Minnesota, and in Champaign, Illinois. 

Portillo's CEO, Keith Kinsey, addressed those gathered at each ceremony and noted that these locations will serve as springboards for further expansion in the region. Portillo's has already expanded to Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana and Wisconsin. Also joining Kinsey from Portillo's was Sam Herston (VP - Restaurant Devt.) and the respective mayors, Mary Guiliani Stephens (Woodbury) and Deborah Frank Feinen (Champaign).

For Novak, each four-acre site includes demolition of existing buildings, new site utilities, curbs, asphalt paving, and site improvements. The restaurants are precast structures with full brick exterior, patio and architectural steel elements. Champaign's is highlighted with a 1950s diner theme with décor from the decommissioned Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. Woodbury will feature 1920s Prohibition-era that will include photos of Chicago-based gangsters, such as Al Capone. 

Project Director and Novak Vice President-Restaurant Group, Dan Moriarity, noted that Novak Construction is very proud to be a part of Portillo's growth and popularity.  "We meet the deadlines no matter what the weather," said Moriarity. "Our shared goal is to contribute to Portillo's success and have new customers become as addicted to this menu as we are in Chicago."

Both restaurants are scheduled to open in Spring 2017 and both will employ around 200 employees each.