After months of anticipation for hot dog and Italian beef fans, Portillo's has set the official opening date of June 13 for its new restaurant in Davenport.
Jeff Deppe, director of new restaurant operations, said the Chicago-based chain will host a grand opening at 10:30 a.m. on June 13, at its first Iowa location, at 2741 E. 53rd St., across the street from Costco Wholesale.
He said the restaurant has been holding unofficial events leading up to the grand opening, allowing some customers the chance to sample the Chicago staples.
Deppe said the company hired about 150 people ahead of the opening, with pay ranging from $10 to $14 per hour.
Construction is nearly wrapped up at the Portillo's site, Deppe said, but just beginning at neighboring plots.
Developer William Torchia, who also brought Portillo's to Peoria, said work will continue on the land surrounding the restaurant, where nine homes were demolished last year. Plans include the opening of the fast-food chain Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, plus a First Midwest Bank branch location.
Torchia is still seeking two other tenants to complete the five-lot development.