Portillo’s breaks ground on Mishawaka location set to open in 2018

A look at a groundbreaking shovel and the design of the Mishawaka Portillo's on 10/19/17 (Tom Franklin/News Now Warsaw)
Local leaders and Portillo’s officials break ground in Mishawaka (Tom Franklin/News Now Warsaw)

One of the most anticipated groundbreakings in Mishawaka’s history took place Thursday.

Mayor Dave Wood joined local business leaders and members of Portillo’s in breaking ground for their new Mishawaka location. The Chicago icon will be building a location on North Main Street right next to the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

Mayor Wood says Portillo’s arrival is more than just opening a restaurant.

“We know that this will bring people in…to our community from far away,” Wood proclaimed during a press conference Thursday. “It’s that kind of restaurant, that kind of use, that kind of destination.”

The Portillo’s Mishawaka location as it was 10/19/17 (Tom Franklin/News Now Warsaw)

The restaurant will feature a blend of South Bend-area and Prohibition-era decor, including a classic Studebaker in the restaurant.

Portillo’s officials are targeting a late summer opening in 2018.