Portillo's Is Eyeing a Location in Littleton

While there are some solid Italian beef options in Denver already, Chicago-born chain Portillo's has a cult following for good reason. In late 2023, it teased an entry into the Colorado market, and in February, we reported that plans had been submitted for an outpost at the northwest corner of 57th Avenue and Tower Road in Green Valley Ranch near Denver International Airport.

But there have been no further updates since then, and the piece of land that was being considered for development is still listed as available on LoopNet.

A June story from QSR magazine about Portillo's path to growth noted that it "has circled Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, San Antonio/Austin, and the Carolinas as future breakthroughs."

Now Portillo's is eyeing another metro-area location. It would be part of a new development at 700 West Mineral Avenue in Littleton. According to the City of Littleton, "The project encompasses 45 acres of commercial and retail development. The commercial aspect of the project consists of two 'anchor' stores — a Costco retail and fuel facility, as well as another big box retailer yet to be determined. Additionally, approximately nine smaller commercial retail sites will be developed for future occupancy. The project also includes 18 acres for a 370-unit multi-family residential development."

The latest site plan for the project, dated September 10, shows the potential 6,250-square-foot Portillo's location, which would also include a 500-square-foot patio. On October 10, the company requested "a pre-application meeting with the City of Littleton Planning Department as part of our due diligence, following the recent execution of a Letter of Intent with RIG Mineral LLC (dated 09/20/2024)," and that request was agreed to on October 18.

We have reached out to the City of Littleton to confirm whether that meeting has been scheduled. In the meantime, Portillo's is staying tight-lipped on the project. "We don't have any news to share at this time," says PR and Internal Communications Senior Manager Sara Wirth. "But [we] will be sure to pass along any when we do."

For now, it's still a waiting game for Portillo's fans in Colorado — but it seems inevitable that the brand will make a move into the state sooner than later.