Portillo’s® began as a modest hot dog stand in 1963 and has since evolved into a nationally recognized brand. Famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and signature chocolate cake, the brand holds a special place in the hearts of Midwestern food lovers. Over the years, it has expanded beyond Illinois to select states across the U.S., operating over 70 locations.

But if you’re searching for a way to open a Portillo’s franchise, you may be surprised to learn that Portillo’s does not currently offer franchise opportunities. All locations are owned and operated by the corporate entity. For entrepreneurs eager to own and operate a restaurant inspired by classic Chicago fare, this presents a major roadblock. Many aspiring business owners are left looking for a Portillo’s alternative that offers the same nostalgic flavor and broad customer appeal—with the added benefit of franchise ownership.

An Alternative to a Portillo’s Franchise

If you’re seeking a franchise similar to Portillo’s, Antioch Pizza Shop delivers that same combination of rich Chicago flavors, community connection, and brand loyalty, with the added benefit of franchise access and ownership.

Antioch Pizza Shop began with a passion for food and a commitment to community. When Art and Karen Wicklein purchased a neighborhood pizza restaurant founded in 1977, they saw more than a business, they saw an opportunity to serve families, sports teams, and locals with food that brought people together. That commitment still lives on in every location.

Unlike Portillo’s, which restricts ownership to its corporate team, Antioch Pizza Shop is actively growing through franchising. We offer entrepreneurs the chance to be part of a trusted local brand with deep Chicago roots, without the corporate limitations. You can take pride in owning your own restaurant while benefiting from our proven systems and ongoing support.

Four Ways to Open an Antioch Pizza Shop

At Antioch Pizza Shop, we believe one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we offer four distinct franchise formats, each tailored to suit different markets, investment levels, and operational styles. Whether you’re starting small or going big, we have an option for you:

Dine-In Restaurant

This full-service format includes a dining room and kitchen space of 2,000–3,000 sq ft. With an initial franchise fee of $40K and an estimated investment of $226.9K to $729.3K, it’s ideal for high-traffic areas or established commercial districts.

Take-Out & Delivery Only

Designed for convenience and speed, this format works well in smaller retail spaces between 1,000–2,000 sq ft. It shares the same franchise fee as our dine-in option but requires a slightly lower total investment due to reduced build-out and operational costs.

Express Restaurant

Our express model is a streamlined version of our standard restaurant, offering a more limited menu in a compact 1,000–2,000 sq ft layout. It’s perfect for malls, airports, and food courts, with a lower franchise fee of $35K and an estimated investment range of $108.5K–$352.9K.

Pizza Food Truck

For those looking to get into the business with flexibility and mobility, our food truck format is a great entry point. With a $20K franchise fee and a total investment between $106K–$196.8K, you can serve customers at events, festivals, and high-traffic outdoor locations.

Each format includes full support, training, and access to our proprietary recipes and systems. We provide you with the tools to succeed, whether you’re running a single location or planning to expand to multiple units.

Why Search for “Portillo’s Style Franchise”?

Franchisees are drawn to Portillo’s because of its unique Chicago-style menu, consistent customer demand, and brand recognition. However, many people searching for terms like “Portillo’s type franchise” or “franchise similar to Portillo’s” are ultimately looking for a few key things:

• Ownership opportunities
• Chicago-style comfort food
• Brand recognition with local roots
• Affordable investment
• Strong operational support

Antioch Pizza Shop offers all of this—and more. We provide a path to ownership, a proven business model, and a brand that celebrates local community. Our model is built for people who want to run their own restaurant while offering the same quality food people associate with Chicago favorites like Portillo’s.

Chicago-Style Menu: Italian Beef, Hot Dogs & More

If the food is what drew you to search for a Portillo’s franchise, you’ll be happy to know that Antioch Pizza Shop delivers a robust menu filled with Chicago classics. Our offerings include:

• Slow-roasted Italian beef and sausage sandwiches with rich au jus
• All-beef Chicago-style hot dogs served with traditional toppings
• Hand-tossed pizza with original dough and homemade sauce
• Fresh salads, flavorful pastas, hearty burgers, and savory wings
• Gluten-free and vegetarian options to appeal to all diners

Whether you’re feeding a family, catering a party, or serving the lunch rush, our menu offers something for everyone, and stands proudly next to the most beloved Chicago-style restaurants.

Antioch Pizza Shop Costs

Many people researching franchise opportunities focus heavily on startup costs.

Antioch Pizza Shop offers franchise opportunities that are more accessible and scalable. Our different formats allow franchisees to choose an investment level that matches their market and experience:

• Start a food truck for under $200K
• Open an express or food truck  model for as little as $110K [THE LOW FOR THE RANGE FOR THE TAKE-OUT IS $226k]
• Build a full-service restaurant with an estimated total investment under $730K

With lower overhead, faster setup, and personalized support, our franchisees can focus more on growing their business, and less on finding millions in funding.

Support, Training & Marketing

Owning a franchise isn’t just about the food, it’s about the systems, support, and resources that set you up for long-term success. At Antioch Pizza Shop, we provide:

• Comprehensive training on operations, staffing, inventory, and customer service
• Marketing toolkits for grand openings, social media, and local outreach
• Ongoing operational support, including coaching and site visits
• Technology integration for POS, online ordering, delivery, and loyalty programs

You’ll benefit from the wisdom of a seasoned leadership team and the agility of a brand that adapts to changing consumer needs.

Community Connection & Local Impact

One of the biggest differences between Antioch Pizza Shop and a corporate-only chain like Portillo’s is our commitment to local ownership and community involvement. Our franchisees aren’t just operators, they’re hometown heroes.

We encourage our owners to sponsor youth sports teams, participate in school fundraisers, host local events, and become embedded in the fabric of their neighborhoods. That’s why our tagline is “The Crust of the Community.” We live it every day.

Is a Portillo’s Franchise Possible? Not Yet—but There’s a Smart Alternative

While Portillo’s remains a corporate-run chain with no franchising plans on the horizon, that doesn’t mean your dream of owning a Chicago-style restaurant is out of reach. Antioch Pizza Shop offers:

• Authentic Chicago-style recipes and brand identity
• Four scalable franchise models
• Lower startup costs
• Full support and training
• A commitment to community and local ownership

Ready to Explore a Chicago-Style Franchise Opportunity?

If you’ve been searching for “Portillo’s franchise,” “Portillo’s franchise alternative,” or “Italian beef franchise opportunity,” your best next step is learning more about Antioch Pizza Shop. We’re offering the opportunity to build something real, with roots in tradition and a future full of possibility.

Fill out our franchise inquiry form to start a conversation. We’ll walk you through available territories, investment ranges, and what it takes to own your own Antioch Pizza Shop.

Whether you’re eyeing opportunities in Michigan, Missouri, Colorado, or Kentucky, Antioch Pizza Shop has territories ready for growth. View all available markets and take the first step toward owning your own full-service pizza restaurant.