Denise Lauer, chief marketing officer at Portillo’s, emphasized the role hot dogs play in food culture in Chicago and all across America. Lauer noted that hot dogs have shaped the Portillo’s brand from the beginning, with Portillo’s getting its start in a hot dog trailer back in 1963.

“That’s why we’re proud to team up with Vienna Beef to introduce the all-new Char’diniera Dog, an innovative twist on an American classic, available only at Portillo’s,” Lauer said. “The Char’diniera Dog captures the iconic Chicago flavors that our guests crave, now in a Portillo’s hot dog that features our signature snap, the heat of giardiniera, the richness of provolone cheese, and elevated with char-grilled goodness.”

Portillo’s new Char’diniera Dog delivers medium heat, rich cheesiness and a smoky char finish. It’s served Maxwell-style, topped with mustard and grilled onions, or in classic Chicago-style fashion, "dragged through the garden" with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, celery salt, sport peppers and pickle, served on a steamed poppy seed bun. Customers can also order the Char’diniera Dog as a nudie (plain, without the bun) or with any hot dog topping they choose.

“Vienna Beef is excited to team up with Portillo’s by introducing this innovation on their hot dog menu this summer,” said Tom McGlade, senior vice president of marketing at Vienna Beef. "We are proud to have been supplying Portillo’s super-premium hot dogs since 1963, and this new Char‘diniera Dog offers a new flavor profile that is sure to please any appetite.”

The launch also kicks off Portillo’s Hot Dog Season celebration, shining a spotlight on the lineup of hot dogs that have made the brand a Chicago staple for more than six decades. To celebrate America's 250th, Portillo’s is using limited-edition patriotic packaging featuring stars and stripes for its Hot Dog Season celebration.

Source: Portillo's