After reading MXSW’s recent post on reported construction delays at its new Gilbert location, an official from Portillo’s reached out to say the restaurant still is on schedule to open by the end of this year as originally announced.
Previously: Construction industry publications reported work on the SanTan Village location – on Market Street, about a quarter-mile south of Williams Field – has been delayed and would not begin until April.
The response: Preston Funkhouser, Portillo’s vice-president for construction and facilities, admits the site currently looks like ‘‘a big patch of dirt,’’ but says concrete footers will poured this week. Once the foundation is ready, construction will proceed quickly, he says.
Time-savers: Unlike most Portillo’s, the Gilbert location will feature walls made from pre-cast panels manufactured in Phoenix. ‘‘Five days later you have a building,’’ Funkhouser says. Despite supply-line disruptions, HVAC and kitchen equipment already has arrived and is in storage.
Photo credit: MXSW reader Kyle Martin.
