Bloomington’s Giordano’s joins Portillo’s as local Chicago-style dining spots

Giordano’s, known for its stuffed pizza, opened for business in Bloomington this week. (File photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington-Normal now has a full array of Chicago-style food with the opening of Giordano’s.

The restaurant chain, known for its stuffed pizzas, opened to the public for the first time Tuesday at 1505 N. Veterans Parkway.

Giordano’s debut comes seven weeks after the much-heralded opening of Portillo’s in Normal, which offers Italian beef, burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

This week, Giordano’s will be open at four o’clock each afternoon through Friday, with full dining room service and limited pick-up.

The first day for regular business hours is Saturday, with doors opening at 11 a.m.

Giordano’s was initially supposed to open in August, but owner Aaron Uftring delayed the start date until now. At the time, Uftring said he planned to hire 40 full-and-part-time employees to work in the 70-seat restaurant.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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