Portillos Is Rolling Out a Divine New Italian Beef Sandwich in Honor of Pope Leo XIV

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:54 pm

Portillo's Honors New Pope with Limited-Time Italian Beef Sandwich: The Leo

Chicago-based restaurant chain Portillo's is celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, with a special new menu item: The Leo Italian Beef Sandwich. Announced on Friday, May 9th, this limited-time offering is a tribute to the historic moment and the Pope's Chicago roots.

The Leo, described as "divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy and finished with the holy trinity of peppers – sweet, hot, or a combo," is available at all Portillo's locations, including online and kiosks. The sandwich, priced starting at $8.29, is a classic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, a staple of the restaurant's menu.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was born in Chicago on September 14, 1955. He has a strong connection to the city, having received a masters of divinity from Catholic Theological Union and taught at St. Rita of Cascia High School.

Portillo's, founded in 1963 in Villa Park, Illinois, is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. The restaurant chain has expanded beyond the Chicago area, with locations in Arizona, California, Indiana, Florida, Minnesota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The Leo is available for the month of May, which Portillo's is calling "Italian Beef Month." The restaurant promises the sandwich "channels the passion, flavor, and pride that Chicagoans are known for." So, if you're a fan of Italian beef and want to try this special creation, head to your nearest Portillo's before it's gone!

Keywords: Portillo's, The Leo, Italian Beef Sandwich, Pope Leo XIV, Chicago, Chicago food, Italian beef, limited-time offer, restaurant, menu item, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Chicago-style, gravy, peppers, May, Italian Beef Month, Villa Park, Illinois, hot dogs

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