The Windy City's iconic food fare is making its presence known in the Motor City, with Portillo's, the famed Chicago-based eatery, gearing up to serve its second helping of hot dogs and sandwiches in Metro Detroit. Hot on the heels of its Michigan debut in Sterling Heights back in 2021, the eatery has set its sights on Livonia for store number two, nestled right off Middle Belt Road and I-96, putting it conveniently near popular shopping spots like Meijer and Outback Steakhouse. Details on the new location can be found Click On Detroit.

But before you can say "Chicago-style," the chain is revving up appetites with a preview of its crave-worthy menu, dispatching the "Beef Bus," Portillo's answer to anticipation, before the Livonia outpost officially throws open its doors. According to WXYZ, the 32-foot food truck will hit various Detroit Metro spots from March 21 to March 30, slinging mini versions of its renowned Italian Beef Sandwiches, sausages, and those golden crinkle-cut fries.

In an era where food trucks have become the roaming ambassadors for culinary expansion, Portillo's is aligning its wheels with this tasty trend. Patrons can keep tabs on the Beef Bus's whereabouts by following its journey on Instagram at @BeefBusOfficial. The temporary rubber on the road will also have a hand in beefing up the Livonia location's team, moonlighting as a mobile job fair where prospective employees can snag a job interview and, as a bonus, grab a meal voucher from March 21, the offer detailed by Metro Times.

With more than 80 eateries sprinkled across 10 states, Portillo's takes pride in their Chicagoland gustatory roots. From the sport pepper-adorned hot dogs to the juicy Italian beef nestled in a sesame poppy seed bun, it's more than just a meal—it's a nod to a city steeped in culinary tradition. Hungry Michiganders who've only heard tales of Chicago's street food scene can now sample the authenticity of Portillo's offering, flavored with a dash of intercity rivalry.

While the grand opening date for the newest Michigan Portillo's is still under wraps, the pre-opening Beef Bus bash is set to ensure that the wait will be as savory as the destination. And so, while Detroit may hold firm on its famed coney dogs, it's clear that with Portillo's spreading its buns to Livonia, the appetite for Chicago's brand of street eats is as hot as ever.