Portillo’s and Vienna Beef Launch the New Char’diniera Dog for Summer

Published by Jon Self on

Promotional graphic for Portillo’s Char'diniera Hot Dog. A hot dog on a poppy seed bun is topped with yellow mustard and grilled onions, resting on a bright blue background. Text at the top reads "NEW! Portillo's Char'diniera Hot Dog," and the bottom text says "INFUSED WITH GIARDINIERA & PROVOLONE."

Portillo’s Char’diniera Dog arrived June 30. Fans can taste the new char-grilled hot dog infused with giardiniera and provolone cheese for a limited time this summer.

Two Chicago culinary icons are joining forces to bring some serious heat to your summer menu. Portillo’s has teamed up with its longtime partner, Vienna Beef, to introduce the all-new Char’diniera Dog, a unique, char-grilled beef hot dog infused directly with spicy giardiniera and rich provolone cheese. The limited-time creation officially launches on Tuesday, June 30, timed with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.

Portillo’s Char’diniera Dog: A Bold Twist on a Windy City Classic

Promotional graphic for Portillo’s Char'diniera Hot Dog. A hot dog on a poppy seed bun is topped with yellow mustard and grilled onions, resting on a bright blue background. Text at the top reads "NEW! Portillo's Char'diniera Hot Dog," and the bottom text says "INFUSED WITH GIARDINIERA & PROVOLONE."
Photo courtesy of Portillo’s

Specially crafted for Portillo’s by Vienna Beef, the Char’diniera Dog delivers a medium kick of heat, cheesy richness, and a smoky, char-grilled finish. Guests can customize their order in a few distinct ways:

  • Maxwell-Style: Topped with mustard and grilled onions.
  • Chicago-Style: “Dragged through the garden” with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, celery salt, sport peppers, and a pickle.
  • Nudie: Plain and without the bun.
  • Your Way: Customized with any toppings you like. Yes, even ketchup!

No matter how you top it, the Portillo’s Char’diniera Dog is served on a steamed, signature poppy seed bun.

“In Chicago and all across America, hot dogs play a major role in food culture,” said Denise Lauer, chief marketing officer at Portillo’s. “And hot dogs have shaped our brand from day one, with Portillo’s getting its start in a humble 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. 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.”

Celebrating Hot Dog Season

A Portillo's meal spread on a solid red background. It features a classic Chicago-style hot dog with pickles and tomatoes, a chili cheese dog with diced onions, and a hot dog topped with grilled onions and mustard, all on poppy seed buns. A red-and-white striped paper bag reading "RELISH AMERICA'S 250TH" and a matching striped Coca-Cola cup sit in the background.

The arrival of the Portillo’s Char’diniera Dog also kicks off the restaurant’s annual Hot Dog Season celebration, highlighting a legendary lineup that includes the classic Chicago-style Hot Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, Jumbo Hot Dog, and the plant-based Garden Dog. To honor America’s 250th anniversary, Portillo’s will serve these summer favorites in limited-edition, patriotic stars-and-stripes packaging while supplies last.

“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.”

Score a $1 Hot Dog for National Hot Dog Week

The summer celebration gets even sweeter for loyalty members. From July 14–16, Portillo’s Perks members can grab a hot dog for just $1 with any purchase of $5 or more. The deal is limited to one discounted hot dog per qualifying transaction, and additional terms apply. Whether they are looking to stick to tradition or try the fiery new Char’diniera Dog, fans can head to Portillos.com to find their nearest location or place an order.

For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on X/ Twitter or Jon.Self.37 at Instagram. He has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for over a decade. He also writes for several "foodie" sites as well as in the faith-based world.