Hot dog lovers are finally getting a plant-based version of the iconic Chicago-style dog. Greenleaf Foods, SPC, owner of leading plant-based brand Field Roast, announced a partnership with hot dog institution and fast-casual chain Portillo’s. Serving Chicago-style hot dogs for 59 years, Portillo’s is proving that you can “teach an old dog new tricks” by introducing its first plant-based hot dog.
Now available at restaurants nationwide, the new Garden Dog features the Field Roast Signature Stadium Dog custom-crafted for Portillo’s and topped with the classic Chicago-style hot dog toppings: mustard, relish, chopped onions, tomatoes, celery salt, pickle spear, and sport peppers on a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Portillo’s to bring the flavor of Field Roast to this iconic chain rooted in Chicago hot dog history,” says Adam Grogan, president of Greenleaf Foods, SPC. “Americans eat billions of hot dogs every year, and now they have a delicious plant-based option to satisfy this classic craving.”
According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans eat more than 7 billion hot dogs every year during ‘peak hot dog season,’ between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Field Roast Signature Stadium Dog is a pea protein-based hot dog inspired by the flavors of premium, kosher-style beef hot dogs. Unlike other products that use liquid smoke, Field Roast Plant-Based Dogs are double smoked using maple hardwood chips and a combination of steam and dry heat. The plant-based hot dog also offers the same amount of protein per serving as most traditional hot dogs, but contains less sodium and is made without nitrites or GMOs. Already available at retail stores nationwide, Field Roast fans can now also enjoy the Field Roast Signature Stadium Dog at Portillo’s.
“When we first started thinking about bringing a plant-based hot dog to our menus, we tasted dozens of different versions. It became clear that Field Roast produces the best product on the market,” says Michael Osanloo, Portillo’s CEO and President. “When Field Roast customized its Signature Stadium Dog just for us, we knew we had a winner. We can’t wait for our guests – both new and old – to be able to enjoy the Garden Dog, our delicious take on this iconic American classic.”
Portillo’s established its reputation in Chicago as a hot dog stand in the 1960s, and today is known for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and chocolate cake at its more than 70 locations across nine states. Field Roast and Portillo’s fans can find the new plant-based Garden Dog when visiting Portillo’s in-person or online at Portillos.com.
