It started with an internet job posting last month. Now, official paperwork has been filed.

Portillo’s restaurant officials have filed paperwork with Mishawaka city officials to re-zone the vacant lot immediately north of Cheddar’s at 4914 N. Main St.

City Planner Ken Prince told the South Bend Tribune that the Chicago-based hot dog and Italian beef sandwich restaurant wants to put a drive-thru window at the location, which is the reason for the rezoning request.

Portillo’s officials, however, remain non-committal about opening a restaurant in Michiana, only promoting the opening of their Fishers location to the South Bend Tribune.

Intrigue in Portillo’s coming to Michiana started last month when a job was posted about a management position in our area.

Prince did say that the company would start construction this fall if the Mishawaka location does indeed become a reality.