• by Teresa Buyikian , July 8, 2024

It may be the dog days of summer, but one hot dog is on the search for some new friends to help celebrate National Hot Dog Week July 15-21.

Fast casual Chicago-style hot dog chain Portillo’s today launched a call out to fans to submit a photo of their own pooch (or cat, bird or any other pet) for a chance to be named one of “Pokey’s Pals”: a friend of the brand’s dachshund mascot.

Customers can enter through July 19 by posting a photo to their own social media channels such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, etc. with hashtag #PokeysPal or tag @portilloshotdogs (a mail-in option is also available). The chain will select 10 finalists, who will then advance to a public voting phase that will determine a grand-prize winner. The ultimate winner will receive the new Portillo’s limited-edition dog toys and other merchandise as well as free Portillo’s for a year (in the form of an $800 Portillo’s e-Gift card).

The limited-edition dog toys, also available for purchase here and in-store, are inspired by menu items, such as a crinkle French fry plushie and “Chicago-style” faux hot dog rope pull toy. A portion of sales ($2 each) of the $12 toys benefits Anti-Cruelty, a Chicago animal welfare organization.

 The chain is also celebrating National Hot Dog week by offering free delivery for orders  via its app or online July 15-21.