Porto’s Bakery raises hopes that it’s coming to the Inland Empire

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, a wildly popular Burbank-based chain, is teasing that it’s coming to the Inland Empire in a social media reel that promises a “big reveal” on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

“A little birdie told us the I.E. could use a sweet new neighbor,” the video says. “Can you guess what city we are coming to next?”

It does not disclose the location, but documents show the City of Ontario’s Development Advisory Board appearing to have taken up the issue in August and September. The lot in question is 8.6 acres of land at the southwest corner of Archibald Avenue and Inland Empire Boulevard, near the 10 Freeway and Ontario International Airport.

An agenda shows applicants were Raul Porto, chief executive officer and son of late founder Raul Porto Sr., and Leo Prats of Prats Inc. Architecture & Construction, which has designed and built several Porto’s bakeries.

Several calls were made to Porto’s headquarters, but were answered by recordings.

Raul Porto Sr. and wife Rosa, who were Cuban immigrants, founded the chain in Echo Park in 1976. It now has six locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties, and a seventh is in the works near the gates of Disneyland in Anaheim.

Porto’s hasn’t provided details about the Ontario project, but some of its restaurants have spent years in development. The Downtown Disney project was first announced in 2022. Construction began last December.

Porto’s eateries are divided into a bakery section where customers can pick up cakes and tarts for takeout; a quick service counter where customers can order sandwiches, salads, soups and breakfast; and a coffee bar for hot and cold beverages and pastries.

Lines can be long, with 10-20 minute waits even off-peak at some locations.

Information: portosbakery.com