Christopher Hansen named head of culinary at Portillo's

Portillo’s has a new head of culinary.

The Chicago-based chain on Thursday said Christopher Hansen has been named executive chef and senior director of culinary innovation.

Hansen has three decades of experience in culinary leadership roles. Most recently he headed U.S. culinary business for the fast-casual Mexican chain Guzman Y Gomez, which is based in Australia. Guzman Y Gomez had eight units domestically but announced earlier this year that all would close as the brand exited the U.S. market.

Portillo’s President and CEO Brett Patterson said Hansen would play a role in the brand’s menu evolution as the 100-unit Portillo’s grows.

“Christopher brings a rare combination of culinary creativity, commercial discipline and a deep appreciation for the brands and people behind great food,” Patterson said in a statement.

Hansen, meanwhile, said he, as a Chicagoan, has long admired what Portillo’s means to the city and people who grew up with the brand.

“That’s a legacy you don’t reinvent,” he said in a statement. “You respect it, protect it and build upon it.”