Portillo's

Portillo's CEO Brett Patterson outlines a strategy to change its approach to growth and to turn around negative sales trends outside Chicagoland.

Portillo's plans to close a mid-to-high single-digit number of underperforming restaurants and build smaller units going forward.

Drive-thru AI remains a major goal for a number of fast-food chains, including two of the four biggest in McDonald’s and Taco Bell.

Dr Pepper flavor appears in Slim Chickens and Round Table Pizza menu items.

From Sweetgreen to Portillo’s, a look at how QSR’s Contenders list stacked up by AUV, systemwide sales, unit count, and more.

The July 31 reduction was meant to simplify its corporate structure to allow for better focus, nimbler operations and improved restaurant-level support.

Portillo's cuts corporate jobs to simplify organization and lower costs

Five months into the job as CEO at Portillo’s, Brett Patterson on Wednesday outlined some of the shifts in strategy that he believes will right the ship for the fast-casual brand.

Kevin Kalicak, who has spent nearly 30 years at Darden, will join the fast casual chain on Sept.

Portillo’s, the fast-casual restaurant concept known for serving Chicago-style favorites for more than 60 years, today announced the appointment of Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective September 7, 2026.

Jersey Mike’s appears set to go public this week, and every indication suggests the fast-casual sandwich chain will have one of the biggest IPOs in industry history by just about every measure.

The 100-unit Chicago-based chain has hired former Guzman Y Gomez leader Christopher Hansen to oversee culinary innovation and menu evolution during its current national expansion.

Chipotle gains value with 70% of brands ranking modestly above average

On the holiday that celebrates the food that made it famous, Portillo’s announced it will open a new restaurant location in the heart of Wrigleyville, further doubling down on its commitment to serving its hometown.

Lazy Dog and others debut spicy and fruity menu items

Restaurant chains like Portillo's and Wendy's promote bundled meals to attract price-fatigued consumers.

Shake Shack executives are keeping their faith in the company’s strategy, even if Wall Street is showing some doubts.

- Fast Casual - Operations - Regional Chains - News Portillo's opens first airport location at Dallas Fort Worth International The fast-casual chain hopes the airport unit will bui

Portillo’s opens first airport location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The nontraditional location signals ongoing investment in Texas, where Portillo’s had a disappointing 2025.

- Executives - Operations - News Pamela Smith to serve as interim CFO at Portillo's Smith will serve as an independent contractor to replace former CFO Michelle Hooks while the fas

The fast-casual burger chain has hired Michelle Hook to lead its financial operations as the brand continues its aggressive expansion toward 1,500 units.

Shake Shack has named industry veteran Michelle Hook as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective May 2026.

New CEO Brett Patterson is focusing on balancing rapid market expansion with maintaining the high operational standards of the Chicago-born brand.