Portillo's — page 2

Shake Shack has appointed Michelle Hook, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, as its new chief financial officer.

First Watch sees sales growth through menu redesigns and digital marketing, while Portillo’s leverages value deals to stabilize traffic in the latest quarter.

Portillo’s saw a slight transaction increase in the first quarter, though a decrease in average check size resulted in a marginal decline in same-store sales.

Michelle Hook has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer of Portillo’s after a four-year tenure that included the restaurant chain’s 2021 initial public offering.

Technomic data shows sales growth in the chicken category slowed to 5.3% in 2025 as the market faces increasing saturation and cooling performance from major players.

The 115-unit bar and grill chain has elevated Chief Operating Officer Joel Chick to the chief executive role following the departure of former CEO Brett Patterson.

Culver’s partners with Berry AI to add computer vision to 1,000 restaurants

Vasa Fitness, a high-value, low-price (HVLP) fitness operator, has appointed Michael Osanloo as its new chief executive officer.

Portillo's has launched its first kiosk prototype in Chicago, Illinois.

Corner Bakery Cafe promotes Erin Hasselgren to president, overseeing brand expansion and daily operations.

40% of SMBs couldn’t pay their full December rent, and drive-thrus continue to grow in number and lanes, according to Alignable’s December Rent Report.

Teriyaki Madness expands leadership team and increases corporate support for franchisees, achieving 48% system-wide revenue increase in 2020

Google and Olo partner to allow customers to order directly from Google Search, Maps, and the Google Assistant at over 70,000 Olo-connected restaurant locations.

In its annual “10Best” poll, readers of USA Today have named franchise brand QDOBA Mexican Eats its choice for Best Fast-Casual Restaurant.

Chicago-based hot dog chain Portillo’s was named the #1 fast casual restaurant in the nation by TripAdvisor.

Portillo's Hot Dogs LLC hires Michael Osanloo as its new CEO, replacing Keith Kinsey who is retiring.

Honey-Jam Café is an emerging franchisor to watch, with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere and an extensive menu of comforting breakfast and lunch classics.

The franchise industry saw an increase in women and millennials joining, with women being elevated into senior level positions.

Portillo's launches delivery nationwide through a partnership with DoorDash, offering convenient delivery to its customers.

Portillo's is expanding into neighboring states, with the highest unit volumes of its category, surpassing Shake Shack Inc. by over $4 million.

BDT Capital Partners invests $3.5 billion in Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, planning to grow the 47-unit chain beyond Chicago.