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Portillo's

Leadership

Portillo's faces potential Engaged Capital proxy fight with nomination of 2 board members

 By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 03, 2025

The activist investor hopes to put two ex-Salad and Go executives on the Chicago-based fast-casual chain's board: former CEO Charlie Morrison and former CMO Nicole Portwood.

Operations

Here comes Portillo's app-less loyalty program

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 26, 2025

Late to the game but offering something different, the fast-casual chain expects to launch its Perks program in March.

Technology

The future of restaurant loyalty may be app-less

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 22, 2025

Tech Check: More restaurants are bypassing loyalty apps and going straight for what really matters: the data. Will customers care?

Leadership

Chipotle's Jack Hartung to join Portillo's board

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 10, 2025

The move was brought about by activist investor Engaged Capital, which last year promised to take steps to "unlock the intrinsic value" of Portillo's business.

Financing

Advertising fails to deliver the usual sales pop for Portillo's

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 05, 2024

Traffic at the fast-casual chain fell 3.5% in the most recent quarter, but management is banking on a sales rebound from kiosks and unit growth.

Food

Portillo's Salted Caramel Spice Cake is ready to take on chocolate fans this fall

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 13, 2024

Behind the Menu: The fast casual’s famous chocolate cake has a seasonal competitor—the first new cake flavor in 20 years.

Financing

Activist investor takes aim at Portillo's

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 16, 2024

Hedge fund Engaged Capital is looking to boost the Chicago-based chain's profitability and speed national growth.

Financing

Amid headwinds, Portillo's focuses on throughput and eye-catching ads

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 06, 2024

The fast-casual chain is improving drive-thru speeds and will be advertising during Bears games to focus on what can be controlled.

Operations

Portillo's expands operating hours, explores late night

By Lisa Jennings on Jun. 03, 2024

Systemwide, Portillo's restaurants will open 30 minutes earlier, and some restaurants are staying open as late as 1 a.m. local time.

Operations

Portillo's sees consumers reaching boiling point on pricing

By Lisa Jennings on May 07, 2024

When lower-income diners are feeling budget strain, the fast-casual Portillo's feels it most in the drive-thru. To address that, the restaurant chain is working to get orders through car windows faster.

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