Portillo's Appoints Tony Darden as Chief Operating Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Portillo's (NASDAQ: PTLO) has appointed Tony Darden as Chief Operating Officer, effective December 9, 2024. Darden, bringing over 30 years of multi-unit restaurant experience, joins from Jack in the Box where he oversaw 2,200 locations. He previously held leadership positions at MOOYAH Burgers, Taco Bueno, Sun Holdings, and Panera Bread. In his new role, Darden will oversee operational strategy as Portillo's pursues its target of 920 locations. The company is set to open its first 'Restaurant of the Future' in Grapevine, Texas, featuring a smaller, more efficient design with kiosks and a Grab and Go area.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced COO with 30+ years in multi-unit restaurant operations
• Strategic expansion plan targeting 920 locations
• Implementation of innovative restaurant format with improved efficiency
• Integration of modern technologies including kiosks and Grab and Go areas

Negative

• None.

Restaurant industry veteran brings three decades of operational expertise to support Portillo's national growth

CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Portillo's (NASDAQ: PTLO), the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today announced the appointment of Tony Darden as Chief Operating Officer (COO). A seasoned industry leader with more than 30 years of experience with multi-unit restaurant concepts, Mr. Darden will play a pivotal role in enhancing operations as Portillo's accelerates its strategic nationwide expansion. He will begin work with the brand on December 9, 2024.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Tony as we continue to grow Portillo's with purpose," said Michael Osanloo, CEO and President. "Tony is a proven leader with an incredible ability to elevate operations while fostering innovation and building inspiring teams. His wealth of experience will be instrumental in scaling our iconic brand while maintaining the commitment to high quality and exceptional guest service that make Portillo's unique."

Mr. Darden joins Portillo's from Jack in the Box, where he served as Chief Operating Officer overseeing systemwide operations for more than 2,200 locations across 21 states. During his tenure, he led transformative initiatives, including implementing AI order-taking systems to enhance efficiency and guest experience. Throughout his career, Mr. Darden has proven his ability to drive operational excellence and develop strong teams at the restaurant level. He previously served as President of MOOYAH Burgers, and held COO positions at Taco Bueno and Sun Holdings, the fourth largest franchisee in the U.S. Additionally, Mr. Darden served as Vice President of Operations at Panera Bread.

As COO, Mr. Darden will oversee Portillo's operational strategy and execution. His core responsibility will be to execute a seamless experience for both guests and team members as the company scales its concept while staying true to its roots. Mr. Darden's commitment to innovation and operational rigor aligns with Portillo's long-term target of operating as many as 920 locations, including full-scale restaurants and alternate formats such as Portillo's Pick-Up locations, while preserving the company's signature commitment to quality and speed of service. In December, the brand will open its first-ever "Restaurant of the Future" in Grapevine, Texas with a smaller, more efficient design, plenty of seating, and elements such as kiosks and a Grab and Go area to ensure a best-in-class experience for guests, whether they prefer to dine in or take their order to go.

"I am honored to join Portillo's and be part of a brand that has built such a loyal following through its incredible food and guest experience," said Mr. Darden. "I look forward to working alongside the team to help Portillo's reach new heights."

With the addition of Mr. Darden, Portillo's continues to strategically strengthen its leadership team to support its long-term growth ambitions.

About Portillo's
In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 to open the first Portillo's hot dog stand in Villa Park, Illinois, calling it "The Dog House." Today, Portillo's has grown to more than 80 restaurants across 10 states and is beloved for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads, and famous chocolate cake. Portillo's ships food to all 50 states via Portillos.com.

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SOURCE Portillo's Hot Dogs, Inc.

FAQ

When will Tony Darden start as Portillo's (PTLO) new COO?

Tony Darden will begin his role as Portillo's Chief Operating Officer on December 9, 2024.

What is Portillo's (PTLO) target number of restaurant locations?

Portillo's has a long-term target of operating up to 920 locations, including full-scale restaurants and Portillo's Pick-Up locations.

Where is Portillo's (PTLO) opening its first Restaurant of the Future?

Portillo's is opening its first Restaurant of the Future in Grapevine, Texas, featuring a smaller, more efficient design with kiosks and a Grab and Go area.

What was Tony Darden's previous position before joining Portillo's (PTLO)?

Before joining Portillo's, Tony Darden served as Chief Operating Officer at Jack in the Box, overseeing operations for more than 2,200 locations across 21 states.