Portillo's

Portillo's rides out traffic declines with 'transaction arbitrage'

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

Moves into high-population-growth states are driving revenue growth that company officials say will help the Chicago-based chain manage through ebbs and flows of consumer behavior.

Operations

Portillo's restaurant of the future: smaller box, lower costs but same 'ridiculously high' AUVs

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 20, 2023

At an Investor Day, company officials plot the 77-unit chain's path to 920 units across the U.S.

Operations

Portillo's keeping menu price hike options open

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 03, 2023

Traffic dropped in the second quarter, but the company said consumers still see the Chicago-based brand as a great value and there's room for price increases.

Operations

All Sweetgreen units will be automated within five years, CEO predicts

By Lisa Jennings on Jun. 07, 2023

And in other fast-casual highlights from investor conferences: Portillo's is killing it in the Sun Belt, and Potbelly is carrying momentum into 2Q.

Financing

After strong recent openings, Portillo's hints at bigger ambitions

By Joe Guszkowski on May 04, 2023

The hot dog chain said it is considering restaurants in airports and overseas after finding surprisingly strong demand in new markets.

Operations

Portillo's opens big in Texas

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 02, 2023

Sales at the first Lone Star state location are averaging a "crazy" $48,000 per day since opening in January, fueling optimism about growth across the Sun Belt.

Financing

Portillo’s learns its opening lesson

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 13, 2023

More ICR tidbits: The Italian beef and hot dog chain shows why soft opens are important; some skepticism on the Red Robin grills plan; El Pollo Loco wants more kids and an unexpected interruption.

Financing

Chicago brand Portillo’s gets a warm welcome in the South

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 11, 2023

The hot dog and Italian beef chain is opening most of its new locations in Southern states like Florida, Arizona and Texas, where its restaurants have performed well.

Operations