Portillo’s names Kevin Kalicak chief financial officer

Portillo’s has appointed Kevin Kalicak as its new chief financial officer and treasurer, effective September 7. Kalicak brings over 25 years of experience from Darden Restaurants, where he held various roles, most recently serving as senior vice president of finance for Olive Garden. His extensive background in the restaurant sector, including managing the financial operations for a brand with over 900 locations and $5 billion in annual revenue, positions him well for his new role at Portillo’s.

In his capacity as CFO, Kalicak will oversee the finance organization at Portillo's, which includes financial planning and analysis, accounting, investor relations, internal audit, tax, and supply chain management. This strategic appointment signals Portillo's focus on refining and executing its financial strategy to foster operational excellence and enhance shareholder value. President and CEO Brett Patterson highlighted Kalicak's proven leadership and expertise, stating, “As we refine and execute our strategy, (Kalicak’s) experience leading high-performing finance organizations... will be instrumental as we strengthen our business and position Portillo’s for long-term growth.”

Kalicak succeeds Michelle Hook, who transitioned to Shake Shack in May. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Portillo’s, which went public in October 2021 and operates more than 100 restaurants across 11 states. The company reported $732.1 million in sales at the end of 2025, reflecting a 3% year-over-year change amidst a challenging dining environment for chain restaurants.

Kalicak expressed enthusiasm about joining Portillo’s, noting its strong foundation for future growth and the passionate team behind the brand. As Portillo's navigates its strategy under new leadership, the implications of Kalicak's extensive experience in managing finances for large-scale restaurant operations may significantly influence the company's growth trajectory. Stakeholders may want to watch how swiftly Portillo’s implements its financial strategies to capitalize on market opportunities in the upcoming quarters.