Veteran marketing leader brings proven expertise in driving guest engagement, sales, and modern growth strategies Portillo's Appoints Denise Lauer as Chief Marketing Officer Photo Credit: Lori Sapio Photography OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO), the one-of-a-kind restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today announced the appointment of Denise Lauer as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective September 22, 2025. Lauer brings more than ...

Core Insights - Portillo's Inc. reported a revenue increase of 3.6% to $188.5 million for Q2 2025 compared to $181.9 million in Q2 2024, driven by new restaurant openings and same-restaurant sales growth [4][8][28] - Same-restaurant sales rose by 0.7%, attributed to a 2.1% increase in average check, despite a 1.4% decrease in transactions [4][8] - Net income increased by 17.7% to $10.0 million in Q2 2025, up from $8.5 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to a tax receivable agreement liability adjustment [8][9] Financial Performance - Total restaurant operating expenses rose by 4.9% to $144.0 million, influenced by the opening of nine new restaurants and a 1.9% increase in commodity prices [5][28] - General and administrative expenses increased by 4.8% to $18.8 million, mainly due to higher professional fees and advertising costs [6][28] - Operating income decreased by 3.2% to $17.5 million, reflecting changes in revenue and expenses [7][28] Development Highlights - No new restaurants were opened in Q2 2025, but one new location was opened in Tomball, Texas, after the quarter, bringing the total to 95 [11][12] - The company plans to open 12 new restaurants in the second half of 2025, focusing on the Sunbelt region and entering Atlanta [12][13] Fiscal Targets - Updated fiscal 2025 targets include revenue growth of 5% to 7%, down from a previous target of 10% to 12% [13] - Same-restaurant sales growth target remains at 1% to 3%, with adjusted EBITDA growth expected to be flat to low single digits [13][14] Long-Term Outlook - Long-term financial targets include annual unit growth of 12% to 15% and mid-teens revenue growth [14][15]

Company Overview - Portillo's, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTLO) has expanded from a small hot dog trailer in Chicago to over 90 restaurants across 10 states [2] - The brand is recognized for its unique menu, which includes Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads, and chocolate cake [2] - Portillo's operates a company-owned model that focuses on creating experience-oriented destinations, offering dine-in, drive-thru, takeout, and delivery services [2] Upcoming Events - Portillo's will host a Q2 2025 Earnings Webcast on August 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. EST [1] - The earnings release for Q2 2025 will be available before the market opens on the same day [1] - The webcast will be accessible for replay on the Portillo's Investor Relations website [1]

Core Insights - Portillo's has appointed Eugene I. Lee, Jr. to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience from the restaurant industry [1][2] - Mr. Lee previously served as CEO of Darden Restaurants, where he oversaw a revenue increase of over $2 billion and nearly tripled the company's market capitalization to $20 billion [2] - The appointment aligns with Portillo's growth strategy and is supported by Engaged Capital, LLC [4][5] Company Overview - Portillo's, founded in 1963, has expanded to over 90 restaurants across 10 states, specializing in Chicago-style food [6] - The company is known for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads, and chocolate cake [6] - Portillo's offers a loyalty program called Portillo's Perks and provides options for online ordering and delivery [7] Leadership and Strategy - Mr. Lee's leadership is expected to enhance Portillo's operational efficiency and growth potential [3][5] - His background includes a focus on team members and customer experience, which aligns with Portillo's values [2][3] - The company aims to create lasting value for guests, team members, and shareholders under Mr. Lee's guidance [3]

Company Overview - Portillo's Inc. is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its American classics with a Chicago twist, operating over 90 restaurants across 10 states [1] - The company was founded in 1963 by Dick Portillo, who started with a $1,100 investment in a hot dog stand called "The Dog House" [1] Investor Engagement - CFO Michelle Hook will present at William Blair's 45th Annual Growth Stock Conference on June 3, 2025, at 12:20 p.m. Eastern Time, with a presentation available at investors.portillos.com [3] - On June 4, 2025, CFO Michelle Hook will host a fireside chat at Baird's 2025 Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference at 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time, along with in-person investor meetings [3] - CEO Michael Osanloo and CFO Michelle Hook will conduct in-person investor meetings at the Jefferies Consumer Conference on June 17 and 18, 2025 [3] Customer Engagement - Portillo's offers a loyalty program called Portillo's Perks, allowing fans to earn and redeem rewards [2] - Customers can order ahead for pickup or delivery through the Portillo's App or website, with food shipping available to all 50 states [2]

CHICAGO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portillo's Inc. ("Portillo's" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: PTLO), the restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2025. Financial Highlights for the First Quarter 2025 vs. First Quarter 2024: (1) Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Please see definitions and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures accompanying this release. "We're ...

Core Points - Portillo's is celebrating Italian Beef Day with a month-long event featuring exclusive offers and activities [1][10] - The celebration includes a BOGO sandwich deal for loyalty program members, a CTA Blue Line train takeover, and a nationwide scavenger hunt [2][8] Company Overview - Portillo's was founded in 1963 by Dick Portillo and has grown to over 90 restaurants across 10 states, known for its Italian beef sandwiches and other Chicago-style foods [4] - The company offers a loyalty program called Portillo's Perks, allowing members to earn rewards and access exclusive deals [5] Marketing Activities - The BOGO deal allows Portillo's Perks members to buy one regular Italian Beef sandwich and get one free throughout May [8] - The CTA Blue Line train will be wrapped in Italian Beef-themed branding from May 5 to June 1, promoting the sandwich [8] - A social scavenger hunt will take place in multiple cities, including Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix, where fans can find swag bags containing branded merchandise and free sandwich cards [8]

Core Viewpoint - Portillo's Inc. has entered into a cooperation agreement with Engaged Capital to identify a new director with restaurant operations experience for its Board of Directors [1][2] Group 1: Cooperation Agreement - The cooperation agreement aims to enhance the Board's expertise by adding a director with relevant restaurant operating experience [1][2] - Engaged Capital played a role in introducing Jack Hartung to the Board in January, indicating a collaborative relationship [2] - Engaged Capital has agreed to customary standstill and voting agreements as part of the cooperation [2] Group 2: Company Strategy and Performance - Portillo's Board is focused on driving traffic, improving margins, and delivering industry-leading unit economics for shareholders [2] - The company is taking actions to shrink restaurant size, drive sustainable same-store sales, and improve restaurant margins, indicating a strategic focus on operational efficiency [2] - Portillo's is recognized for its iconic brand and industry-leading average unit volumes (AUVs) both in and outside of Chicago [2] Group 3: Company Background - Portillo's was founded in 1963 and has grown to over 90 restaurants across 10 states, known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and other menu items [4] - The company offers a loyalty program and ships food nationwide, enhancing customer engagement and market reach [4] Group 4: Engaged Capital Overview - Engaged Capital is an investment advisor focused on building sustainable businesses and creating long-term stockholder value [5] - The firm engages with management and boards of undervalued public companies to unlock embedded value [5]