Portillo’s Inc., the fast-casual restaurant concept, has named Jack Hartung, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.’s president and chief strategy officer, to its board, effective immediately, the company said Friday.
Chicago-based Portillo’s said its board has expanded to eight directors. Hartung joined Chipotle in 2002.
"Jack Hartung has been a pioneer of the fast casual restaurant sector and an architect behind one of its greatest success stories,” Mike Miles, Portillo’s chair, said in a statement. “His experience driving operating excellence and developing restaurants with best-in-class cash-on-cash returns with Chipotle will be invaluable to Portillo's as we accelerate our growth in new markets across the country.”
Hartung played a pivotal role in Chipotle's growth. He served as chief financial officer for 22 years before moving into his current role. Hartung helped guide the company through its 2006 initial public offering and from fewer than 500 restaurants to more than 3,600 locations.
Prior to Chipotle, he spent nearly two decades at the Chicago-based McDonald's Corp. in various management positions, ultimately serving as chief financial officer of its Partner Brands Group.
"Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I've long admired Portillo's commitment to quality food and exceptional service," Hartung said.
Portillo’s, founded in 1963, has more than 90 restaurants in 10 states.
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