Chicago-based restaurant brand names first marketing chief and CIO as it expands executive team
Portillo’s Inc., the fast-casual brand, has made two new C-level appointments, naming Keith Correia as its first chief information officer and Nick Scarpino as its first chief marketing officer, the company said Monday.
Chicago-based Portillo’s said the appointments expand the executive team as the company grows.
Michael Osanloo, Portillo’s CEO and president, said in a statement: “Keith brings invaluable expertise with a track record of enabling technology to amplify iconic restaurant brands, while Nick’s creativity and passion have long been instrumental in amplifying our beloved brand.”
Correia joins Portillo’s after serving as chief information officer at Indianapolis, Ind.-based Steak ‘n Shake. Prior to that, he held various leadership roles at American Dairy Queen Corp.
As Portillo’s first CIO, Correia will oversee the expansion of the company’s informational technology platform and guide the team to modernize and improve efficiencies, the company said.
The company said Scarpino, who served as a Portillo’s cashier on summer and winter breaks in high school and college, re-joined the company in 2015.
Scarpino assembled Portillo’s first dedicated marketing team and helped with such initiatives as digital marketing campaigns, interstate tours with the Portillo’s Beef Bus, and events to celebrate new restaurant openings and menu items, the company said.
Portillo’s, founded in 1968, operates more than 80 restaurants, and it plans to expand at an annual rate of at least 10%. The company has targeted growth to 800 full-scale units and 120 smaller units, such as Portillo’s Pick Up locations and alternate formats.
The company has restaurants, known for Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and chocolate cake, in 10 states. The company also owns Portillo’s Home Kitchen, the company’s catering business.
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