Industry Veteran Joins C-Suite at Portillo’s

As the new chief development officer of Portillo’s, Jennifer Pecoraro-Striepling will lead the brand’s restaurant development strategy, including real estate and site selection, prototype design and construction.

She also will play a key role in advancing Portillo’s long-term expansion, notes a release.

“Jennifer brings the experience, strategic vision and people-first leadership we need as we continue to expand Portillo’s into new and key markets,” says Brett Patterson, Portillo’s president and CEO. “We see tremendous opportunity ahead, and Jennifer’s proven ability to responsibly scale brands while protecting what makes them special gives us great confidence in our ability to accelerate growth and bring Portillo’s to even more communities.”

Pecoraro-Striepling has over 25 years of experience in large-scale restaurant development and global restaurant growth, including expertise in introducing smaller, more efficient footprints, improving operational flow, and driving improved construction costs and development timelines. Prior to her most recent role at Miller’s Ale House, she held leadership spots at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Papa Johns, Bloomin’ Brands, Kohl’s and Darden Restaurants.

Portillo’s operates more than 100 restaurants across 11 states.