Portillo’s announced the appointment of Christopher Hansen as Executive Chef and Senior Director of Culinary Innovation, a role in which he will oversee all aspects of culinary strategy and menu innovation for the fast-casual chain. Hansen most recently served as Head of U.S. Culinary at Guzman y Gomez, where he led culinary strategy, menu innovation, and brand positioning.
Hansen brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the restaurant, foodservice, and consumer packaged goods industries. Prior to Guzman y Gomez, he served as Corporate Executive Chef, Business Development at McIlhenny Tabasco Company, where he oversaw innovation and developed co-branded menu items with restaurant concepts. He also spent more than 15 years at OSI Industries, rising to Assistant Vice President and Culinary Executive Chef, where he led culinary concept development for U.S.-based and international customers.
In his new role, Hansen will work closely with Portillo’s marketing, operations, and supply chain teams on recipe and product development, with a focus on extending the chain’s menu beyond its established classics while preserving its reputation for quality. Portillo’s has grown from a single hot dog trailer in Chicago into more than 100 restaurants across 11 states over more than six decades.
KEY QUOTES:
“Christopher brings a rare combination of culinary creativity, commercial discipline and a deep appreciation for the brands and people behind great food. Christopher understands how to honor a brand’s heritage while introducing the right innovations to give guests a new reason to visit. Just as importantly, he shares our passion for the team members who bring those recipes to life every day.”
Brett Patterson, President and CEO, Portillo’s
“Portillo’s has spent more than six decades earning a special place in people’s lives through incredible food and an unmistakable guest experience. As a Chicagoan, I’ve long admired what Portillo’s means to this city and to so many people like me who grew up with the brand. That’s a legacy you don’t reinvent. You respect it, protect it and build upon it.”
Christopher Hansen, Executive Chef and Senior Director of Culinary Innovation, Portillo’s
