Types of Restaurant Ordering Technology
Explore the main types of ordering technology restaurants use to improve accuracy, speed, payments, customer convenience, and operational efficiency daily.
Aug 17, 2026
Explore the main types of ordering technology restaurants use to improve accuracy, speed, payments, customer convenience, and operational efficiency daily.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn the eight essential steps of the restaurant payroll process, from tracking hours and calculating wages to payments and recordkeeping.
Aug 17, 2026
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as its new CMO to spearhead strategic brand growth and transformation, bolstering its vision for 2028.
Aug 17, 2026
Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
Aug 14, 2026
The transition of Pizza Hut's CEO, Aaron Powell, marks a pivotal moment for the chain and offers valuable leadership lessons for restaurant owners. Here’s what this executive change could mean for your business.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn how to manage cash flow in your restaurant by tracking finances, controlling costs, forecasting needs, and building cash reserves.
Aug 14, 2026
Increase online orders by simplifying checkout, optimizing menus, improving Google visibility, promoting ordering channels, and encouraging customers to order again.
Aug 12, 2026
Streamline restaurant back office operations by standardizing workflows, automating repetitive tasks, integrating systems, centralizing data, and improving accountability and efficiency.
Aug 12, 2026
McDonald’s USA has appointed Patrick Gerber as chief restaurant officer, leveraging his decades of global experience to boost operations, food quality, and customer satisfaction in the U.S. market.
Aug 11, 2026
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promotes Rick Petralia to Executive Chef & VP of Training & Innovation, signaling a strategic focus on culinary excellence and franchisee support.
Aug 12, 2026
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Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.

Portillo’s fast-casual brand has announced a pivotal addition to its executive team, welcoming Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Kalicak steps into the role with decades of finance experience, most notably over 25 years at Darden Restaurants - a background that signals Portillo’s continued commitment to growth and operational excellence. As CFO, he will spearhead core financial operations including planning, analysis, accounting, investor relations, tax, internal audit, and supply chain - all crucial to steering one of America’s most beloved restaurant brands through its next phase of evolution.
Kalicak’s track record in restaurant finance is both broad and deep. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Olive Garden, leading financial strategy for a $5 billion brand and guiding over 900 restaurants nationwide. He has held senior strategic roles spanning enterprise finance, investor relations, and business analytics, equipping him to scale operations for robust, sustainable growth. Restaurant owners and operators should pay close attention - bringing on leaders with proven expertise in scaling major brands signals Portillo’s intent to solidify its market position while enhancing profitability.
For fellow restaurant leaders, Kalicak’s appointment offers key insights into what it takes to navigate today’s competitive foodservice market. With pressures to deliver operational efficiency, meet evolving guest expectations, and achieve sustained financial results, Portillo’s investment in high-caliber leadership is a timely reminder that business growth hinges on robust financial oversight. With Kalicak at the financial helm, Portillo’s aims not just to maintain its iconic Chicago roots but to accelerate its reach and appeal across wider markets.
Portillo’s has reinforced its financial foundation with a leader skilled at scaling company-owned operations and supporting large, distributed teams. Kalicak’s collaborative style and focus on operational excellence align with the brand’s strategy for long-term growth and value creation. For those managing or owning a restaurant, this move highlights the crucial connection between financial leadership and achieving business goals - particularly for brands committed to expanding nationwide or refining operational models.
As Portillo’s embarks on its next chapter, success will rest on strategic leadership and a scalable operation model. Restaurant professionals can take a cue from this announcement - investing in skilled financial leadership is indispensable for maintaining growth momentum and protecting brand equity. Whether you run a single concept or an expanding multi-unit chain, now’s the time to synchronize your financial and operational playbooks for long-term resiliency.
From leadership appointments to operational innovations, keeping a finger on the pulse of restaurant industry news can help you anticipate trends, benchmark success, and gain a competitive edge. As Portillo’s sets its sights on a transformative era with Kevin Kalicak as CFO, consider what new perspectives or tools you could bring into your own business to drive measurable results.