Portillo's names Kevin Kalicak CFO. Photo: Portillo's August 4, 2026 Portillo'shas appointed restaurant finance veteran Kevin Kalicak as its chief financial officer and treasurer, effective Sept. 7. Kalicak joins the Chicago-based fast-casual chain after more than 25 years with Darden Restaurants, where he most recently served as senior vice president of finance for Olive Garden. In that role, he oversaw financial operations for a brand with more than 900 restaurants and approximately $5 billion in annual sales. As CFO, Kalicak will lead Portillo's finance organization, overseeing financial planning and analysis, accounting, investor relations, internal audit, tax, supply chain and other corporate finance functions, according to a company press release. "Kevin is a proven financial leader with deep restaurant industry expertise, a strong track record of driving profitable growth and a collaborative leadership style that aligns well with the direction of the Portillo's brand," President and CEO Brett Patterson said in the release. "As we refine and execute our strategy, his experience leading high-performing finance organizations to support operational excellence and ultimately drive shareholder value will be instrumental as we strengthen our business and position Portillo's for long-term growth." Before leading finance for Olive Garden, Kalicak held leadership positions in brand finance, business analytics, enterprise finance and investor relations across Darden's portfolio. "I'm honored to join Portillo's at such an exciting point in the company's journey," Kalicak said in the release. "Portillo's is a beloved brand with a passionate team and strong foundation for future growth. I look forward to partnering with Brett, the leadership team and our restaurant teams to further strengthen the business and execute the long-term strategy to create value for our guests, team members and shareholders." In connection with his appointment, Portillo's said Kalicak will receive a one-time restricted stock unit award valued at $825,000. The grant, approved by the company's board compensation committee as an inducement to join the company, will vest over three years, subject to his continued employment. Portillo's operates more than 100 restaurants across 11 states and is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers and chocolate cake.

Ricardo Cardenas, President and CEO of Darden Restaurants, sold 17,449 shares of common stock on 26 and 27 July 2026, valued at approximately $3.4 million. The transaction was non-discretionary and executed to cover tax obligations from the exercise of 17,449 options. Following the sale, Cardenas maintains direct ownership of 106,188 shares, representing a 0.0927% stake in the company. The shares were sold at $196.31 per share, whilst the stock closed at $206.98 on 28 July 2026. Darden Restaurants operates 1,867 directly managed restaurants, including Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. The company reported trailing-twelve-month revenue of $13.2 billion and net income of $1.2 billion, supporting a market capitalisation of $23.7 billion.

Darden Restaurants' Chief People Officer Sarah King sold 4,373 shares on 29 July 2026, according to an SEC filing. The transaction was valued at approximately $920,200, with shares sold at a weighted average price of $210.42. The sale represented an 85% liquidation of King's direct common stock position, reducing her direct ownership to 742 shares. However, she retains over 7,000 derivative securities, maintaining exposure to the company's long-term equity performance. Darden Restaurants holds a market capitalisation of $24 billion. The company reported trailing twelve-month revenue of $13.2 billion and net income of $1.2 billion. Darden operates a portfolio of full-service dining establishments across the United States and Canada, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Capital Grille.