Illustration by Nico Heins.
Mike Ellis is departing from his role as Portillo’s chief development officer, effective Oct. 31, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company did not give a reason for the termination, but said he is entitled to severance benefits.
Michele Brogioni has joined Danny Meyer’s Manhatta restaurant as the new executive chef. Brogioni has cooked in kitchens around the world, and is working at refreshing and restructuring the bar, lunch and dinner menus at the contemporary new American restaurant, which is perched 60 stories above NYC’s financial district.
Michele Brogioni | Photo courtesy of Manhatta.
Ryan Russell was promoted to chief of staff for SPB Hospitality, the owner of Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse, J. Alexander’s and other brands. Russell will help support new CEO G.J. Hart. He has been with SPB for four years and was most recently senior director of communications and marketing.
Jon Burke is the new chief marketing officer for Qdoba, overseeing brand storytelling, integrated marketing and media, guest loyalty, digital engagement and culinary innovation for the 825-unit chain. Burke joined Qdoba in 2023 as vice president, national marketing. He previously held roles with Jollibee Foods, Applebee’s, McDonald’s and Del Taco.
In addition, Qdoba has promoted chef Katy Velazquez to vice president, culinary innovation, reporting to Burke.
Andie Smirl has joined Houston TX Hot Chicken as director of franchise sales, leading the identification and recruitment of operators for the chain’s next phase of growth. Smirl worked with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop development, though most recently worked with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa before returning to the restaurant world with Houston TX Hot Chicken.
Andie Smirl |Photo courtesy of Houston TX Hot Chicken.
Bryan Bass has been named chief marketing officer for Ruby Slipper and Ruby Sunshine, the New Orleans-born brunch concepts with 26 units across six states. Bass comes with two decades of experience at brands like MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, Carver Road Hospitality and The One Group. He also helped launch high-profile celebrity concepts like Goodnight Nashville with country star Jelly Roll.
The Jollibee Group North America has brought in Peter Wright as vice president of franchising amid a push to grow the Jollibee brand across the U.S. and Canada. Wright worked previously with Starbucks, Panera Bread, McAlister’s Deli and Nestlé. Jollibee Group operates 19 brands in 33 countries, but in the U.S. the group owns the Jollibee and Smashburger brands.
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