Rick Cook joined the Portillo’s family in January 2020 as Senior Vice President, Technology. In this capacity, he is responsible for all corporate and restaurant technology for the organization and reports to the CEO. Rick is a servant leader, dedicated to empowering the Portillo's technology team and enabling field leadership and restaurant managers to run exceptional restaurants.
Prior to joining Portillo’s, Rick served as Senior Director of Technology Delivery for Coates Inc., a Sydney-based digital content and digital signage company. Prior to that, Rick spent several years with McDonald’s, most recently as Director of McDonald’s US Point of Sale Solutions, responsible for delivering Point of Sale, Kitchen Production, and Kiosk software solutions to over 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants.
Rick graduated from West Point in 2006 with a degree in Systems Engineering. He served in the Army for ten years as an enlisted Soldier, Armor officer, Cavalry officer, and Network Engineer. During his time in service, Rick served in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a Bronze Star recipient.
Rick lives in Chicagoland with his wife and their four children. When not working, Rick enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Portillo’s Menu Item: Cheeseburger
