Before Ric Ramirez became a Market Manager for Portillo's, he was a fan. Learn about Ramirez's journey from moving to Illinois for a different restaurant company to taking on a leadership role at Portillo's.
How long have you been with Portillo’s and what made you come work for us?
Ric Ramirez: Just over 10 years ago I moved out to the Midwest from Seattle for another restaurant company. I didn’t know what a Portillo’s was at that time. I had three units in Northern Illinois [for the other company] and one that was in Arlington Heights. I saw these big buildings with hot dogs on the side and thought “must be a Midwest thing.” I noticed the restaurant was ALWAYS busy in the drive-thru, and finally went in to gave it a try.
A host greeted me at the door and could tell I was new to this. Directed me to what would be my favorite sandwich, the Combo (hot and dipped!) Pretty soon, that was all I ever had for lunch for 5 years whenever I visited. I have brothers and a son that visit for football games and Portillo’s is our must stop, and that sandwich is what we get. I love working for a brand and products I am loyal to! By the way, the company I moved out here for, I’ll just say I prefer them to Chipotle everyday as well...
What do you love about Portillo’s?
Ramirez: The food is awesome but I will tell you our people are what makes it the best and goes along with our values, we really do care and support each other like family. We strive to achieve greatness everyday, all while bringing the fun and energy…I love that, and chocolate cake shakes aren’t bad either. No matter what I suggest to a guest, I know it’s going to be the best, I really feel that way! My team finds it hard for me not to interact with guests and I tell them my story and my favorites all the time!
What was your first position here and what position did you get promoted to?
Ramirez: I was hired to make some improvements at the Greenfield location. The restaurant was underperforming and needed to staff and train. We had a good first year, with support from a number of people…it was tough but so worth it.
Then, I had to do a similar stretch at Brookfield and again the family turned out to support the improvements that were needed.
I had helped out in the Minnesota stores and out in Madison, Wisconsin, also placed a few of my managers in some of those units, so it has been a nice transition into leading those 7 restaurants across those 3 markets.
What do you love about your position?
Ramirez: I have the opportunity to work and develop people, and I love that. I remember thinking I would be a 8th grade social studies teacher and coach the football team, but grew up serving and bartending and loved the service industry. I fill that need to teach and coach every day…and with that coaching it is such joy to see it come to fruition when a Crew Chief becomes a Restaurant Manager, or an Asst. General Manager gets a General Manager position. I love that part of my job.
What advice would you give to someone at Portillo’s looking to move up?
Ramirez: Never stop growing. I tell my team that I had done the Market Manager role for 25+ years for other companies successfully before coming to Portillo’s as a General Manager and I did that for three years, learning the brand and its needs. I wasn’t above learning and re-learning in the Portillo’s Way. I was confident that I would grow, but patient in growing. The greatness value helped a lot of the time, striving not just for me but my team. It wasn’t always easy; it took some tough feedback from my teammates, but it was all worth it, because we got better!
Where do see yourself growing in this company?
Ramirez: I want to grow restaurants in Wisconsin and Minnesota. I think we are under represented and we can grow stores in these markets that up to now have underperformed. I want to represent the brand well and get some opportunities for some of my team to grow just like the brand will. We are building something in these outer markets, and our team is going to move forward with a little swagger, we feel it coming. I would be proud to have that for me and my team.