Patterson joins the Italian beef and hot dog specialist following a tenure as CEO of Miller's Ale House, a position he held since September 2024. His recruitment marks the end of a search triggered by the departure of former chief executive Michael Osanloo. Since September 2025, the company has been led by Michael A. Miles Jr. on an interim basis.

The incoming executive brings extensive experience in high-volume dining operations to the role. Prior to his most recent leadership post, Patterson served as an executive at Bloomin Brands' Outback Steakhouse and held a senior management position at Ruby Tuesday. This background in scaling national concepts is expected to support the brand's continued expansion beyond its Illinois roots.

According to the official offer letter, Patterson will receive a base salary of $800,000. The compensation package also includes a discretionary annual bonus target set at 100% of his base pay, in addition to stock rewards and other incentives. Portillo's remains one of the most watched players in the fast-casual sector as it integrates Patterson into the top leadership spot this February.