Portillo's Lays Off 140 Employees at Oak Brook Headquarters

Portillo's announced on July 31, 2026 that it is cutting 18 percent of its Oak Brook headquarters staff, laying off 140 corporate and field‑management employees due to lower restaurant sales, while its roughly 8,000 restaurant workers remain employed.

Portillo's announced on July 31, 2026 that it will reduce its workforce at the Oak Brook, Illinois headquarters by 18 percent, eliminating 140 corporate and field‑management positions. The decision targets employees in corporate offices and regional management roles, while the chain’s roughly 8,000 restaurant staff across the United States will remain on the payroll.

The layoffs are being attributed to a slowdown in sales at Portillo's restaurant locations. Lower revenue figures prompted the company to trim its head‑office headcount as a cost‑saving measure. The affected roles include a range of administrative, operational and management functions that support the chain’s nationwide restaurant network.

Portillo's, a Chicago‑area chain known for its fast‑casual menu, continues to employ about 8,000 workers in its restaurant outlets. Those employees are not part of the current reduction and will continue to work under existing conditions. The company has not disclosed any further details about the specific departments or seniority of the laid‑off staff.

The reduction represents a significant shift for the Oak Brook site, which serves as the corporate hub for the chain. By cutting 18 percent of its staff at that location, Portillo's aims to align its overhead costs with the current sales environment. The move follows a broader trend in the restaurant industry where operators adjust staffing levels in response to fluctuating consumer demand.

Portillo's has not released a timeline for when the layoffs will take effect, nor has it indicated any additional restructuring beyond the announced 140 positions. The company’s leadership reiterated that the decision was driven solely by the need to address lower sales performance and to ensure the long‑term financial health of the business.

Employees impacted by the cuts are expected to receive standard separation packages, though the specifics were not made public. The layoffs are confined to corporate and field‑management staff, leaving the extensive restaurant workforce untouched.