Dive Brief
- Chicago-based pizza chain Giordano’s has appointed Nick Scarpino, recently Portillo’s chief marketing officer, as its next CEO, effective Dec. 9.
- He will succeed Yorgo Koutsogiorgas, who is retiring after holding the position since 2011. Koutsogiorgas will continue to serve on the board of directors.
- Under Koutsogiorgas’ tenure, the chain doubled its size and expanded operations with both company-owned and franchised restaurants, according to the press release.
Dive Insight
Scarpino brings 20 years of marketing experience, including 10 years in the restaurant industry, to his new position at Giordano’s Scarpino has been with Portillo’s since 2015 in various marketing roles and was appointed CMO in 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile.
While at Portillio’s, he led the team in charge of the brand’s online ordering platform and helped oversee the launch of delivery at Portillo’s nationwide. Additionally, he oversaw brand partnerships and served on the menu strategy team and real estate committee. Prior to Portillo’s, he worked in digital leadership roles at Google, per the release.
Under Koutsogiorgas’ leadership, Giordano’s expanded to over 60 U.S. restaurants, expanding from its core market of Illinois into nine other states. At the end of 2023, the chain had 33 franchised units and 29 company-owned locations, per its 2024 franchise disclosure document
Koutsogiorgas launched e-commerce at the chain in 2012 allowing for delivery of the chain’s stuffed pizza from sites like Gold Belly. The company has a partnership with the Chicago Cubs, as well as the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center where Giordano’s is the exclusive pizza partner.
“The company is in a great position today, poised to finish 2024 with positive customer traffic and strong sales, compared to 2023,” Koutsogiorgas said in a statement.
