El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is a well-established quick-service restaurant chain that specializes in fire-grilled Mexican-style chicken, with a robust presence in the southwestern United States. The company was founded in 1975 by Juan Francisco 'Pancho' Ochoa in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, and made its entry into the U.S. market in 1980 by opening its first American location in Los Angeles. Today, El Pollo Loco is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, and as of November 2025, operates 498 locations, primarily in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Utah, and Louisiana. The brand has also extended its reach internationally with several licensed restaurants in the Philippines.

El Pollo Loco is renowned for its citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, which is prepared fresh daily and serves as the foundation for a menu that includes tacos, burritos, salads, and bowls. This focus on fresh ingredients and healthier options sets it apart from traditional fried fast food offerings. Over the years, the company has embraced innovation, particularly in response to evolving consumer preferences and the increasing demand for digital ordering. Since 2021, El Pollo Loco has been piloting new store formats, including drive-thru-only and off-premise-focused concepts, to better serve its customers in high-traffic and suburban areas.

As a publicly traded company on NASDAQ under the ticker LOCO, El Pollo Loco reported annual revenues of approximately $473 million in 2024. With around 4,000 employees, the company continues to pursue strategic expansion through both company-owned and franchised locations. Its growth strategy focuses on key markets in the western and southwestern U.S., including California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, and Utah.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, El Pollo Loco represents a stable and recognizable tenant with a strong track record. The brand's flexible store formats and commitment to long-term site investment make it an attractive partner in commercial real estate ventures.