COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco”) (NASDAQ: LOCO) today announced that it will host a fireside chat discussion as part of the 28th Annual ICR Conference in Orlando, FL on January 12, 2026. The Company will also be meeting with institutional investors during the conference. El Pollo Loco’s discussion will begin at 11:30 AM ET and will be webcast live from the corporate website at www.elpolloloco.com under the “Investors” tab. About El Pollo Lo ...

EL POLLO LOCO® LAUNCHES PROTEIN-PACKED DOUBLE POLLO SALADS: TWICE THE CHICKEN, ALL THE FLAVOR El Pollo Loco® Launches Protein-Packed Double Pollo Salads COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire–grilled chicken restaurant chain, is here to prove that eating better doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Introducing Double Pollo Salads: packed with bold flavors, premium ingredients, and double the fire-grilled chicken. “At El Pollo Loco, we’re always ...

From quick-service outlets to full-service dining, here's a detailed list of restaurants operating on Christmas Day.Applebee's: Some Applebee’s locations will be open on Christmas, though hours may differ by restaurant. Guests are advised to check with their nearest outlet for specific timings, according to a report from Today.McDonald’s: Most McDonald’s outlets remain open on holidays, including Christmas. However, operating hours may vary by location, so customers are encouraged to check the store locator ...

US-based fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain El Pollo Loco has named Robert D Wright and Tana Davila as independent members of its board of directors with effect from 1 January 2026. Wright is CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works, a role he has held since 2020. During his tenure, Potbelly has expanded its store base and built out its digital platform, leading up to its acquisition by RaceTrac in 2025. His previous experience includes senior positions at the Wendy’s Company, Charley’s Philly Steaks and Domi ...

Douglas Babb named Chairman of the BoardCOSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO), the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant, announced today the appointment of Robert D. Wright and Tana Davila as independent members of its Board of Directors (“Board”), effective January 1, 2026. Mr. Wright is the CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works, and Ms. Davila is the Chief Marketing Officer of Dutch Bros Coffee. “I am thrilled to have Bob and Tana join our Board,” said Li ...

Core Points - El Pollo Loco is launching its annual "12 Days of Pollo" promotion from December 1 to December 12, offering daily deals exclusively for Loco Rewards members [1][2] - The promotion includes a charitable component where $2 will be donated to No Kid Hungry® for every $10 Classic Tostada Combo redeemed on Giving Tuesday, with a maximum donation of $15,000 [3] - The campaign features a new holiday character, "Chicken in the Kitchen," who will reveal daily deals through social media [4] Promotion Details - Daily deals for the "12 Days of Pollo" include: - Dec. 1: BOGO Fire-Grilled Chicken Burrito - Dec. 2: $10 Classic Tostada Combo - Dec. 3: 20% Off a Purchase - Dec. 4: $8 3-piece Leg and Thigh meal - Dec. 5: $5 off $20 or $10 off $30 - Dec. 6: $25 12-piece Leg and Thigh Family Meal - Dec. 7: Free Caramel Flan or 2 Churros with $15 Purchase - Dec. 8: $9 Double Chicken Burrito Bowl - Dec. 9: +2500 Bonus Points on all Orders - Dec. 10: $20 8-piece Leg and Thigh Family Meal - Dec. 11: $10 Double Chicken Tostada - Dec. 12: BOGO Quesadilla [6] Company Overview - El Pollo Loco is recognized as the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant in the U.S., known for its flavorful and healthier menu options [5] - The company operates over 500 locations across several states and has expanded internationally with licensed locations in the Philippines [5] - El Pollo Loco Foundation, established in 2004, aims to support youth development and success [7]

Core Insights - Maria Hollandsworth is leaving El Pollo Loco effective December 26, 2023, after serving as president and chief operating officer since 2022 and briefly as interim CEO [1][2] Company Leadership Changes - Hollandsworth's departure follows her interim role as CEO after Larry Roberts left in November 2023 [1] - Liz Williams, who became CEO in February 2024, is leading a turnaround plan for the company [4] Employee Compensation - Hollandsworth will receive accrued benefits, with all restricted stock awards and stock options vesting as of her departure date [2] Industry Experience - Hollandsworth has extensive experience in the restaurant industry, previously serving as regional vice president of operations at Dunkin' and holding various leadership roles at Jack in the Box for over 20 years [3] Turnaround Strategy - The turnaround plan under CEO Liz Williams focuses on operational efficiencies, customer feedback, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance management practices [4] - The company is also simplifying cooking processes and enhancing training standards [4]

Core Viewpoint - El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) has seen a 7.1% increase in share price over the past four weeks, closing at $10.24, with a potential upside indicated by Wall Street analysts' price targets suggesting a mean estimate of $13.67, representing a 33.5% upside [1][2]. Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate consists of three short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $3.79, where the lowest estimate of $11.00 indicates a 7.4% increase, and the highest estimate of $18.00 suggests a 75.8% increase [2]. - A low standard deviation among price targets indicates a strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement, which can be a useful starting point for further research [9]. Earnings Estimates and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts show strong agreement in revising earnings per share (EPS) estimates higher, which correlates with potential stock price increases, as indicated by a 6.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past month [11][12]. - LOCO holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, suggesting a strong potential upside [13]. Conclusion on Price Movement - While the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of the extent of potential gains, the implied direction of price movement appears to be a valid guide for investors [14].

Core Viewpoint - El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) has shown a significant price increase of 11.1% over the past four weeks, with a mean price target of $14 indicating a potential upside of 35.9% from the current price of $10.3 [1] Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate for LOCO comprises three short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $3.61, suggesting variability in analyst predictions. The lowest estimate is $11.00 (6.8% increase), while the highest is $18.00 (74.8% increase) [2] - A low standard deviation among price targets indicates a high degree of agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement direction, which can serve as a starting point for further research [9] Earnings Estimates and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have shown increasing optimism about LOCO's earnings prospects, as evidenced by a strong consensus in revising EPS estimates higher, which correlates with potential stock price increases [11] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has risen by 6.9%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [12] - LOCO holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, indicating strong potential for upside [13] Caution on Price Targets - While consensus price targets are often sought after, they may not reliably indicate actual stock price movements, and investors should approach them with skepticism [3][10]

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco experienced increased traffic and expanded margins in Q3, attributed to menu innovations, operational improvements, and targeted value offerings [1] - The company is outperforming competitors in sales and transactions, indicating effective strategies in a challenging consumer environment [2][3] Menu Innovations - New product launches include the premium Creamy Chipotle and Salsa Verde quesadillas, which have been added to the permanent menu [3] - The company is expanding portable offerings with new Double Chicken Street Corn and Queso Crunch burrito bowls, and plans for 2026 include Double Pollo Salads and additional portable items [3] - El Pollo Loco is testing Loco Tenders with signature dipping sauces and a new fire-fried chicken sandwich, which offers a unique twist on traditional fried sandwiches [4] Brand Campaigns - The new brand campaign "Let's Get Loco," launched in May, has generated momentum, featuring initiatives like the AI Chicken Challenge on social media [5] - The campaign includes a functional call to action, encouraging customer engagement through creative submissions [5] Beverage Strategy - El Pollo Loco plans to enter the competitive beverage market in 2026, recognizing it as a significant opportunity to increase check sizes and enhance brand relevance [4]