COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO), the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant, announced today the appointment of Frank Garrido as an independent member of its Board of Directors (“Board”), effective March 1, 2026. Mr. Garrido is Executive Vice President – Chief Restaurant Officer of Domino’s Pizza, the largest pizza company in the world.  “I am thrilled to have Frank join our Board,” said Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco. “We believe that his exten ...

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“Bring the Fire” contest, through the El Pollo Loco Foundation, will award a total of $10,000 worth of new equipment to five sports teams to help build and sustain youth athletics EL POLLO LOCO® PARTNERS WITH WNBA STAR ARIKE OGUNBOWALE TO SUPPORT SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS NATIONWIDE The “Bring the Fire” contest, through the El Pollo Loco Foundation, will award a total of $10,000 worth of new equipment to five sports teams to help build and sustain youth athletics. COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWS ...

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco is collaborating with basketball star Arike Ogunbowale to support school sports teams through the "Bring the Fire" contest, aimed at providing essential equipment to young athletes [1][3] Group 1: Contest Details - The "Bring the Fire" contest, funded by the El Pollo Loco Foundation, will award five school sports teams with $2,000 each to enhance their gear, equipment, or facilities [2] - The contest is open nationwide and will run until February 19, 2026, with winners announced in mid-March 2026 via El Pollo Loco's Instagram [2] Group 2: Community Impact - Arike Ogunbowale emphasized the importance of school sports in building confidence and community among young athletes, highlighting that lack of resources should not hinder participation [3] - The initiative was inspired by a recent visit to Lancaster High School, where Ogunbowale and El Pollo Loco surprised the girls' basketball team with a $10,000 donation to support their program [3] Group 3: Company Overview - El Pollo Loco is recognized as the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain in the U.S., operating over 500 locations across nine states and internationally in the Philippines [5] - The company has been awarded by USA Today as a "Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food" for two consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to quality and inclusivity [5] Group 4: Foundation Mission - The El Pollo Loco Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on providing food and necessities to those in financial need, reinforcing the company's commitment to community support [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has achieved notable margin improvement, reaching approximately 17% restaurant-level margins and aiming for 18% [4] - The company plans to finish 2025 with margins in the high 17% range, with long-term targets of 18%-20% [24][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has refreshed its menu with new items such as burritos, burrito bowls, and salads, while also focusing on chicken on the bone [4] - New unit growth has been initiated, with 10 new units opened in 2025 and plans to double that in 2026 [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates predominantly on the West Coast, facing unique market pressures but believes it is well-positioned due to its affordability and value proposition [6][7] - The loyalty program has seen growth, with users visiting approximately 6% more frequently due to targeted discounts [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a brand turnaround through marketing campaigns like "Let's Get Loco" and menu innovation [3] - Plans for 2026 include launching new products such as chicken tenders and expanding into new markets outside California [11][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment remains challenging, with consumers under pressure, but the company feels well-positioned to navigate these challenges [6][7] - Management is optimistic about future growth, citing improved unit economics and a strong pipeline for new restaurant openings [27][32] Other Important Information - The company has implemented various operational efficiencies, including a new labor scheduling system and in-store ordering kiosks, to improve productivity [20][21] - The company is also focusing on remodeling existing restaurants to drive sales uplift [38] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What has been accomplished in the brand turnaround? - The company has launched the "Let's Get Loco" campaign, refreshed its menu, and improved its business model and margins [3][4] Question: How is the company positioned in the current macro environment? - The company acknowledges the challenging environment but believes it offers affordable options that provide good value compared to competitors [6][7] Question: What are the long-term targets for margins? - The company aims for 18%-20% store-level margins, with current margins in the high 17% range [24][32] Question: What is the approach to new unit growth? - The company plans to double new unit openings in 2026, focusing on both existing and new franchise partners [35] Question: How will cash flow be utilized? - The company intends to use cash for new store development, remodel programs, and operational efficiencies [38][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has achieved notable margin improvements, with restaurant-level margins approaching 18% after being back in the 17% range [4][24] - The company plans to finish 2025 in the high 17% range, with long-term targets of 18%-20% store-level margins [24][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has refreshed its menu with new items such as burritos, burrito bowls, and salads, while also focusing on chicken on the bone [4][11] - New unit growth has been initiated, with 10 new units planned for the year, marking a return to growth after years of low or no growth [4][35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates predominantly on the West Coast, where the consumer environment has been challenging, but it is positioned at the intersection of quick service and fast casual, offering affordability without compromising quality [7][8] - The loyalty program has seen growth, with users visiting 6% more frequently due to targeted discounts [9][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a brand turnaround through marketing campaigns like "Let's Get Loco," which emphasizes fresh ingredients and quality [3][4] - The strategy includes expanding into new markets outside California, with a mix of existing and new franchise partners, and leveraging second-generation sites for new openings [27][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging macro environment but believes the company is well-positioned to navigate it due to its value proposition [6][7] - The company is excited about upcoming menu innovations, including chicken tenders and new beverages, which are expected to drive sales [11][12][13] Other Important Information - The company has implemented operational improvements, including a new labor scheduling system and in-store ordering kiosks, to enhance efficiency [20][21] - The company plans to use free cash flow for new store development and remodel existing locations, which have shown sales uplift [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has been accomplished in the brand turnaround? - The company has launched the "Let's Get Loco" campaign, refreshed its menu, and improved its business model and margins [3][4] Question: How is the company positioned in the current macro environment? - The company feels well-positioned despite challenges, focusing on affordability and value [7][8] Question: What are the main drivers of margin improvements? - Margin improvements have been driven by evaluating supply chain costs, transitioning distributors, and implementing technology for labor efficiency [20][21] Question: What are the long-term targets for margins? - The company aims for 18%-20% store-level margins, with a focus on sales-driving initiatives to achieve this [24][25] Question: How will the company use its free cash flow? - The company plans to use cash for new store development, remodels, and equipment to drive efficiencies [38][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a notable improvement in restaurant-level margins, achieving approximately 17% and aiming to approach 18% [4][22] - The company plans to double its new unit openings in 2026 compared to 2025, with a pipeline that is already under construction [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has refreshed its menu with new items such as burritos, burrito bowls, and salads, while also focusing on chicken on the bone [4] - The introduction of chicken tenders and a new spicy flavor profile is expected to attract more customers [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned at the intersection of quick service and fast casual dining, emphasizing affordability and value in its offerings [7] - The loyalty program has seen a 6% increase in visit frequency among users, indicating a positive response to targeted discounts [8][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a brand turnaround through marketing campaigns like "Let's Get Loco" and menu innovation [3][4] - There is a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, with improvements in labor scheduling and supply chain management contributing to margin enhancements [18][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment remains challenging, with consumers under pressure, but the company feels well-positioned due to its value offerings [6][7] - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term targets of 18%-20% store-level margins, contingent on sales-driving initiatives [22] Other Important Information - The company is investing in remodeling existing restaurants and enhancing equipment to drive sales and operational efficiencies [34][36] - The marketing strategy for 2026 includes six campaigns, reflecting a rich pipeline of innovation and a focus on variety and value [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has been accomplished in the brand turnaround? - The company has launched the "Let's Get Loco" campaign and refreshed its menu, focusing on quality and fresh ingredients [3][4] Question: How is the company positioned in the current macro environment? - The company acknowledges the challenging environment but believes it offers affordable and valuable options compared to competitors [6][7] Question: What are the main drivers of margin improvements? - Margin improvements have been driven by evaluating supply chain costs, transitioning to different distributors, and implementing technology for labor efficiency [18][19] Question: What is the long-term target for margins? - The company aims for 18%-20% store-level margins, with a focus on sales-driving initiatives to achieve this [22] Question: How is the company planning to use its free cash flow? - The company plans to use cash for new store development, remodeling existing locations, and enhancing operational efficiencies [34][36]

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 ...

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco has launched Double Pollo Salads, emphasizing that healthier eating can still be flavorful [1][5] - The salads are designed to offer craveable and affordable meal options while maintaining premium ingredients [2] Product Details - The Double Pollo Salads come in three flavors: Mexican Caesar, Street Corn, and Bacon Ranch, each featuring over 50 grams of protein [2][3] - Mexican Caesar Salad includes citrus-marinated chicken, avocado, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, and salsa fresca [6] - Street Corn Salad features similar ingredients with corn and cilantro dressing, while Bacon Ranch Salad includes bacon and a new House Ranch dressing [6] Company Overview - El Pollo Loco is recognized as the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain in the U.S., with over 500 locations across nine states and international presence in the Philippines [4] - The company has been awarded as a "Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food" by USA Today for two consecutive years [4] - El Pollo Loco emphasizes inclusivity and community, with a workforce of over 4,000 employees [4]

Restaurant Operations on Christmas Day - Applebee's locations will be open on Christmas, but hours may vary by restaurant [1] - Most McDonald's outlets will remain open on Christmas, with operating hours differing by location [2] - Wendy's will have several restaurants open on Christmas, with varying hours by location [3] - El Pollo Loco will keep select locations open on Christmas Day, with a complete list available on their website [4] - IHOP will be open on Christmas, though hours may differ by location [5] - McCormick & Schmick's locations will also be open on Christmas Day [6] Specific Operating Hours - Bertucci's will welcome customers from 4 pm to 9 pm on Christmas Day [2] - Fogo de Chão will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas [4] - Kona Grill will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day [5] - Most Legal Sea Foods restaurants will be open between noon and 8 p.m. on Christmas [5] - Main Event venues will open at 12 p.m. on Christmas [5]