Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark one) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 23, 2020 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 001-36556 EL POLLO LOCO HOLDINGS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | --- | --- | - ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2020, total revenue was approximately $111 million, a slight decrease from $112.1 million in Q3 2019 [21] - Pro forma diluted earnings per share increased by 40% to $0.28 compared to $0.20 in the prior year [7][25] - The company reported a net income of $9.9 million, up from $6.4 million in the same period last year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company-operated restaurant revenue was $97.3 million, down from $99.1 million in the same period last year, primarily due to the sale of five restaurants to franchisees and temporary closures related to COVID-19 [21] - Franchise revenue increased to $7.8 million from $7.3 million, driven by a 3% increase in franchise comparable restaurant sales [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide sales increased by 1.8% during Q3, with comparable sales outside of Los Angeles increasing by 6% [8][9] - The unemployment rate in Los Angeles was reported at 15.1% in September, nearly double the national rate, impacting sales trends [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational efficiencies and has achieved the highest restaurant contribution margin in over two years at 22.4% [10] - New product launches include L.A. Mex Burritos and a focus on family meals, which accounted for over 30% of sales mix [11][12] - The company plans to enhance drive-thru operations and curbside pickup capabilities, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior due to COVID-19 [14][16] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to positive comparable restaurant sales and the potential for sales growth as economic conditions improve [7][9] - The company anticipates challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but remains committed to its transformation agenda and operational improvements [18] Other Important Information - The company has temporarily halted new company-operated unit development and does not expect new openings in 2020 [20] - The Loco Rewards Loyalty program has reached 2 million members, with app downloads increasing by approximately 45% since September [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the expected margin decrease in Q4? - Management indicated that Q4 is typically the softest margin quarter due to holiday-related increases in volume and lower margins [29] Question: How should margins be viewed long-term as dining rooms reopen? - Long-term margin challenges will depend on pricing strategies and the relationship between transactions and labor costs as dining rooms reopen [31][32] Question: What caused the shift in same-store sales performance between company and franchise locations? - The difference is attributed to the concentration of company restaurants in California, which faced greater economic headwinds compared to outer markets [35][37] Question: What is the real estate pipeline for next year? - The company expects to open 3 to 5 new company-owned restaurants next year, with franchise development anticipated to be higher than this year [39][40] Question: What enhancements are being made in the remodels? - Future remodels will focus on technology and drive-thru efficiency, including double drive-thrus and smaller dining room footprints [42][44] Question: What efforts are being made to attract new franchisees? - The company is preparing to aggressively recruit new franchisees and has identified target markets for expansion [50]

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark one) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 24, 2020 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 001-36556 EL POLLO LOCO HOLDINGS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 20-3563182 ...

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) Q2 2020 Earnings Conference Call July 30, 2020 4:30 PM ET Company Participants Laurance Roberts - CFO & Treasurer Bernard Acoca - President, CEO & Director Conference Call Participants Jack Corrigan - SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Andrew Barish - Jefferies Matthew DiFrisco - Guggenheim Securities Andrew North - Robert W. Baird & Co. Todd Brooks - CL King & Associates Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the El Pollo Loco S ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share LOCO The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC FORM 10-Q (Mark one) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 25, 2020 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Co ...

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) Q1 2020 Results Earnings Conference Call April 30, 2020 4:30 PM ET Company Participants Laurance Roberts - Chief Financial Officer Bernard Acoca - President and Chief Executive Officer Conference Call Participants Jake Bartlett - SunTrust Robinson Humphrey David Tarantino - Baird Andy Barish - Jefferies Sharon Zackfia - William Blair Matthew DiFrisco - Guggenheim Todd Brooks - C.L. King & Associates Operator Good day ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark one) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2019 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 001-36556 | --- | --- | --- | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2019, total revenue was $107.5 million, up from $106.3 million in Q4 2018, marking a slight increase [29] - Company-operated restaurant revenue increased to $94.8 million from $94.6 million, driven by a 4.3% growth in comparable restaurant sales [29] - GAAP net income for Q4 2019 was $3.5 million or $0.10 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $23.4 million or $0.60 per diluted share in the prior year [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise revenue increased by 11.4% to $7.2 million in Q4 2019, driven by a 3.6% increase in comparable restaurant sales and contributions from new franchised restaurants [30] - Company-operated comparable restaurant sales growth was attributed to a 2.5% increase in transactions and a 1.8% increase in average check [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide comparable restaurant sales growth for Q4 2019 was 3.9%, marking the highest growth of the year and the sixth consecutive quarter of positive growth [6] - The company reported a two-year system comp of 8.3%, the best in four years [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transition from limited-time offerings to more evergreen platforms, sustaining the $5 Fire-Grilled Combos value lineup throughout 2020 [10] - A focus on culinary innovation is emphasized, with plans to introduce healthier options and a robust product pipeline [16][18] - The company plans to expand its delivery capabilities and diversify its media strategy to reach more customers [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that guidance for 2020 does not include any impact from the coronavirus, and there has been no observed impact on sales or transactions as of the call date [41] - The company expects system-wide comparable restaurant sales growth of approximately 2% to 4% for 2020 [37] Other Important Information - The company plans to open 3 to 4 new company-operated restaurants and 5 to 8 franchised restaurants in 2020 [27] - General and administrative expenses decreased to $10.2 million, or 9.4% of total revenue, down from 11.7% in the prior year [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of coronavirus on guidance - Management stated that the guidance for 2020 does not include any impact from the coronavirus and has not seen any impact on sales or transactions [41] Question: Current momentum and weather impact - Management expressed confidence in current momentum, noting positive transactions and a weather impact of approximately 50 to 100 basis points last year [43] Question: Menu pricing and margin impact - Menu pricing in Q4 was around 3.7%, with a target of approximately 3.5% for 2020 [45] Question: Remodel plans and timeline - The company plans to remodel over 300 restaurants over the next several years, with a 60-40 split between company and franchise remodels expected [49] Question: Franchisee interest in new units - Management indicated strong interest from franchisees to build new stores, with plans to actively recruit new franchisees [60] Question: Unit growth goals - The goal remains to achieve 5% system unit growth, with a realistic timeline of 2 to 3 years to reach that target [63] Question: Average ticket and value dynamics - Management acknowledged a negative mix impact from the $5 Combo menu but expects this to improve as more premium offerings are introduced [71] Question: Delivery mix and incremental sales - Delivery mix increased to approximately 3% from slightly below 1% last year, with management believing a portion of this growth is incremental [74]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share LOCO The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC FORM 10-Q (Mark one) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 25, 2019 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from t ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2019 was $112.1 million, slightly down from $112.2 million in Q3 2018 [18] - Company-operated restaurant revenue decreased to $99.1 million from $100 million year-over-year, impacted by the sale of 11 restaurants and closure of 5 [18] - GAAP net income was $6.4 million or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $6.8 million or $0.17 per diluted share in the prior year [23] - Pro forma net income for the quarter was $7.2 million, down from $7.6 million in Q3 2018 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise revenue increased by 9.1% to $7.3 million, driven by a 0.6% increase in comparable restaurant sales and the transfer of company-operated restaurants to franchisees [19] - Company-operated comparable restaurant sales grew by 1.6%, with a 2.0% increase in average check offset by a 0.4% decrease in transactions [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide comparable restaurant sales growth was 1.1% for the quarter, with a notable 4.2% growth in September [5][18] - The company reported a system-wide sales figure of $227.95 million for the quarter [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on culinary innovation and has prioritized building a robust product pipeline for 2020 [9] - Expansion of delivery capabilities through partnerships with Postmates and Uber Eats, in addition to DoorDash, is a key strategy [6][10] - The company is simplifying operations to enhance employee and franchisee experiences, including a new inventory management system and streamlined operating procedures [11][12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about continued sales momentum into Q4, driven by successful promotions and operational improvements [5][10] - The company anticipates commodity inflation of 1% to 2% and labor inflation of 6% to 6.5% in 2020 [20][25] - Management is committed to community support initiatives, including food donations to local shelters [14] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of 5 company-operated restaurants in Dallas to an existing franchisee, which is expected to provide a margin benefit [25][43] - The company plans to open 2 to 3 new company-operated restaurants and 2 to 3 franchised restaurants in 2019 [17][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance in September and October related to $5 bundle - Management attributed sales momentum to the $5 Fire-Grilled Combos promotion, expanded delivery capabilities, and operational improvements [30] Question: State of company-owned stores in Houston - Management confirmed commitment to Houston, with ongoing performance improvements, and indicated opportunistic franchisee transfers [32][33] Question: Delivery menu pricing strategy - Management explained a bifurcated delivery pricing strategy, retaining higher margins on direct orders while offering curated menus through third-party marketplaces [39] Question: Impact of Dallas restaurant sale on P&L - Management confirmed a margin benefit of approximately 50 basis points from the sale of the Dallas restaurants [45] Question: New market development plans - Management indicated plans to enter at least one new market in 2020, with ongoing work on restaurant design [36][46] Question: Customer feedback on delivery pricing - Management noted positive customer reception to delivery pricing, emphasizing convenience as a key factor [41] Question: Labor efficiency and cooking procedures - Management clarified that new cooking procedures aim to improve product quality and ease of execution without reducing labor [68]