Core Insights - El Pollo Loco has introduced new quesadilla flavors, Creamy Chipotle and Salsa Verde, aimed at enhancing their summer menu offerings [1][2][3] - The new quesadillas are designed for convenience, making them suitable for various occasions, and are available as a combo for $9.99 or a la carte for $7.49 [2][8] Product Details - The Creamy Chipotle Quesadilla features 100% Jack cheese, citrus-marinated fire-grilled white meat chicken, and El Pollo Loco's signature creamy chipotle sauce, served with handmade guacamole [8] - The Salsa Verde Quesadilla includes similar ingredients but adds El Pollo Loco's signature avocado salsa for a tangy flavor, also accompanied by guacamole [8] Marketing and Promotions - El Pollo Loco has partnered with NBA player Dalton Knecht for a promotional campaign, including the Dalton Dunk Quesadilla Challenge, which rewards Loco Rewards members with discounts for repeat purchases [3] - The company emphasizes the bold flavors and convenience of the new quesadillas, appealing to consumers looking for quick and satisfying meal options [4] Company Overview - El Pollo Loco is recognized as a leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant in the U.S., with over 495 locations across seven states and international presence in the Philippines [5] - The brand has been awarded as the 1 "Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food" in USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards, highlighting its commitment to quality and healthier offerings [5]

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco is launching new quesadilla flavors, Creamy Chipotle and Salsa Verde, aimed at enhancing their summer menu offerings [1][2][3] - The new quesadillas are designed for portability and convenience, making them suitable for various casual settings [2][4] - The company is promoting these new products through a marketing campaign featuring NBA player Dalton Knecht, including a customer engagement challenge [3] Product Details - The Creamy Chipotle Quesadilla includes 100% Jack cheese, fire-grilled white meat chicken, and creamy chipotle sauce, served with handmade guacamole [6] - The Salsa Verde Quesadilla features similar ingredients but adds avocado salsa for a tangy flavor, also accompanied by guacamole [6] - Pricing for the quesadillas is set at $7.49 a la carte and $9.99 for a combo that includes chips and a drink, with potential price variations by location [2][6] Company Overview - El Pollo Loco is recognized as a leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant in the U.S., known for its healthier menu options and innovative meals [5] - The company operates over 495 locations across seven U.S. states and has expanded internationally with licensed locations in the Philippines [5] - El Pollo Loco emphasizes inclusivity within its workforce, which consists of over 4,000 employees [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, total revenue was $119.2 million, up from $116.2 million in Q1 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 2.6% [21] - Company-operated restaurant revenue increased by 1.2% to $98.4 million from $97.2 million in the same period last year, driven by a 0.6% increase in comparable restaurant sales [21][22] - GAAP net income for Q1 2025 was $5.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $5.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share in the prior year [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise revenue increased by 16.2% to $13.2 million, driven by IT pass-through revenue related to the franchisee rollout of a new point of sale system [23] - The increase in franchise revenue was partially offset by a 1.3% decrease in comparable restaurant sales [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide comparable store sales decreased by 1.2% in Q2 to date through April 23, 2025, with a 0.1% decrease in company-operated restaurants and a 1.8% decrease in franchise restaurants [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a brand turnaround, emphasizing long-term sustainable growth without shortcuts [5] - Upcoming initiatives include a brand relaunch and menu innovations, such as the launch of Fresca wraps and salads, and quesadillas [6][9] - The company aims to open at least 10 new restaurants in 2025, marking the largest system-wide unit growth since 2022 [16][17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the first quarter results were underwhelming but expressed confidence in the steps being taken to improve performance [6] - The company expects sequential quarterly acceleration in comparable sales trends in Q3 and Q4, driven by the brand relaunch and new product launches [24] - Management noted that the consumer pullback is real, but they are focused on what they can control, including reinforcing quality and value [35] Other Important Information - Food and paper costs as a percentage of company restaurant sales decreased by 120 basis points year-over-year to 25.2% due to higher menu pricing [24][25] - Labor and related expenses increased by 120 basis points year-over-year to 32.7%, with wage inflation of approximately 12% in Q1 2025 [25][26] - The company expects to remodel between 60 to 70 system-wide restaurants in 2025, with eight already completed [19][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Q2 same store sales - Management indicated that headwinds are expected to continue in Q2, but they are focused on their brand relaunch and menu innovations to drive sales [34][35] Question: Impact of new product launches on comp trends - Management noted that the Mango Habanero product drove initial trial, and they are optimistic about the upcoming launches of Fresca wraps and quesadillas [38][40] Question: Regional differences in consumer behavior - Management observed that the consumer pullback is widespread, affecting various income bands, including the Hispanic consumer [51][52] Question: Menu pricing expectations for the year - Management expects menu pricing to be around 3% for the year, with approximately 2% in Q3 and Q4 [53] Question: Operational gaps identified through consumer feedback - Management is implementing a back-to-basics program to address operational gaps, focusing on accuracy and hospitality [70][72] Question: Kiosk rollout status and benefits - Kiosks are in most company restaurants, with plans to complete the rollout in the remaining locations, and management sees opportunities to enhance guest engagement through kiosks [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, total revenue was $119.2 million, up from $116.2 million in Q1 2024, representing a 1.7% increase [19] - Company-operated restaurant revenue increased by 1.2% to $98.4 million, driven by a 0.6% increase in comparable restaurant sales and additional sales from two new restaurant openings [19] - The effective price increase was approximately 4.4% compared to 2024 [20] - GAAP net income for Q1 2025 was $5.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $5.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share in the prior year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise revenue increased by 16.2% to $13.2 million, driven by IT pass-through revenue related to a new point of sale system and new franchise openings [20] - Comparable restaurant sales decreased by 1.3% for franchise-operated restaurants [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide comparable store sales decreased by 1.2% in Q2 to date, with a 0.1% decrease in company-operated restaurants and a 1.8% decrease in franchise restaurants [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a brand turnaround, emphasizing long-term sustainable growth without shortcuts [5] - Upcoming initiatives include a brand relaunch and menu innovations, such as the launch of Fresca wraps and salads, and quesadillas [6][8] - The company aims to open at least 10 new restaurants in 2025, marking the largest system-wide unit growth since 2022 [14][15] - Remodeling efforts are ongoing, with plans to remodel 60 to 70 restaurants in partnership with franchisees [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging consumer environment but remains confident in the brand's long-term potential [6] - The company expects sequential quarterly acceleration in comparable sales trends in Q3 and Q4, driven by the brand relaunch and new product launches [22] - Wage inflation is anticipated to be between 4% to 5% for the year, with Q1 experiencing a 12% increase [23][24] Other Important Information - The company has transitioned to a new distribution partner, which is expected to enhance margins and support future growth [14] - The restaurant contribution margin for Q1 was 16%, down from 17.6% in the previous year, primarily due to labor inflation and occupancy costs [24][25] - General and administrative expenses decreased to 9.5% of total revenue, aided by prior year restructuring costs [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Q2 same store sales - Management noted that consumer pullback is real and expects headwinds to continue into Q2, but is focused on brand relaunch and value innovation [32][33] Question: Impact of new product launches on comp trends - The Mango Habanero product drove initial trial, and upcoming launches of Fresca wraps and quesadillas are expected to attract different consumer segments [36][38] Question: Timing of kitchen equipment rollout and labor cost impact - Equipment rollout is ongoing, with expectations of improved labor efficiency as new systems are implemented [41] Question: Regional differences in consumer behavior - Management observed similar consumer pullback across markets, with particular pressure on the Hispanic consumer segment [50][51] Question: Menu pricing expectations for the year - The company expects menu price increases to be around 3% for the year, with variations across quarters [52] Question: Development pipeline momentum - Management expressed optimism about the development pipeline, with confidence in opening at least 10 new units this year and potential for more in the following year [59][60]

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 6, 2025 4:30 PM ET Company Participants Ira Fils - CFO Liz Williams - CEO Conference Call Participants Todd Brooks - The Benchmark Company Larson Rice - Truist Tania Anderson - William Blair Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the El Pollo Loco Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded today, March 6, 2 ...