Franchising

El Pollo Loco debuting smaller prototypes, seeking franchisees

February 3, 2021

El Pollo Loco Inc. is gearing up for aggressive expansion in 2021, driven by two new restaurant designs, Chief Development Officer Brian Carmichall said in a company press release.

One version has no indoor dining room. Instead, it caters largely to off-premise sales with a take-out window, a dual drive-thru, parking for curbside pick-up and patio seating. The second prototype, which has a smaller-than-typical dining room opening to an expansive patio, features a dual drive-thru and curbside pick-up parking spaces.

Both prototypes share an enhanced digitized experience, including "Pollo To Go" cubbies for mobile to-go and delivery orders, digital menu boards and GPS-enabled curbside pick-up, all integrated with the company's dynamic and versatile mobile app.

"We are excited to grow our footprint and bring El Pollo Loco's Famous Fire-Grilled Chicken, and handcrafted L.A. Mex entrees to these new communities," Carmichall said. "The expansion announcement and impending unit growth is sure to appeal to the growing number of consumers looking for the type of food options El Pollo Loco has to offer; and experienced franchise owners with the desire to be part of a strong franchisee family."

The expansion will initially target select DMAs in the Western United States, including Denver, Colorado; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and parts of Texas.

"The future is now," El Pollo Loco President and CEO Bernard Acoca said in the release. "We're excited to roll out our evolved restaurant concept, which brings us to the culmination of the company's three-year transformation agenda and sets us up for even more geographical expansion in the years ahead."

To augment the expansion plans, El Pollo Loco is seeking multi-unit operators who share the company's commitment to high standards of operation. Qualified franchise partners will receive support from a tenured team of restaurant professionals providing long-term stability and vision for the future, according to the release.

The initial investment for a single unit is between $770,000 and $2,097,000, which includes a franchise fee of $40,000.

El Pollo Loco has 478 restaurants in six states, with 282 of those owned and operated by franchisees.