El Pollo Loco serves flame-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired dishes, offering a flavorful and healthy dining experience.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
325
+
8%
8%
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$794,000 - $2,686,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$2,063,000
+
-0.1%
-0.1%
Upgrade
El Pollo Loco, which translates to “The Crazy Chicken,” is a prominent quick-service chain celebrated for its Mexican-style fire-grilled chicken. The concept originated in 1975 when founder Juan Francisco Ochoa launched the first restaurant in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. By 1980, the brand had crossed into the United States, opening its inaugural U.S. location in Los Angeles.
Now headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, El Pollo Loco entered the franchising arena in 1987. Its menu showcases a diverse range of offerings, including tacos, burritos, bowls, and fresh salads—centered around their signature citrus-marinated grilled chicken.
What sets El Pollo Loco apart is its dedication to healthier, flavorful alternatives to conventional fast food. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and open-flame grilling, the brand continues to thrive in a highly competitive market by combining authentic taste with better-for-you options.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a El Pollo Loco franchise is
$794,000 - $2,686,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Fee
$40,000
Lease Payment
$7,000 – $25,000
Building Improvements
$248,250 – $980,000
Site Improvements
$150,000 – $564,000
Market Study and/or Impact Analysis
$0 – $12,000
Architectural Design & Engineering
$20,000 – $110,000
Equipment, Fixtures and Furnishings
$200,000 – $570,000
Computer-based cash control system and Restaurant management or “point of sale system”
$15,000 – $70,000
Training for computer-based cash control system and Restaurant management or “point of sale system”
$1,000 – $7,000
Travel & Accommodation Expenses
$2,000 – $25,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies
$20,000 – $25,000
Signs (including Indoor Digital Menu Boards)
$30,000 – $70,000
Digital Communication Board
$1,500 – $2,500
Outdoor Order Confirmation Board
$9,000 – $20,000
Lease Security Deposits
$5,000 – $10,000
Insurance
$10,000 – $20,000
Grand Opening Fee
$5,000
New Restaurant Opening Support
$5,000 – $30,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$25,000 – $100,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$793,750 – $2,685,500
Create a free account to access this table and more. For more information see our plans here.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Fee
$40,000
Lease Payment
$7,000 – $25,000
Building Improvements
$248,250 – $980,000
Site Improvements
$150,000 – $564,000
Market Study and/or Impact Analysis
$0 – $12,000
Architectural Design & Engineering
$20,000 – $110,000
Equipment, Fixtures and Furnishings
$200,000 – $570,000
Computer-based cash control system and Restaurant management or “point of sale system”
$15,000 – $70,000
Training for computer-based cash control system and Restaurant management or “point of sale system”
$1,000 – $7,000
Travel & Accommodation Expenses
$2,000 – $25,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies
$20,000 – $25,000
Signs (including Indoor Digital Menu Boards)
$30,000 – $70,000
Digital Communication Board
$1,500 – $2,500
Outdoor Order Confirmation Board
$9,000 – $20,000
Lease Security Deposits
$5,000 – $10,000
Insurance
$10,000 – $20,000
Grand Opening Fee
$5,000
New Restaurant Opening Support
$5,000 – $30,000
Additional Funds – 3 months
$25,000 – $100,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$793,750 – $2,685,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is El Pollo Loco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
El Pollo Loco had 498 total units in 2025, of which 325 were franchised-owned and 173 company-owned.
El Pollo Loco offers a comprehensive and structured set of training programs to ensure franchisees and their teams are prepared to manage restaurant operations effectively. The training is categorized into several programs, each targeting different roles within the restaurant.
Executive Franchisee Training Program (EFTP): This program consists of 5 business days of training conducted at the Support Center. It is intended for the franchisee and provides a high-level overview of El Pollo Loco's operational systems and expectations.
Designated Operator Training Program (DOTP): Spanning 70 days over a 14-week period, this hands-on program takes place at Certified Training Restaurants (CTRs). It includes certification in the Food Protection Management Training Program and is mandatory for those designated as the operating authority for the restaurant.
Management Training Program (MTP): Required for General Managers, Assistant Managers, and Shift Leaders, this 40-day course over 8 weeks emphasizes practical restaurant management skills and adherence to El Pollo Loco standards.
Territory Protection
El Pollo Loco grants franchisees a limited Protected Area of 0.5 miles around their restaurant, within which the franchisor will not open or franchise another traditional El Pollo Loco location, as long as the franchisee remains in compliance.
However, this protection excludes Ghost Kitchens and Non-Traditional Venues (e.g., malls, airports, universities). The franchisor also reserves the right to sell similar products through other brands or channels, including retail, online, and third parties, even within the Protected Area.
.png)
