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.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
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.
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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
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Below are some of
El Pollo Loco
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Chicken
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