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- Founded in 1989
- Franchising Since 2005
- 323 US Franchises
- $779,750 - $2,655,500 Investment Range
- $2,159,052 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a El Pollo Loco franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if El Pollo Loco is a good match for you.
El Pollo Loco ('The Crazy Chicken') represents a unique fusion of Sinaloan-inspired flavors and Southern California flair, offering a fresh alternative in the quick-service restaurant industry. Since 1989, this beloved chain has built its reputation on flame-grilled citrus-marinated chicken, prepared fresh on-site throughout the day.
The brand stands out for its healthier approach to quick-service dining, featuring a menu that seamlessly blends traditional Mexican recipes with contemporary California influences. Signature items include their famous flame-grilled chicken, handcrafted burritos, fresh salads, and innovative bowls, all complemented by a variety of house-made salsas and sides.
What sets El Pollo Loco apart is their commitment to quality and authenticity. Each restaurant features an open kitchen where customers can watch their chicken being grilled over an open flame, creating a transparent and engaging dining experience. Their menu caters to various dietary preferences, including keto-friendly and vegetarian options, making it a versatile choice for health-conscious consumers.
The franchise has established a strong presence across the southwestern United States, with locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, and Colorado. Their business model emphasizes fresh ingredients, consistent quality, and excellent customer service, creating a loyal customer base that appreciates both the food quality and value proposition.
For potential franchisees, El Pollo Loco offers a proven concept that combines the growing demand for healthier dining options with the convenience of quick-service restaurants, all while maintaining strong brand recognition and customer loyalty.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with El Pollo Loco?
- Franchise Fee
- $40,000
- Investment Range
- $779,750 - $2,655,500
- Investment Midpoint
- $1,717,625
- Minimum Cash Required
- $779,750
- Royalty Fees
- 5%
- Brand Fund
- 4% - 5%
The fast-casual Mexican segment benefits from strong consumer demand for fresh, healthier quick-service options and authentic flavors. El Pollo Loco's fire-grilled chicken concept differentiates it within the crowded Mexican QSR space, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional fried offerings.
With 495 units and 35+ years of operation since 1989, the system demonstrates substantial maturity and operational refinement. The brand maintains concentrated market presence across seven western states, suggesting strong regional recognition and supply chain efficiencies. This geographic focus may limit expansion opportunities but provides operational advantages.
The investment suits experienced restaurant operators or well-capitalized investors comfortable with food service complexity. Multi-unit development potential exists within established markets, though territory availability may be limited given the system's maturity. Prospective investors should evaluate local market saturation and demographic alignment with the brand's southwestern positioning.
Ideal candidates possess restaurant industry experience and substantial liquid capital to support the higher-end investment requirements. The brand's reported gross revenue of $2,159,052 exceeds sub-sector averages by 35%, though individual performance varies significantly. Thorough FDD review and market analysis remain essential for investment evaluation.
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See the Revenue Potential!
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like El Pollo Loco. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
Customer satisfaction metrics show a solid performance rating across thousands of customer reviews, indicating consistent operational performance across their geographic footprint. This rating particularly strengthens the brand's position in competitive markets where Mexican-inspired quick-service concepts operate.
Growth opportunities exist in both filling out existing markets and bridging geographic gaps between established locations. Ideal new locations should target areas with: - Dense daytime population - Strong Hispanic community presence - High-visibility retail corridors - Complementary quick-service restaurant mix - Average household income of $45,000-$75,000
The brand's three-decade history and expansion pattern suggests a measured approach to growth, balancing market dominance in core territories while strategically establishing presence in new regions across the country.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind El Pollo Loco. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding El Pollo Loco's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving El Pollo Loco. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review El Pollo Loco's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about El Pollo Loco's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1989
- Franchising Since 2005
- 323 US Franchises
- $779,750 - $2,655,500 Investment Range
- $2,159,052 Average Gross Revenue
- 5% Royalty Fee
- $40,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a El Pollo Loco franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if El Pollo Loco is a good match for you.
