El Pollo Loco Holdings (NASDAQ: LOCO) is a limited-service restaurant company that operates and franchises Mexican-inspired, fire-grilled chicken restaurants. Revenue comes from two streams: direct food and beverage sales at company-operated locations and royalties and fees from franchised restaurants. In fiscal 2025, company-operated restaurant revenue was $405.8 million and system-wide sales reached $1,125.4 million, indicating that franchised locations generate the majority of system-wide volume. The chain positions itself between fast-casual and quick-service, with a menu built around chicken marinated daily in a proprietary citrus, pineapple, garlic, and spice blend, then fire-grilled and hand-chopped to order. Core menu items include Fire-Grilled Chicken Meals, Family Meals, the Original Pollo Bowl, Double Chicken Tostada, Guacamole Chicken Burrito, and Double Pollo Salads. Annual average unit volume for company-operated restaurants was $2.3 million in fiscal 2025, with a restaurant contribution margin of 17.8% and Adjusted EBITDA of $66.7 million. System-wide comparable restaurant sales grew 0.1% in fiscal 2025, with company-operated comp growth of 0.3% driven by a 2.1% increase in average check size, partially offset by a 1.8% decline in transaction count.

Revenue model

Transactional food and beverage sales at company-operated restaurants plus franchise royalties and fees from franchised locations. Company-operated restaurant revenue is net of promotional allowances, employee meals, and discounts. System-wide sales were $1,125.4 million in fiscal 2025, with company-operated revenue contributing $405.8 million.

Products and services

Fire-grilled chicken meals and entrees built on a proprietary citrus-pineapple-garlic-spice marinade. Key menu items include Fire-Grilled Chicken Meals, Family Meals, the Original Pollo Bowl, Double Chicken Tostada, Guacamole Chicken Burrito, and Double Pollo Salads. Salsas, Creamy Cilantro dressing, rice, and beans are prepared fresh in-restaurant daily. Sales are split approximately equally between lunch and dinner dayparts.

Customers and end markets

Individual consumers seeking a Mexican-inspired, fire-grilled chicken alternative to traditional fast food, spanning dine-in, takeout, and on-the-go occasions. Demand is driven by lunchtime and dinnertime traffic, with some afternoon snack occasions. Revenue fluctuates seasonally and with holiday timing.

Value-chain role

Restaurant operator and franchisor. Company-operated restaurants handle food preparation, marination, grilling, and direct customer sales. The franchise model extends the brand through franchisee-owned and operated units, with El Pollo Loco Holdings collecting fees and royalties. The company holds non-cancelable leases with initial terms of up to 20 years and up to four five-year renewal options.

Geographic exposure

The filing does not specify geographic revenue breakdowns by state or region beyond describing the company as operating within the limited-service restaurant segment. No international operations are referenced in the excerpts.

Source: SEC 10-K, filed 2026-03-13

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