El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc
elpolloloco.comEl 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.
Products & 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.
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.
Customers & 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.
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.
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