El Pollo Loco has announced plans to open its first New York City location in mid-2027, part of a broader strategy to establish itself as a national chain. The company has secured three development agreements for a total of 15 restaurants in the New York area over the next five years.
Founded in 1975 in Mexico, El Pollo Loco has primarily operated in California, but now has over 500 locations across 10 states. CEO Liz Williams is focused on modernizing the brand and expanding its menu to include more convenient options, which has led to three consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth.
Despite challenges in the restaurant industry, including rising costs and increased competition, El Pollo Loco's shares have risen 44% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500. The company is also undergoing leadership changes, with Damon Thomas joining as COO and Tara Hinkle as chief development officer, both of whom bring extensive experience from other major food brands.
As El Pollo Loco seeks to differentiate itself with its grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired flavors, it faces competition from other chicken-focused chains and fast-food giants that have expanded their chicken offerings