El Pollo Loco is on fire as it spreads to other states and sales sizzle

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Southern California’s El Pollo Loco, known for its flame-grilled chicken, is eyeing further national expansion after announcing surprisingly strong results for last year.The Costa Mesa-based chain, which expanded to Washington and New Mexico last year, plans to open more locations in other states where customers have been lining up outside some of its new outlets for its citrus-grilled chicken dishes.“Similar to last year, the vast majority of the 18 to 20 new openings in 2026 are expected to be outside of California,” the company’s chief executive, Liz Williams, said on an earnings call Thursday.El Pollo Loco’s shares, which have been moving sideways for months, shot up nearly 17% Friday as its results were well above Wall Street’s expectations.The expansion comes on the heels of a rebrand that company leadership has dubbed “Let’s Get Loco,” featuring a new store design and trials of new menu items like loaded quesadillas and horchata coffee drinks.

It also builds on the chain’s recent successes outside California.Business The Santa Clarita-based grocery chain, which has been expanding its footprint across California recently, now has 63 stores.Its first Washington store in Kent, which opened late last year, has had to cut back operating hours to manage long lines — an indicator of pent-up demand — while its New Mexico franchise partner, pleased with results, is searching for sites to open more stores, Williams said on the call.“While California has been our home and holds a rich history for our brand, we know El Pollo Loco is destined for more,” Williams said on an earnings call last year when announcing new restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Washington.

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