El Pollo Loco vs Dick's Wings Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of El Pollo Loco vs Dick's Wings including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Company Overviews

About El Pollo Loco

In 1975, Juan Ochoa opened a roadside chicken stand in Guasace, Mexico, he called El Pollo Loco. Ochoa served chicken the same way his mother did, hand-marinating using an old family recipe and flame-broiling. The stand quickly grew in popularity, and over the next four years, Ochoa's family opened 85 restaurants in Northern Mexico. The chain moved into the United States in 1980 with the first restaurant opening on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles, California. El Pollo Loco featured an authentic recipe of fresh chicken marinated in special herbs, spices and citrus juices, and then fire-grilled to perfection. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, El Pollo Loco has added tacos, burritos and salads to its menu, all featuring the Ochoa family's chicken. In 1995, the chain entered into a joint venture with Foster's Freeze to offer soft-serve treats at El Pollo Loco restaurants. Today, the tradition continues with signature dishes that satisfy consumers’ desire for flavorful food that fits well with today's active lifestyles. We're currently fire-grilling marinated chicken in about 400 company and franchise-owned El Pollo Loco restaurants.

Franchise fees apply to new and existing franchisees with multi-unit development agreements in new markets through March 31, 2018. The initial franchise fee has been cut to $30,000 for the first restaurant and $20,000 for each additional restaurant. The standard franchise fee is $40,000, and $30,000 for secondary units. The initial franchise fee for any restaurant opened in the calendar year ahead of the year in their development schedule will be cut by 50%. And any restaurants opened beyond the multi-development agreement will be eligible for a zero dollar initial franchise fee. Royalty fees have also been reduced for the first time in three years: 2% for the first year, 3% in the second year, and 4% in the third year. The standard royalty fee is 5%.

About Dick's Wings

Dick's Wings & Grill has become one of the fastest growing franchises in North Florida along with America's appetite for comfortable family dining. With the down-home sporty NASCAR theme, Dick's Wings & Grill is the personification of a place where people can sit back, relax and make themselves at home. We are the perfect pit stop where people can meet to talk about the day's events over a cold drink and delicious food while enjoying a relaxing time. Since our atmosphere is casual, larger groups can also celebrate birthdays, office parties, special occasions or just hangout.
*Offering quality and variety. Though our wing sauce is hard to beat, our outstanding food doesn't stop there. From salads to 1/2 pound burgers, kid's menu to veggie burgers, we try to provide something equally delicious for everyone. In addition to teas & sodas we offer beer & wine, but decided to skip the full bar due to our family-oriented theme.
*Providing fun, courteous service. This is a staff priority. They sincerely believe their responsibility is to do whatever they can to make their guests' dining stay enjoyable, ensuring their return.
*Why I choose to be a Franchise Partner with Dick's Wings & Grill  - Because Dick's Wings & Grill values franchisees as business partners. We are dedicated to providing initial and ongoing support with all the key ingredients ensuring franchise success. This includes site location, restaurant design, grand opening preparations, management training, marketing and advertising.
*What makes Dick's Wings & Grill stand out from other opportunities? We thoroughly research each new market we enter and are willing to adapt to new surroundings. Our goal is to create an eatery where our guests feel at home. Though we are dynamic in our thinking, as a franchise we realize image, food quality and service must be consistent throughout all restaurants. Through experience, we know when to be flexible and when to stick to the formula.
*What makes a Dick's Wings & Grill so successful? Good organization Proven management plans Teamwork between management & staff Empowered staff that has fun on the job Quality food and consistent service
*Inviting family atmosphere
*Continuous franchise support