El Pollo Loco vs Pudgie's Famous Chicken Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
Pudgie's Famous Chicken Franchise
Investment $900,000 - $1,755,000$197,000 - $379,000
Franchise Fee $40,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 2%-3%-4%5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19751998
Year Franchised 19801998
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee -current fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
Pudgie's Famous Chicken Franchise
Experience We require a minimum of five years of experience as an owner/operator within the restaurant industry. You must also live in the area of development in order to manage the restaurant on a daily basis.-

Financing Options

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
Pudgie's Famous Chicken Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
Equipment No/NoNo/No
Inventory No/NoNo/No
Receivables No/NoNo/No
Payroll No/NoNo/No

Training & Support

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
Pudgie's Famous Chicken Franchise
Training * Seven weeks pre-opening training for franchisee and restaurant managers * Franchise training consultants offering ongoing training programs for crew and management * Complete restaurant-opening support-
Support Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations-
Marketing Has a proven history of successful marketing Is aligned with award-winning advertising agencies Utilizes a strategic approach to building a strong brand Is focused on driving traffic and sales profitably We provide a full array of targeted advertising tools and marketing plans to build awareness and drive customers into our restaurants through: Innovative marketing and advertising campaign Development and execution of bilingual promotional strategies Product innovation to fuel sustained growth Support for grand openings Marketing plans tailored to each market's needs Effective communication and support of franchisees' needs Access to El Pollo Loco's online LSM toolkit (at franchisees disposal) -
Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 40% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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Expansion Plans

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
Pudgie's Famous Chicken Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

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 Pudgie's Famous Chicken

Pudgie's brings you skinless fried chicken lower in fat, cholesterol and sodium than traditional fried chicken, but it tastes just as good. Started in 1981, Pudgie's Famous Chicken is served up with all the sides you and your family will love like mashed potatoes, corn, and macaroni and cheese. Eat-in, pick-up, or call us- we'll deliver right to your door.