El Pollo Loco vs WOW Cafe & Wingery Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
WOW Cafe & Wingery Franchise
Investment $900,000 - $1,755,000$234,400 - $757,000
Franchise Fee $40,000$15,000 - $35,000
Royalty Fee 2%-3%-4%3%-8%
Advertising Fee -t0 2%
Year Founded 19752001
Year Franchised 19802002
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
WOW Cafe & Wingery 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
WOW Cafe & Wingery Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
Start-up Costs No/No-/Yes
Equipment No/No-/Yes
Inventory No/No-/Yes
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/Yes

Training & Support

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
WOW Cafe & Wingery 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 On-The-Job Training: 14 days Classroom Training: 15 days
Support Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations
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) Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising
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)

Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 35 - 40


Expansion Plans

 
El Pollo Loco Franchise
WOW Cafe & Wingery Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion NoYes

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 WOW Cafe & Wingery

WOW Cafe & Wingery is a fun, casual dining, family restaurant featuring 17 proprietary sauces and dressings. We are supported by a team of Award-winning chef partners for our entire R&D. WOW Cafe & Wingery serves wraps, over-sized salads, Angus burgers on Texas toast, Southwest items including: quesadillas, fajitas, and, of course, wings, tenders and shrimp. Our unique atmosphere includes well-placed TVs for events and up-beat music. Liquor and specialty drink programs are available.

Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee