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Updated RecentlyEl Pollo Loco Franchise
Quick-service restaurant specializing in flame-broiled chicken
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%.
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How much does it cost to open a El Pollo Loco Franchise?
The investment required to open a El Pollo Loco Franchise is between $900,000-$1,755,000. There is an initial franchise fee of $40,000 which grants you the license to run a business under the El Pollo Loco name.
Individual Unit Costs
- Initial Investment:
$900,000-$1,755,000 - Initial Franchise Fee:
$40,000 - Royalty Fee:
2%-3%-4% - Advertising Fee:
N/A - Term of Agreement:
20 years
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El Pollo Loco Packs an Extra Punch with the Launch of its New Double Protein Avocado Bowls
El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today announced the launch of four new Double Protein Avocado Bowls, available for a limited time at participating restaurants.Both casual and serious health-seekers are invited to indulge in four new delectable bowls, whe...
Celebrate the New Year With El Pollo Loco's New 'Under 500 Calories' Menu Items
El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today announced four new 'Under 500 Calories' menu items, available for a limited time at participating restaurants. The new items feature nutrient-packed ingredients and El Pollo Loco's fresh, authentic flavors."We are excited to...
El Pollo Loco Announces the Grand Opening of New Restaurant in Lancaster, CA
El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, opened its newest restaurant in Lancaster, CA today. The new El Pollo Loco, located at 2056 East Avenue J, is the third restaurant to open in Lancaster."We are excited to continue expanding in our home state of California ...
El Pollo Loco lowers initial franchise fees, royalty fees to boost expansion
Chicken restaurant chain El Pollo Loco said Monday that it is lowering
initial franchise fees and royalty fees in order to boost growth in new
markets. The reduced fees apply to new and existing franchisees with
multi-unit development agreements in new markets through March 31, 2018.
The ini...
El Pollo Loco's key to success, says its CEO
El Pollo Loco's recent success can be attributed to its combining the best elements of fast-casual restaurants and traditional fast food joints, its CEO said Tuesday.
"If you look at our brand "� we have the quality of food that you'd get at a fast-casual [like] a Panera or a Chipotle, but yo...
El Pollo Loco News & Press Releases
When did El Pollo Loco start Franchising? 1980
| Year | U.S.A. | Canada | International | Corporate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 174 | 0 | 0 | 135 |
| 2002 | 170 | 0 | 0 | 135 |
| 2001 | 152 | 0 | 4 | 127 |
| 2000 | 149 | 0 | 4 | 122 |
| 1999 | 155 | 0 | 4 | 112 |
United States: Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas,
| Expense | In-House | Third Party |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | No | No |
| Startup Costs | No | No |
| Equipment | No | No |
| Inventory | No | No |
| Accounts Receivable | No | No |
| Payroll | No | No |
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)
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)
Business 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.
Your income potential as a El Pollo Loco Franchise entrepreneur depends vastly on many factors. As an entrepreneur, the goals to achieve are related to expanding sales while lowering your operation costs and increasing the quality of your products and or services. Each month your operating costs can include royalty fees, mortgage / rent, supplies for products, staffing, utilities, bookwork, stationary and other items. From one month to the next, you may find your costs fluctuate, but your up-front costs are, for the most part, fixed and they will cover most of the initial setup of equipment, signage and renovations.
Listing Tags
Legal Disclaimer: This information is not a franchise offering for El Pollo Loco and should not be construed as such. The Franchise Mall makes every effort to maintain accurate franchise data but does not guarantee nor assume liability for incorrect data. We recommend that anyone seriously interested in pursuing an El Pollo Loco franchise opportunity, review that franchise's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with an attorney and accountant.
El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco
3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 100
Costa Mesa,
CA
92626
