For Q1 FY2026 ended April 1, 2026, El Pollo Loco reported revenue of $126.2 million, up 5.9% year-over-year. Net income rose 48.8% to $8.2 million, with diluted EPS of $0.27, up 42.1%. Operating income increased 36.2% to $12.2 million. The company had $3.9 million in cash, $44.0 million in long-term debt, and $302.5 million in equity.
•Revenue grew 5.9% YoY to $126.2 million.
•Net income increased 48.8% to $8.2 million.
•Diluted EPS rose 42.1% to $0.27.
•Operating income up 36.2% to $12.2 million.
Informational summary based on SEC XBRL figures · generated by deepseek-v4-flash. Not investment advice.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary, El Pollo Loco develops, franchises, licenses, and operates quick-service restaurants under the El Pollo Loco name. The company operates and franchises restaurants located in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Washington.
It also licenses its brand to restaurants in the Philippines. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, El Pollo Loco was formerly known as Chicken Acquisition Corp. before rebranding in April 2014.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary El Pollo Loco, develops, franchises, licenses, and operates quick-service restaurants under the El Pollo Loco name. The company is best known for its fire-grilled chicken, which is marinated in a proprietary citrus and garlic mojo recipe. Its menu includes chicken meals, tacos, burritos, salads, and sides. The company operates in a fast-casual dining segment, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fast food. El Pollo Loco focuses on providing freshly prepared, high-quality Mexican-inspired cuisine. The brand has built a loyal customer base through its distinctive flavor profile and commitment to using fresh ingredients.
Where is El Pollo Loco (LOCO) listed and in which currency?
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (NasdaqGS) under the ticker symbol LOCO. Its shares are denominated in US Dollars (USD). The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, and its primary operations are in the United States. As a US-based company listed on a major US exchange, its financial reporting and stock trading are conducted in USD. Investors can buy and sell LOCO shares through any brokerage that offers access to Nasdaq-listed stocks.
What sector and industry does El Pollo Loco operate in?
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. operates in the Consumer Cyclical sector, specifically within the Restaurants industry. This means the company's performance is closely tied to consumer discretionary spending, as dining out is an expense that people may reduce during economic downturns. As a quick-service restaurant chain, El Pollo Loco competes with other fast-food and fast-casual brands. The Restaurants industry includes a wide range of dining concepts, from fast food to full-service establishments. El Pollo Loco differentiates itself through its focus on fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired menu items, positioning itself in the fast-casual segment.
Where does El Pollo Loco operate and what is its history?
El Pollo Loco operates and franchises restaurants in nine US states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Washington. Additionally, it licenses its brand to restaurants in the Philippines. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California. Originally known as Chicken Acquisition Corp., it rebranded to El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. in April 2014. The brand has grown from a single location to a chain with hundreds of restaurants, primarily concentrated in the Western United States. Its international licensing in the Philippines represents a modest expansion beyond US borders.
How does El Pollo Loco make money?
El Pollo Loco generates revenue primarily through company-operated restaurant sales, franchise royalties, and licensing fees. The company develops, franchises, and licenses quick-service restaurants under the El Pollo Loco brand. Its business model includes both corporate-owned locations and franchised units, with franchisees paying ongoing royalties and fees. Additionally, the company earns income from licensing its brand to international operators, such as in the Philippines. Revenue is driven by menu sales of fire-grilled chicken, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired items. The company also benefits from catering and digital ordering channels, which have become increasingly important in the restaurant industry.