The California-based quick-serve chain, known for its grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired flavourings, is set to enter New York, with the first location expected to open in the New York City borough of Queens in mid-2027.
El Pollo Loco has also agreed to terms for three development agreements for 15 area restaurants over the next five years.
The company says the Empire State expansion marks an “important step” in its evolution into a national brand and builds on three consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth, improved restaurant economics and continued progress against the company’s transformation plan.
El Pollo Loco operates more than 500 restaurants across Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Washington.
“New York represents an important milestone for El Pollo Loco and a clear proof point in our disciplined growth strategy,” said CEO Liz Williams. “We have strengthened our brand and operations, enhanced our business model and assembled an experienced leadership team to support sustainable expansion. With committed franchise partners and our first New York lease secured, we are excited to introduce the East Coast to the fire-grilled flavour and hospitality that have defined El Pollo Loco for five decades.”
