$LOCO

El Pollo Loco named Damon Thomas as its new COO, following a similar appointment of Tara Hinkle as chief development officer. The company plans to expand into New York, opening 15 units by 2027. CEO Liz Williams cited strengthened operations and leadership for supporting sustainable growth.

El Pollo Loco plans to expand in New York, targeting 15 restaurants by 2028. CEO Liz Williams cites improved standards and unit economics. Jollibee saw 17% U.S. sales growth in 2025, aiming for 500 U.S. stores by 2030 and a 2025 IPO. McDonald's archive holds historical items for brand decision-making.

El Pollo Loco plans to open its first NYC restaurant in 2027, part of a 15-restaurant expansion in the area over five years. The chain, with over 500 locations, aims to become national. CEO Liz Williams reports three straight quarters of same-store sales growth and a 44% stock increase over the past year. The company is expanding its menu and leadership team to compete in the crowded chicken market.

El Pollo Loco (LOCO) introduced fall menu items, including Caramel Apple ChataCoffee and Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros, to drive afternoon sales. CEO Liz Williams stated these innovations aim to capture underserved dayparts and increase check sizes. The company also appointed Damon Thomas, a Shake Shack veteran, as COO with a $425,000 base salary. These moves align with their strategy to boost guest visits beyond traditional mealtimes.

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. ​ On September 21, 2026, El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) announced the appointment of Damon Thomas as Chief Op

Gordon Haskett analyzed 2026 estimate revisions for 22 restaurant companies, finding 9 saw upward revisions, 3 held steady, and 10 faced downward revisions. Cheesecake Factory, Bloomin’ Brands, BJ’s Restaurants, and Starbucks saw upward revisions across all metrics, while Papa Johns, Wendy’s, and others saw downward revisions. The sector gained 6% over 12 months, underperforming the S&P 500's 18% gain. Revisions to same-store sales had the strongest correlation with share price moves.

El Pollo Loco Holdings (NASDAQ:LOCO) reported Q2 2026 revenue of $129.6 million, up from $125.8 million, with GAAP net income of $12.8 million ($0.43/share). System-wide same-store sales rose 3.9% and restaurant-level margin improved to 19.5%. Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance was raised to $68 million to $70 million; capex guidance lowered to $33 million to $37 million.

El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) reported Q2 2026 results: system-wide same-store sales +3.9%, total revenue $129.6M vs $125.8M, GAAP net income $12.8M or $0.43/share, and adjusted EBITDA $19.1M. Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to $68M-$70M and capex lowered to $33M-$37M. Digital sales were ~28% of system sales.

Wendy’s reported same-store sales down 7% and system sales down 8.2% last quarter, with restaurant traffic down 12.5%, citing reduced discounting and shorter breakfast hours. Burger King gained share. El Pollo Loco said Loco Tenders are strong enough to test permanent placement, with same-store sales up 3.9%. Sweetgreen’s same-store sales were down 6.2% amid a Cyclospora outbreak, and it downgraded its outlook.

El Pollo Loco Inc. reported Q2 same-store sales rose 3.9% and total revenue increased 3% to nearly $130 million, according to the company. The growth reflected higher average check size at company-operated and franchise restaurants and new openings. Analysts expected revenue of $130.3 million. The company raised its 2026 same-store sales outlook to 3.5% to 4.5% from 2% to 4%.