Brand signs first lease in New York (Queens)

Enters into three development agreements for 15 area restaurants over the next five years

COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today announced its planned entry into New York, including a signed lease for its first restaurant in the region, targeted to open in Queens in mid-2027. The company has agreed to terms for three development agreements for 15 area restaurants over the next five years, and also announced two leadership appointments that strengthen the team supporting El Pollo Loco’s next phase of growth.

New York development will be led by one longtime El Pollo Loco franchise partner and two new franchise partners. The expansion marks an important step in El Pollo Loco’s 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. The agreements also reflect growing consumer interest in protein-forward meals made with quality ingredients. With its signature fire-grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco believes it is uniquely positioned to meet that demand and introduce its differentiated offering to new communities across the country.