El Pollo Loco Opening 10 Restaurants in 6 States. Is a Location Near You on the List?
El Pollo Loco is gaining in popularity.
El Pollo Loco is kicking off its most significant growth spurt in three years—and fans of its citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken are about to reap the rewards. The California-based fast-casual chain confirmed it will debut at least 10 new restaurants in 2025, stretching far beyond its West Coast roots into six additional states. The milestone rollout will also push the brand past the 500-unit mark, underscoring the company’s national ambitions.
A Landmark 500th Restaurant Breaks Ground
According to USA Today, the centerpiece of this year’s expansion is the 500th El Pollo Loco, slated for Colorado Springs, Colorado. Construction permits show a $1 million renovation of a former KFC site on East Fillmore Street—evidence that the brand’s “scrape‐and‐rebuild” strategy can convert second-generation spaces at a competitive cost. The opening will be only the third El Pollo Loco in the Centennial State, joining Denver and Arvada.
Crossing the 500-unit threshold is more than a vanity metric. CEO Liz Williams told analysts the round number signals a turning point in brand awareness as the chain pushes eastward. “Hitting 500 restaurants gives us permission to play on a national stage,” she noted during the company’s latest earnings call.
Six States Join the Loco Family
Two California units—Los Banos and Lompoc—have already opened their doors in 2025, but most of this year’s pipeline sits outside the Golden State. According to company spokespeople, the next wave of restaurants will land in:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Idaho
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Washington
The emphasis on high-growth Sun Belt and Mountain West markets reflects a deliberate diversification play. These regions boast above-average population gains and a demographic mix already familiar with Mexican-inspired concepts—two factors that typically accelerate brand ramp-up.
Why the Iconic Prototype Matters
Every new unit—and many remodels—will showcase the “iconic” store design unveiled in October 2024 for the brand’s 50th anniversary season. At roughly 2,200 square feet, the prototype is approximately 15 percent smaller than earlier builds, which reduces average development costs to under $2 million. Interior upgrades encompass LED lighting, modern seating, and a refreshed color palette, while back-of-house additions, including energy-efficient hoods and HVAC systems, aim to reduce utility expenses.
In addition to traditional freestanding sites, the company plans to pilot non-traditional venues—such as airport terminals and university campuses—starting in 2026. This flexibility gives franchisees more real estate options, especially as legacy chains vacate high-traffic spaces.
Health-Forward Menu Supports Expansion
Real estate is only half the equation; menu innovation is doing heavy lifting, too. Earlier this spring, El Pollo Loco rolled out an $8 Double Pollo Fit Bowl promotion, packing more than 50 grams of protein into a super-greens base with avocado, queso fresco, and double portions of fire-grilled chicken. The limited-time offer resonated with diners seeking low-carb, high-protein meals—proof that better-for-you fast casual still sells.
That health halo dovetails with the chain’s core cooking method: bone-in chicken marinated for 24 hours in citrus and spices, then slow-grilled over an open flame. By spotlighting fresh prep and high protein, the brand positions itself against both legacy QSR giants and newer “clean-label” competitors.
What the Growth Means for Investors and Franchisees
For investors, the expansion stands out because it’s funded through a balanced mix of corporate and franchise capital. Williams told analysts that roughly 60 percent of this year’s pipeline will be franchise-led, an approach that preserves corporate cash while tapping local-market expertise.
Franchisees, meanwhile, benefit from:
Competitive Landscape: How El Pollo Loco Stacks Up
The chicken category has never been hotter—Popeyes sparked the sandwich wars, KFC is in complete remodel mode, and Chick-fil-A remains a juggernaut. Yet, the social-media savviness and product differentiation of El Pollo Loco continue to push it into diners’ top-of-mind rankings. In online threads reacting to the latest openings, many customers laud the chain as “better than the majors” for flavor and perceived freshness.
The company’s willingness to bet on secondary cities like Idaho Falls or Amarillo also avoids direct turf wars with heavily saturated urban cores, allowing it to build share before larger players pivot.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
Management has hinted that the 2025 pace is only the beginning. Early site work is underway for 2026 openings across both legacy Western markets and new territories east of the Rockies. In parallel, a four-year remodel program will refresh 60–70 existing locations, utilizing a tiered approach that balances light cosmetic upgrades with full gut renovations.
Add in the push into airports and universities, and El Pollo Loco could soon post the kind of unit counts typically associated with nationwide household names.
Bottom Line
For consumers, the big takeaway is clear: more chances to snag a Pollo Bowl or tacos without booking a flight to Los Angeles. For franchisees and investors, the chain’s disciplined cap-ex strategy, health-centric menu pipeline, and steady digital adoption suggest a brand on solid footing—one poised to capitalize on America’s enduring love affair with chicken.
If you live in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, or Washington, keep an eye on local construction permits. With 10 new restaurants set to open before the end of the year—and many more in the queue—there’s a good chance an El Pollo Loco drive-thru window will soon be within striking distance.
