Operations

El Pollo Loco inks 3 development deals for Colorado, Texas, New Mexico

Provided

May 16, 2023

El Pollo Loco has signed three new development agreements for Northern Colorado, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, according to a press release.

The first deal was signed with MEQ EPL LLC for the development of 10 units over eight years. The first El Pollo Loco restaurants are expected by the end of 2024 for Larimer County and portions of Boulder, Broomfield and Weld Counties in Northern Colorado.

The second deal was inked with CB Pollo NM I and CB Pollo Tx 1 for nine units in New Mexico. The first is due in November 2024.

Seven units are expected under the helm of TX DMA, with the first due in May 2025. These restaurants will be the first for the company in these territories.

"El Pollo Loco's corporate team has made it an easy decision to grow our franchise operations with them," Drew Sobel, Mass Equities founder and CEO, said in the press release. "The brand's growth over the past few years is evident and its unique offering supported by excellence in operations is a strategic fit for our portfolio of businesses. Fueled by the brand's initial success in the Colorado market, we look forward to bringing the El Pollo Loco experience to northern parts of the state."

"When seeking out a new restaurant business to expand our portfolio, El Pollo Loco stood out as something that is missing in many of the markets we serve. Additionally, from growing up in the Los Angeles area, we are very familiar with the brand and there is built-in equity from people who move from California and carry the love of the brand with them," Ashim Chopra, CEO of CB Pollo NM 1 and CB Pollo Tx 1, said in the press release. "We're excited to bring El Pollo Loco to new markets where we know we can be successful by meeting some very distinct needs from families and health-conscious consumers who will love the freshly marinated, fire-grilled chicken that is the foundation for most of the menu items."

El Pollo Loco operates 490 units in the U.S.