El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ:LOCO) operates and franchises quick-service restaurants under the El Pollo Loco brand. The company specializes in Mexican-inspired meals centered on citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, prepared using traditional cooking methods. Its menu includes chicken meals, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads, bowls, family meals and a variety of side dishes, beverages and desserts.
El Pollo Loco was founded in 1975 in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, and opened its first restaurant in the United States in 1980. The company has since developed a combination of company-operated and franchised restaurants, with its U.S. operations concentrated primarily in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Utah.
In addition to serving customers through its restaurants, El Pollo Loco offers takeout, delivery and digital ordering through its website and mobile channels. The brand is known for its focus on freshly prepared food, fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-style flavors, while its franchising activities support expansion in selected markets.
