El Pollo Loco plans to enter New York as it moves past being only a regional chain

El Pollo Loco (LOCO) plans to enter New York with its first restaurant in Queens set to open in the middle part of 2027. The company has signed a lease for the initial location, although it has not yet publicly disclosed the specific site, operator names, or further opening dates.

Notably, the Queens opening is intended as the first step in a larger New York-area buildout for the fast-food chain. The company has agreed to three development agreements that collectively call for 15 restaurants in the region over the next five years. Development will be led by one existing, long-time El Pollo Loco franchise partner alongside two new franchisees.

Strategically, New York is part of CEO Liz Williams’s plan to turn the California-based fire-grilled-chicken brand into a national chain. The company has historically been concentrated in the Southwest, where it operates more than 500 restaurants and has reached 10 states. The stated goal is to establish a stronger East Coast presence and then expand across intervening markets.

El Pollo Loco (LOCO) has seen three consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth, stronger restaurant economics, and progress in its turnaround plan. It also appointed Damon Thomas as chief operating officer and Tara Hinkle as chief development officer in moves meant to strengthen operating systems, site selection, franchisee support, and future market development.

Wall Street analysts and Seeking Alpha analysts both have a consensus Buy rating on El Pollo Loco (LOCO). The Seeking Alpha Quant Rating is also flashing Buy.