El Pollo Loco Celebrates Growth Milestone with 500th U.S. Restaurant

Fire-grilled chicken brand expands footprint during its 50th anniversary year with new Colorado Springs location

COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco is proud to announce the opening of its 500th restaurant, a significant milestone in the company’s growth and expansion. The new location, which will celebrate its Grand Opening on Friday, 10/17, builds on the brand’s 50-year legacy of bringing fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired cuisine to new communities.

“Reaching 500 locations is a landmark achievement for El Pollo Loco, especially during our 50^th anniversary year,” said El Pollo Loco Chief Executive Officer, Liz Williams. “It’s a testament to the strength of our brand and delicious food, coupled with the passion and loyalty of our team members and guests. Opening our 500th restaurant in Colorado Springs not only marks a significant moment in our growth, but also reinforces our continued commitment to delivering quality, fire-grilled chicken, and bold flavors to even more guests nationwide.”

The 500th restaurant milestone comes amid a year of steady expansion, with 10 new openings planned in 2025 - the majority outside of California where the brand is headquartered. This achievement reflects El Pollo Loco’s evolution from a regional favorite into a brand with strong momentum to grow nationally.

“Behind this milestone is one of the strongest development pipelines we’ve ever had,” said Chief Development Officer, Tim Welsh. “In addition to Colorado Springs, we have restaurants under construction in El Paso, Dallas, Albuquerque, and the Greater Seattle area, to name a few. We’re generating interest from franchisees who believe in the power of the brand, which gives us confidence in accelerating growth well beyond our core markets.”

The new Colorado Springs restaurant, located at 825 E. Fillmore Street, marks El Pollo Loco’s third location in the state of Colorado. As part of the 500^th restaurant festivities - and the brand’s exclusive Loco Friday Drops program - Loco Rewards Members can enjoy a Two-Piece Chicken meal for just $5.00 through the El Pollo Loco app on Friday, October 17.*

The 500th restaurant opening comes during a year of record brand momentum:

• The “Loco” Era Began
  In May, El Pollo Loco debuted its Let’s Get Loco manifesto video, encouraging people to pursue their passions boldly and satisfy their appetites fully. Launched in celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary, the campaign marked a new chapter in El Pollo Loco’s evolution – doubling down on its commitment to fire-grilled chicken, quality ingredients, and bold, flavor-forward innovation.

• Menus Elevated