El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc

El Pollo Loco signed three development agreements for 15 New York-area restaurants and will open its first location in Queens in mid-2027. The California-based chain has grown to over 500 restaurants across 10 states as CEO Liz Williams pursues a turnaround focused on modernizing stores and expanding the menu. The company has reported three consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, added senior operations and development hires, and its shares have risen about 44% over the past year. » More on cnbc.com

El Pollo Loco posted Q2 revenue of $129.6m and comparable-system growth of 3.9%, coming in about 0.6% below the Street estimate. Restaurant-level margin improved to 19.5%, adjusted EBITDA rose to $19.1m and GAAP net income was $12.8m. The company raised its full-year guidance for comparable-store sales growth and adjusted EBITDA and cited successful product tests such as the “Loco Tenders.” Shares slipped slightly in after-hours trading; the market reaction reflected a cautious but not worried investor outlook. » More on de.investing.com

El Pollo Loco reported Q1 2026 EPS of $0.28 vs. $0.22 expected and revenue of $126.2 million versus a $122.12 million forecast. Restaurant margin rose by 320 basis points, adjusted EBITDA climbed 31%, and systemwide same-store sales increased 5.8% (company restaurants +5.4%). Product innovations like the "Baja Double Tostadas" contributed to growth, while franchise revenues declined due to IT-related prior-year effects. Management reaffirms continued growth with expected EPS between $0.20 and $0.28 and a revenue target of $498.4 million for the next fiscal year. » More on de.investing.com