Popular fire-grilled chicken chain El Pollo Loco is set to open new restaurants across several western U.S. states in 2025. Known for its delicious Mexican-inspired meals and focus on fresh, fire-grilled chicken, the brand is moving ahead with a large expansion plan. The company has officially announced plans to launch 15 to 20 new locations in the coming year.
This expansion comes after several quarters of steady growth and high customer demand. As the fast-casual dining sector continues to rise, El Pollo Loco sees a major opportunity in tapping into new markets while strengthening its presence in existing ones.
Which States Are Getting New El Pollo Loco Restaurants?
According to company officials, new El Pollo Loco restaurants will open in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Oregon. These are in addition to its home state of California, where the brand already operates more than 400 locations.
Here is a breakdown of where you can expect to see new stores:
- Arizona: Phoenix and Tucson will each get two new restaurants.
- Nevada: Las Vegas will see three new locations open by early 2026.
- Utah: Salt Lake City and surrounding suburbs are being targeted for at least four restaurants.
- Colorado: Denver and Colorado Springs are on the list for multiple openings.
- Oregon: Portland is expected to have two new stores by mid-2025.
A detailed rollout schedule will be shared by El Pollo Loco later this summer. The company is currently working with local developers and franchisees to finalize locations.
Why El Pollo Loco Is Expanding Now
El Pollo Loco’s decision to expand comes as consumer demand grows for fresh, healthy, and affordable Mexican food in the fast-casual category. The company’s focus on authentic recipes, fire-grilled chicken, and quick service has helped it stand out in a competitive market.
Chief Development Officer Brian Carmichall stated, “We see enormous opportunity in underserved western markets where our brand awareness is already strong. These states also align with our core customer base, making them ideal for expansion.”
The company’s 2024 revenue reports showed an increase in both dine-in and drive-thru sales, thanks to new menu items like the Shredded Chicken Quesadilla, Avocado Tacos, and Family Chicken Meals. The introduction of digital ordering and mobile delivery services has also helped the brand reach a younger audience.
What to Expect at the New Locations
The new El Pollo Loco locations will feature the brand’s “restaurant of the future” design, including:
- Drive-thru-only models for high-traffic areas
- Walk-up takeout windows for urban locations
- Curbside pickup zones for mobile orders
- Digital kiosks and enhanced mobile ordering features
Each new location will offer indoor and outdoor seating, energy-efficient kitchens, and a modern customer experience. According to El Pollo Loco, the new designs will help improve customer speed and convenience, especially in busy cities.
Franchise Opportunities Also Growing
As part of this expansion, El Pollo Loco is also inviting new franchise partners in the western region. The company has launched a franchise development program to support first-time franchisees with training, marketing, and operational tools.
If you’re interested in becoming a franchisee, you can explore details on their official franchise page. The brand is focusing on both single-unit and multi-unit operators with experience in fast food or restaurant management.
El Pollo Loco’s Mission and Brand Values
Founded in 1975 in Mexico and expanded to the U.S. in 1980, El Pollo Loco has built its brand on authentic, fire-grilled chicken and family-style meals. Today, it operates more than 490 restaurants across the United States.
The company’s mission is to bring people together through food that is both wholesome and flavorful. All menu items are prepared fresh daily, and the chicken is marinated for hours before being grilled over an open flame. This unique preparation method gives the food a distinct, smoky flavor that customers love.
El Pollo Loco is also committed to community involvement, sustainability, and employee development. The brand regularly partners with local organizations and charities to support food drives and youth programs.
What’s Next for El Pollo Loco?
Looking ahead, El Pollo Loco has even bigger plans. Company insiders hinted at possible future locations in New Mexico, Idaho, and Washington. They are also testing new menu items, including plant-based protein options, and expanding delivery partnerships through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
For updates on new openings and deals, customers can sign up on the official El Pollo Loco website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Final Thoughts
El Pollo Loco’s newest expansion marks a major step in the company’s journey to become a dominant force in the fast-casual food world. With new stores coming to Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Oregon, more customers will soon have access to their signature fire-grilled chicken and fresh Mexican-inspired meals.
If you live in one of these states, keep an eye out—your neighborhood might be next.
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