El Pollo Loco Targets East Coast Growth with New York Expansion

Event summary

El Pollo Loco signs first lease in Queens, New York, targeting mid-2027 opening.
Three development agreements secured for 15 restaurants in New York over five years.
Damon Thomas appointed Chief Operating Officer, Tara Hinkle named Chief Development Officer.
Expansion follows three consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth.

The big picture

El Pollo Loco's New York expansion marks a strategic shift toward national brand presence, capitalizing on growing demand for protein-forward meals. The move follows operational improvements and positive sales trends, positioning the company to compete with established East Coast chains. The appointment of experienced executives suggests a focus on scalable growth and disciplined development.

What we're watching

Market Penetration: Whether El Pollo Loco can successfully introduce its brand to the competitive New York market.
Operational Scaling: How the new leadership team will manage expansion while maintaining operational excellence.
Franchise Performance: The pace at which franchise partners can develop and sustain profitable locations in new markets.