In late January 2026, El Pollo Loco strengthened its leadership by appointing Frank Garrido, the former Chief Restaurant Officer at Domino’s, to its Board of Directors a move that perfectly aligns with the momentum behind El Pollo Loco 2026: 500 Locations & New Menu Deals! Garrido brings extensive experience in scaling massive franchise operations, which is critical as the company pushes to become a national brand. This leadership shift follows the retirement of long-time board member Mark Buller and signals a heavy focus on operational excellence as the brand enters its next chapter of expansion.
Community Engagement and the “Bring the Fire” Contest
The brand is also making waves in the marketing space by partnering with WNBA superstar Arike Ogunbowale. Launched in January 2026, the “Bring the Fire” contest aims to support youth sports by awarding five school teams across the U.S. with $2,000 each for gear and facility upgrades. This initiative, funded by the El Pollo Loco Foundation, reinforces the brand’s commitment to community building and reaching a younger, sports-oriented demographic.
If you are planning to visit these new stores, you can check the latest prices here:[El Pollo Loco full Menu With Prices]
El Pollo Loco 2026: Signature Menu & New Salad Prices
Double Chopped Salads
| Classic Double Chicken Chopped Salad | $14.39 |
| Classic Double Baja Shrimp Chopped Salad | $15.69 |
| Street Corn Double Chicken Chopped Salad | $14.39 |
Family Chicken
| 12pc Fire-Grilled Chicken Family Meal | $45.49 |
| 8pc Fire-Grilled Chicken Family Meal | $33.29 |
| 16pc Fire-Grilled Chicken Family Meal | $54.99 |
Individual Chicken Meals
| 3pc Fire-Grilled Chicken Meal | $14.69 |
| 4pc Fire-Grilled Chicken Meal | $17.09 |
| 4pc Fire-Grilled Chicken Combo | $19.09 |
| 3pc Fire-Grilled Chicken Combo | $16.69 |
Major Milestone: Reaching 500 Locations
El Pollo Loco celebrated a historic milestone by opening its 500th U.S. restaurant in late 2025. This achievement is part of an aggressive expansion strategy that focuses on markets outside its home state of California, including new developments in Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico. To support this growth, the brand has introduced a modern, “Iconic” restaurant prototype designed for efficiency and a premium in-store experience, aiming to double its development pace throughout 2026.
Menu Innovation: Double Pollo Salads
On the product side, the company kicked off early 2026 with the launch of its Double Pollo Salads. Featuring three distinct flavors: Mexican Caesar, Street Corn, and Bacon Ranc, these salads are designed to meet consumer demand for high-protein, “better-for-you” meal options. Each bowl is packed with over 50 grams of protein, showcasing the brand’s ability to innovate within the fast-casual space while staying true to its signature fire-grilled chicken roots.
El Pollo Loco 2026: 500 Locations & New Menu Deals! For a complete list of all breakfast and dinner items, visit our El Pollo Loco full Menu Page.
Important Links
| El Pollo Loco Official Website | Click Here |
| El Pollo Loco Contact Page | Click Here |
My name is Lucky Sharma, a B.A. graduate with a strong passion for food, travel, and discovering new experiences. I enjoy exploring unique dishes, street food, and culinary traditions from around the world. Sharing these adventures through writing allows me to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and inspire others to try new flavors and destinations. Whether I’m tasting something new or traveling to a different corner of the globe, I’m always on the lookout for exciting stories to share. Join me on this flavorful journey and let’s explore the world one dish at a time.