Franchises /Food /Chicken

El Pollo Loco

At a Glance

Products & Services: Flame-grilled chicken meals & Mexican entrees

Number of Locations: 403

Total Investment: $427.85K - 802.35K

Founded: 1975

Began Franchising: 1980

About El Pollo Loco

In 1975, Juan Ochoa opened a roadside chicken stand in Guasace, Mexico, he called El Pollo Loco. Ochoa served chicken the same way his mother did, hand-marinating using an old family recipe and flame-broiling. The stand quickly grew in popularity, and over the next four years, Ochoa's family opened 85 restaurants in Northern Mexico. The chain moved into the United States in 1980 with the first restaurant opening in Los Angeles.

Over the years, El Pollo Loco has added tacos, burritos and salads to its menu, all featuring the Ochoa family's chicken. In 1995, the chain entered into a joint venture with Foster's Freeze to offer soft-serve treats at El Pollo Loco restaurants.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S.	Canadian	International	Company Owned
2011	235	0	0	168
2010	242	0	0	171
2009	250	0	0	169

Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the following states:
Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas.

Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $427,850 - $802,350
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable

Financial Requirements

Net Worth: $1,000,000
Liquid Cash Available: $300,000

Operations

40% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

Training: Available at headquarters: 6 weeks. At franchisee's location: 2 weeks. At certified training stores : 6 weeks.

Ongoing Support: Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support: Ad slicks, Regional advertising,