El Pollo Loco's Q1 turnaround clicks: 5.8% SSS, 320 bps margin gain ahead of franchise push
CEO Liz Williams' 'economics and enthusiasm' playbook is delivering. Q1 same-store sales rose 5.8%, restaurant contribution margin hit 19.2% (+320 bps), and adjusted EPS jumped 27.3%. Loco Tenders and a $12 double-protein salad—undercutting $15-$18 rivals—drove 20%+ mix from new items, setting the table for national franchise growth.
El Pollo Loco's Q1 showed 5.8% SSS growth and 320 bps margin expansion under CEO Liz Williams' turnaround. Menu innovation including Loco Tenders, value-led salads, and operational simplification are driving unit economics ahead of planned national franchise growth.
Why this matters
Q1 results validate El Pollo Loco's menu innovation playbook, building on momentum from the brand's plan to launch 8 new items in 2026 as it readies a national franchise expansion.
Retail-brand signals holding steady at 183 in the last 90 days.