# El Pollo Loco Plans 25 to 30 Restaurant Openings for 2027

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/51020
Published: 2026-11-07T19:20:28.000Z
Updated: 2026-11-07T19:20:28.000Z
Section: Business

> The company expects 18 to 20 openings in 2026 and projects about 4.5% comparable-sales growth and an 18.25% to 18.5% restaurant contribution margin.

El Pollo Loco plans a larger restaurant rollout in 2027, with a target of 25 to 30 openings after an expected 18 to 20 in 2026.

The company’s 2026 outlook calls for comparable sales to grow about 4.5% and restaurant contribution margin to be between 18.25% and 18.5%. CEO and Director Elizabeth Williams said systemwide same-store sales increased 5% and restaurant contribution margin reached 18.4% in the third quarter of 2026.

El Pollo Loco is targeting mid-2027 for its first restaurant in Queens. Development agreements cover 15 restaurants in the area over five years.