El Pollo Loco is raising its forecast for 2026 after reporting first quarter same-store sales increased 5.8% on Thursday.
“This performance reflects strength across multiple fronts, from our innovation pipeline – highlighted by the success of our Baja Double Tostadas – to the operational progress we are seeing across every key metric – including customer service, accuracy, and speed of service,” Chief Executive Liz Williams said in a May 7 statement.
Total revenue rose 5.9% to $126 million for the 13 weeks ended April 1.
The Costa Mesa-based restaurant chain now expects full-year 2026 system-wide comparable restaurant sales growth of 2% to 4% and adjusted EBITDA between $67.5 million and $69.5 million.
The company was previously expecting same-store sales growth of 1% to 3% and adjusted EBITDA between $66 million and $68 million.
El Pollo Loco shares were mostly unchanged at $13.51 apiece by the end of trading on May 7 (Nasdaq: LOCO). On Friday, the stock rose 4.3% to $14.10 per share with a market cap of $428 million.
Updated May 8
