El Pollo Loco is turning up the heat in 2025 with new store openings, remodels and a new look!
The iconic chicken chain that fans claim beats both Popeyes and KFC is making major moves with a bold expansion plan that includes 10 new restaurants and 70 store remodels across the U.S. That’s right, the El Pollo Loco expansion is real, and it’s happening faster than you can say “fire-grilled chicken.”
The brand, which started in 1975 in Sinaloa, Mexico, and entered the U.S. in 1980 through Los Angeles, has become a favorite among fast food lovers looking for something a little different. El Pollo Loco’s Mexican-style bowls, tacos, burritos, and famous marinated grilled chicken have sparked loyalty, with fans recently sounding off in Facebook threads calling it “better than Popeyes and KFC.” One fan wrote, “Agreed. I love that crazy chicken,” while another added simply: “Facts.”
Now, CEO Liz Williams has confirmed that El Pollo Loco will open its 500th restaurant sometime this year, most likely in Arizona or Colorado, and that 10 additional locations will follow before the year ends. These will span six states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington.
To make the rollout easier to track, here’s a simple breakdown of what El Pollo Loco is doing in 2025:
El Pollo Loco Expansion & Remodel Plans (2025)
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| New Restaurants | 10 total |
| States Involved | Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, Washington |
| 500th Location | Set to open in Arizona or Colorado |
| Prototype Store | 2,200 sq ft, updated colors, LED lighting, new furniture & kitchen gear |
| Prototype Cost | ~$2 million |
| Remodeled Stores (2025) | Up to 70 locations |
| Total Remodel Goal (4 yrs) | 250 remodeled stores (about half of all locations) |
| Features in Remodels | Digital ordering kiosks, refreshed interiors, new signage |
| Remodels Completed (2024) | 8 finished as of May 2025 |
Williams also noted that this marks the most new openings in a single year since 2022. And she’s not done. The CEO told investors during the brand’s recent earnings call that the pipeline for 2026 is shaping up even faster than expected. Between signed letters of intent (LOIs), leases, and ongoing construction, the brand expects to “accelerate far beyond the 10” new stores it’s opening this year.
That prototype store she mentioned is especially exciting. It features a smaller footprint of about 2,200 square feet, which keeps construction tight but efficient. It also introduces a new color palette, sleek LED lighting, upgraded kitchen equipment, and fresh furniture. With a total development cost of $2 million, execs are calling it “iconic”, and they’re hoping it sets a new standard for future stores.
Meanwhile, the major remodel push is already delivering results. Eight stores were completed in 2024 as part of the initiative, and according to Williams, they’re already seeing positive economic returns and improved sales. The remodels are designed to not just look good but also communicate the brand better.
CMO Jill Adams explained the strategy behind the revamp: “Customers can better understand who we are, what we stand for, and what they can expect from us before they even walk through the door.” That’s thanks to digital ordering kiosks, a more modern layout, and refreshed branding inside and out.
And in case you think this is a solo act, it’s not. Other major fast food chains are ramping up too. Chipotle plans to open around 345 new stores by 2026 and is even bringing back a fan-favorite menu item. Another Chipotle competitor is expected to add at least 60 new stores as well.
Still, El Pollo Loco’s making one of the boldest plays in the game. Between its nostalgic roots, fan-favorite flavors, and modern upgrades, the chain is proving it’s not just surviving, it’s thriving. Whether you’re in it for the bowls, the burritos, or just that juicy grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco is making sure you’ve got plenty of places to get your fix in 2025.
