El Pollo Loco® Adds Shrimp to Lineup of Limited Time Baja Double Tostadas
Rhea-AI Summary
El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO) is launching limited-time Baja Double Tostadas and Baja Shrimp Tacos starting February 18, 2026. The menu adds three double-tostada varieties (shrimp, chicken, chicken & shrimp) plus Baja Shrimp Tacos, featuring a new Lime Crema sauce and chili lime seasoning.
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News Market Reaction – LOCO
On the day this news was published, LOCO declined 0.09%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
LOCO is down 1.83% with mixed restaurant peers: JACK -5.65%, RICK -2.64%, DIN -0.8%, while NATH and PTLO are modestly positive at 0.11% and 2.36% respectively, pointing to stock-specific rather than broad sector momentum.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28 | Board appointment | Neutral | -3.2% | New independent director appointed to replace a retiring Board member. |
| Jan 20 | Marketing partnership | Neutral | -2.4% | Brand partnership with WNBA player to support school sports contest. |
| Jan 06 | Conference participation | Neutral | -0.5% | Company participation and investor meetings at the ICR consumer conference. |
| Jan 05 | Product launch | Neutral | +2.0% | Nationwide launch of high‑protein Double Pollo Salads product line. |
| Dec 15 | Board changes | Neutral | -2.6% | Two directors retired and two new independent directors joined the Board. |
Over the last few months, LOCO has reported several Board changes, marketing initiatives, and product introductions. Management updates on Dec 15, 2025 and Jan 28, 2026 coincided with modest share declines. A promotional partnership announcement on Jan 20, 2026 also saw a small negative move. By contrast, the Jan 5, 2026 launch of Double Pollo Salads, similar in nature to today’s Baja Double Tostadas product news, aligned with a modestly positive 2.03% price reaction.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement introduces limited‑time Baja Double Tostadas and a Baja Shrimp Taco, expanding LOCO’s protein‑forward offerings with both chicken and seasonal shrimp options, some featuring up to 66 grams of protein. It follows the Jan 5, 2026 Double Pollo Salads launch, underscoring a pattern of menu innovation. Investors may watch upcoming filings and updates for any commentary on traffic, check growth, and margin effects from these new items.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, Inc., the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, is reimagining its beloved tostada with a bold, new flavor twist – and a seasonal seafood option – with the debut of its new Baja Double Tostadas.
Beginning February 18, for a limited time, El Pollo Loco restaurants systemwide will be offering four new menu items designed to take everything you love about the tostada and turn it up a notch with more freshly prepared ingredients, more bold flavors and more options to satisfy your cravings. Three new Baja Double Tostadas – Baja Double Shrimp, Baja Double Chicken and Baja Chicken & Shrimp Tostadas – have arrived alongside Baja Shrimp Tacos for those looking for a new twist on a beloved menu item.
“It’s certainly unexpected for a chicken restaurant to serve shrimp, but here we are, making some very tasty shrimp,” said Jill Adams, Chief Marketing Officer of El Pollo Loco. “When sprinkled with chili lime seasoning and topped with our Lime Crema Sauce, these new tostadas are the seasonal surprise you never knew you needed.”
The new menu items are built on the foundation of El Pollo Loco’s fan-favorite tostadas, with two scoops of its signature fire-roasted chicken and limited-time Baja shrimp, paired with a brand-new Lime Crema sauce that takes the classic flavors customers love to new heights.
- Baja Double Shrimp Tostada: Inside a crispy, fried tostada shell, you’ll get a hearty serving of shredded lettuce, savory pinto beans, seasoned rice, shredded Jack cheese, freshly-prepared salsa fresca, hand-sliced avocados, cool sour cream, and a double portion of seasoned shrimp – all brought together with El Pollo Loco’s new Lime Crema Sauce and a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning. (38 grams of protein)*
- Baja Double Chicken Tostada: Featuring everything you’ll find in the Baja Double Shrimp Tostada, this option swaps out the double portion of seasoned shrimp for a double portion of El Pollo Loco’s signature citrus-marinated, fire grilled chopped chicken. (66 grams of protein)*
- Baja Chicken & Shrimp Tostada: Can’t decide? Why not have both?! Zesty, seasoned shrimp and citrus-marinated, fire-roasted chicken together in a crispy tostada shell accompanied by shredded lettuce, savory pinto beans, seasoned rice, shredded Jack cheese, freshly prepared salsa fresca, hand-sliced avocados, cool sour cream, El Pollo Loco’s new Lime Crema sauce and chili lime seasoning. (52 grams of protein)*
- Baja Shrimp Taco: You can’t beat a classic. Seasoned shrimp, crispy shredded cabbage, freshly prepared salsa fresca and El Pollo Loco’s new Lime Crema Sauce are folded into a warm flour tortilla for a bright and bold flavor boost.
For more information on these new offerings or allergen information, please visit ElPolloLoco.com.
*without dressing
About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant known for its craveable, flavorful, and better-for-you offerings. Named by USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards as a “Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food” two years in a row, our menu features innovative meals with Mexican-inspired flavors made daily in our restaurants using quality ingredients. At El Pollo Loco, inclusivity is at the heart of our culture. Our community of over 4,000 employees reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone has a seat at our table. Since 1980, El Pollo Loco has successfully expanded its presence, operating more than 500 company-owned and franchised restaurants across nine U.S. states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The company has also extended its footprint internationally, with licensed restaurant locations in the Philippines. For more information or to place an order, visit the Loco Rewards app or ElPolloLoco.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X.
CONTACT:
DeVries Global
media@elpolloloco.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a413a3b5-a7d6-4220-8e54-0add64c7d8cf
FAQ
When does El Pollo Loco (LOCO) start selling Baja Double Tostadas?
What are the menu options in El Pollo Loco's Baja Double Tostadas launch (LOCO)?
How much protein is in the Baja Double Chicken Tostada at El Pollo Loco (LOCO)?
Does El Pollo Loco (LOCO) include shrimp in the new Baja menu, and how is it seasoned?
Where can customers find nutritional or allergen information for El Pollo Loco's Baja Double Tostadas (LOCO)?
