El Pollo Loco Announces Protein Packed Menu, Reminding Everyone that Protein has Always Been their Specialty
Rhea-AI Summary
El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO) launched a Protein Packed Menu on February 24, 2026, featuring 24 protein-focused items, all priced under $15. Items range from 23g to 74g of protein, with examples like the Double Chicken Bowl (74g, 930 cal) and Guacamole Chicken Burrito (59g, 960 cal).
The curated selection spans bowls, burritos, salads, and meals centered on the brand's fire-grilled chicken and is available online at the company's menu page.
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
LOCO was down 2.58% while peers showed mixed moves: JACK up 1.73%, PTLO up 4.32%, and others like RICK and DIN down. The action does not point to a unified restaurants-sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10 | Menu expansion | Positive | -0.1% | Launch of limited-time Baja Double Tostadas and Baja Shrimp Tacos. |
| Jan 28 | Board change | Positive | -3.2% | Appointment of Domino’s executive Frank Garrido to the Board. |
| Jan 20 | Marketing partnership | Positive | -2.4% | WNBA partnership and contest supporting school sports teams. |
| Jan 06 | Conference participation | Neutral | -0.5% | Participation in the 28th Annual ICR Conference with investor meetings. |
| Jan 05 | Product launch | Positive | +2.0% | Launch of high-protein Double Pollo Salads nationwide. |
Recent positive news for LOCO (menu launches, partnerships, board additions) has often coincided with flat to negative next-day moves, with only one of several upbeat announcements showing a clearly positive price alignment.
Over the last few months, LOCO has focused on brand and menu innovation plus governance changes. It launched Double Pollo Salads on Jan 5, 2026 and new Baja Double Tostadas and shrimp items on Feb 18, 2026, alongside a community-focused WNBA partnership and board refreshes. Today’s Protein Packed Menu builds on that high-protein positioning trend but follows a pattern where similar marketing and product news produced modest or negative one-day price reactions.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement expands LOCO’s high-protein strategy, introducing a Protein Packed Menu with 24 items, each under $15 and ranging from 23 to 74 grams of protein. It builds on January’s Double Pollo Salads launch and recent Baja menu additions. Investors may track whether this cohesive protein-focused positioning translates into sustained traffic and sales alongside ongoing board and governance changes highlighted in recent 8-K filings.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
With 24 protein heavy hitters, all under
the menu delivers big flavor, great value, and plenty of ways to fuel up
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today announced its Protein Packed Menu, a curated lineup of more than 20 protein-heavy existing menu items crafted to meet growing consumer demand for balanced, flavorful, and functional meals.
Now available online, the Protein Packed Menu reimagines what “high protein” means in quick‑service dining. Centered on the brand’s signature fire‑grilled chicken, the lineup spans burritos, salads, bowls, and more – with multiple items delivering over 50 grams of protein, and all for under
“Consumers are seeking higher‑protein meals to fit their daily routines and lifestyles, and we’re making it more convenient for consumers to find those items on our menu,” said Jill Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco. “This protein menu brings together everything people love about El Pollo Loco and shows how uniquely positioned we are, and always have been, to offer variety and the nutritional value of protein at an accessible price, without ever compromising on flavor.”
From longtime favorites like the Original Pollo Bowl® (first introduced in 1996) to the Double Chicken Tostada and Guacamole Chicken Burrito, the Protein Packed Menu truly offers something for everyone, with items ranging from 23 to 74 grams of protein each. Other standout items include:
- Double Chicken Bowl (74g protein, 930 calories) – Packed with a double serving of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken, seasoned rice, savory pinto beans, crisp shredded cabbage, hand-sliced avocados, shredded Jack cheese, cool sour cream, and freshly-prepared salsa fresca.
- Guacamole Chicken Burrito (59g protein, 960 calories) – Combines citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, creamy chipotle sauce, handmade guacamole, shredded Jack cheese, savory pinto beans, seasoned rice, and crisp shredded cabbage, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and grilled to perfection.
- 2pc Breast & Wing Chicken Meal (60g protein, 740 calories) – Two pieces of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, grilled low and slow over an open flame, paired with two classic sides (rice and beans) and warm flour tortillas.
- Mexican Caesar Salad (52g protein, 350 calories) – Blends citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken with super greens, avocado, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, chili lime seasoning, and salsa fresca – served with a creamy Mexican Caesar dressing.
- Original Pollo Bowl (41g protein, 580 calories) – Features citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken, paired with savory pinto beans, seasoned rice, and topped with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and freshly-prepared salsa fresca.
- Side of Chopped Chicken Breast (23g protein, 120 calories) – Boneless, skinless chicken breast marinated in our signature blend of citrus, garlic, and spices, for bold, bright flavor then fire-grilled.
For more information and to view the full Protein Packed Menu, please visit https://www.elpolloloco.com/proteinmenu.
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/6f4b5334-7c30-47d4-9440-6c0fa8103939
FAQ
What is included in El Pollo Loco's Protein Packed Menu (LOCO) launched February 24, 2026?
Which El Pollo Loco (LOCO) menu item has the highest protein on the Protein Packed Menu?
How many calories and protein are in the Guacamole Chicken Burrito on El Pollo Loco's Protein Packed Menu?
Are all items on El Pollo Loco's Protein Packed Menu priced under $15 (LOCO)?
Where can investors or customers view El Pollo Loco's (LOCO) full Protein Packed Menu?
