El Pollo Loco® Launches Protein-Packed Double Pollo Salads: Twice the Chicken, All the Flavor
Rhea-AI Summary
El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO) on January 5, 2026 introduced Double Pollo Salads, a new product line featuring double portions of its citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast across three flavors: Mexican Caesar, Street Corn and limited-time Bacon Ranch. The Street Corn and Mexican Caesar versions contain 52 grams of protein each; Bacon Ranch contains 61 grams of protein (all protein counts exclude dressing). Each salad pairs two scoops of chicken with super greens, avocado, cotija cheese and signature dressings.
The salads are available now nationwide for customers to order.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, LOCO gained 2.03%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Restaurant peers showed mixed moves: JACK -1.99%, RICK -2.54%, NATH -1.27%, while DIN gained 2.28% and PTLO rose 0.44%, suggesting stock-specific factors rather than a unified sector trend.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15 | Board changes | Positive | -2.6% | Added two experienced independent directors while two long-time directors retired. |
| Nov 26 | Promotional campaign | Positive | +1.8% | Launched 12-day promotional offers and charity tie-in for rewards members. |
| Oct 30 | Earnings results | Positive | -4.7% | Reported higher revenue, income, and EBITDA despite modest comparable sales declines. |
| Oct 16 | Earnings notice | Neutral | -2.3% | Announced date and access details for upcoming Q3 2025 earnings call. |
| Oct 14 | Growth milestone | Positive | -1.5% | Marked 50th anniversary with opening of 500th U.S. restaurant and expansion plans. |
Recent history shows frequent negative price reactions around generally positive strategic, promotional, and growth updates, with only one clearly aligned positive move.
Over the last several months, El Pollo Loco reported board refreshment effective January 1, 2026, promotional activity like the “12 Days of Pollo” campaign, and Q3 2025 financial results showing higher revenue, income, and adjusted EBITDA. The company also highlighted development milestones such as its 500th U.S. restaurant and planned new openings. Despite these growth and branding efforts, four of the last five news events saw negative next-day price moves, providing context for how investors have reacted to marketing and strategic updates similar to this new salad launch.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights new Double Pollo Salads featuring over 50 grams of protein and three flavor options, expanding El Pollo Loco’s better-for-you menu positioning. Recent history includes Q3 2025 results with higher revenue and income, board refreshment, and continued unit growth toward and beyond the 500th U.S. restaurant. Investors may watch how these salads affect guest traffic, average check, and future earnings updates alongside ongoing marketing and development initiatives.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire–grilled chicken restaurant chain, is here to prove that eating better doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Introducing Double Pollo Salads: packed with bold flavors, premium ingredients, and double the fire-grilled chicken.
“At El Pollo Loco, we’re always looking for fresh ways to deliver craveable and affordable meal options, without compromising premium ingredients or customer experience,” said Jill Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco. “With three delicious flavor options these Double Pollo Salads, packed with more than 50 grams of protein*, are sure to be a crowd pleaser.”
What are the three delicious flavors? Mexican Caesar, Street Corn and Bacon Ranch – with each salad featuring super greens and crisp lettuce topped with two scoops of El Pollo Loco’s signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, alongside unique blends of delicious, premium ingredients.
- Mexican Caesar Salad – A double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, chili lime seasoning and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce. Pour on El Pollo Loco’s new Mexican Caesar dressing and dig in!
- Street Corn Salad – A double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, chili lime seasoning, corn and diced red peppers and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce, served with El Pollo Loco’s creamy cilantro dressing.
- Bacon Ranch Salad – Available for a limited time only, a double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, bacon, chili lime seasoning, and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce, served with a new House Ranch dressing.
The Double Pollo Salads are available now, so order yours today!
*Street Corn and Mexican Caesar Double Pollo Salads each contain 52 grams of protein. Bacon Ranch Double Pollo Salad contains 61 grams of protein. All calculations are 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:
El Pollo Loco
media@elpolloloco.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/059d2d32-d884-4d0b-986c-b67612042df5
FAQ
What are El Pollo Loco's new Double Pollo Salads announced January 5, 2026 (LOCO)?
How much protein is in El Pollo Loco Double Pollo Salads (LOCO)?
Which ingredients are included in the Double Pollo Mexican Caesar salad from El Pollo Loco (LOCO)?
Is the Bacon Ranch Double Pollo Salad from El Pollo Loco (LOCO) permanent or limited?
Where and when can customers buy El Pollo Loco Double Pollo Salads (LOCO)?
