El Pollo Loco® Partners with WNBA Star Arike Ogunbowale to Support School Sports Teams Nationwide
Rhea-AI Summary
El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO) and WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale launched the “Bring the Fire” contest via the El Pollo Loco Foundation to support school sports teams nationwide. Five teams will each receive $2,000 in new equipment, totaling $10,000. The contest runs through February 19, 2026, with winners announced mid‑March 2026 on El Pollo Loco’s Instagram. The initiative follows a $10,000 donation and surprise visit to Lancaster High School, and entries require an Instagram video tagging @elpolloloco, @arike_ogunbowale, and hashtags #EPLfire and #Contest.
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
LOCO fell 1.76% as several restaurant peers also traded lower (e.g., JACK -1.58%, DIN -1.41%, RICK -4.91%), while PTLO gained 2.67%, indicating mixed sector action rather than a unified move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 | Conference participation | Neutral | -0.5% | Participation in the 28th Annual ICR investor conference and webcast. |
| Jan 05 | Product launch | Positive | +2.0% | Launch of high-protein Double Pollo Salads across multiple flavors nationwide. |
| Dec 15 | Board changes | Positive | -2.6% | Appointment of two new independent directors and related board transitions. |
| Nov 26 | Promotion campaign | Positive | +1.8% | Return of “12 Days of Pollo” deals and charitable tie-in to No Kid Hungry. |
| Oct 30 | Earnings release | Neutral | -4.7% | Q3 2025 financial results with modest revenue growth and mixed comps. |
Marketing and promotional news (new products, campaigns) have often coincided with positive or modestly positive moves, while governance changes saw a negative reaction.
Over the last few months, El Pollo Loco has focused on marketing initiatives and corporate governance updates alongside steady financial reporting. Product launches and promotions, such as Double Pollo Salads and “12 Days of Pollo,” saw positive next-day moves of 2.03% and 1.77%. In contrast, board changes on Dec 15, 2025 were followed by a -2.56% move, and Q3 2025 earnings on Oct 30, 2025 coincided with a -4.73% reaction. The current partnership fits the pattern of brand- and community-focused announcements.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights a brand-building partnership between El Pollo Loco and WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale, with the “Bring the Fire” contest directing $10,000 in equipment support to 5 school sports teams and an additional $10,000 donation to a Texas high school. It extends the company’s recent emphasis on marketing and community engagement. Observers may track how such initiatives complement prior menu innovations, promotions, and the latest financial results in shaping the company’s positioning.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
“Bring the Fire” contest, through the El Pollo Loco Foundation, will award a total of
COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, is teaming up with women’s basketball superstar Arike Ogunbowale to support school sports teams across the country through its Foundation’s “Bring the Fire” contest, an initiative designed to uplift young athletes and provide much-needed equipment to school programs.
Through the contest, funded by the El Pollo Loco Foundation, five school sports teams will each receive
“School sports are such a powerful source of confidence and community for young athletes, but not every school has the resources to replace equipment or maintain facilities — and that shouldn’t be a barrier to participation or success,” said Arike Ogunbowale. “I’m proud to partner with El Pollo Loco and the El Pollo Loco Foundation to help remove those barriers so student athletes can focus on having fun, building confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game.”
The initiative builds on a recent visit by Arike and El Pollo Loco to Lancaster High School in Texas, where they surprised the girls’ basketball team with a special appearance. During the visit, Arike played a spirited game of P-O-L-L-O (a twist on H-O-R-S-E) and presented a
“Thanks to the El Pollo Loco Foundation, supporting the communities we serve goes beyond our restaurants,” said Jill Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco. “Partnering with Arike, whose leadership and passion for uplifting underserved youth is evident in everything she does, is a true embodiment of what we aim to achieve in our communities. Her commitment to her community aligns perfectly with our foundation’s mission to support the youth in the communities we serve.”
How to Enter the ‘Bring the Fire’ Contest:
- Record a video about what school sports team you’re nominating, why you think the team deserves to win and what they would spend the prize money on
- Post that video on Instagram and be sure to tag #EPLfire and #Contest in the caption
- Follow both @elpolloloco and @arike_ogunbowale for updates about the contest
Visit ElPolloLoco.com/BringtheFire for official details and Terms & Conditions.
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.
About El Pollo Loco Foundation
EL Pollo Loco Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that aims to provide food and other necessities for those in financial need.
CONTACT:
El Pollo Loco
media@elpolloloco.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e22b161-9397-4746-bbb1-54d61a829fdf
FAQ
What is the El Pollo Loco "Bring the Fire" contest for LOCO?
How do schools enter the El Pollo Loco "Bring the Fire" contest (LOCO) and what are the deadlines?
When will El Pollo Loco (LOCO) announce winners for the "Bring the Fire" contest?
Who is partnering with El Pollo Loco (LOCO) on the Bring the Fire contest?
How much did El Pollo Loco donate during the Lancaster High School visit mentioned in the LOCO release?
Where can contestants find official rules for the El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Bring the Fire contest?
