THE WAIT IS OVER: EL POLLO LOCO® BRINGS BACK BBQ BLACK BEANS
Rhea-AI Summary
El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ:LOCO) is bringing back its BBQ Black Beans side dish nationwide for a limited time starting June 25, 2026. The slow-simmered, smoky-sweet beans will be available as small or large sides at participating restaurants, following strong fan demand highlighted in an Instagram poll.
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News Market Reaction – LOCO
In the Jun 16 session, LOCO gained 0.96%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28 | Share repurchase authorization | Positive | +6.6% | Board approved $40M buyback program equal to about 9% of market cap. |
| May 07 | Earnings release | Positive | +3.6% | Q1 2026 beat with $126.2M revenue and raised full-year guidance. |
| Apr 23 | Menu innovation launch | Positive | -0.8% | Launch of limited-time Loco Tenders menu in multiple piece and flavor options. |
| Apr 16 | Earnings call scheduling | Neutral | +0.1% | Announcement of Q1 2026 results date and details for investor conference call. |
| Mar 16 | Loyalty program upgrade | Positive | +4.8% | Upgraded Loco Rewards program with experiential prizes and new engagement features. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent history shows LOCO often trading positively on financially meaningful news (buybacks, earnings, loyalty upgrades), while smaller product launches can see muted or slightly negative reactions, indicating investors focus more on capital allocation and earnings than limited-time menu items.
Over the last few months, El Pollo Loco has reported stronger fundamentals and shareholder-friendly actions. A $40 million buyback authorization on May 28, 2026 lifted shares 6.59%. First quarter 2026 earnings on May 7 showed $126.2 million in revenue and raised guidance, with a 3.63% gain. Loyalty enhancements on March 16 drove a 4.8% move. In contrast, a new tender launch on April 23 saw a modest -0.79% reaction, similar in nature to today’s menu-focused announcement.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Mark your calendars for June 25, 2026
El Pollo Loco's signature BBQ Black Beans are slow-simmered to deliver a touch of sweet and smoky BBQ that guests crave. Available as a small or large side, they pair perfectly with El Pollo Loco's fire-grilled chicken meals (or anything else on the menu).
The return of the BBQ Black Beans is in response to overwhelming consumer demand. In a recent Instagram poll
Customers aren't the only ones who wanted to see BBQ Black Beans return. These are a favorite of El Pollo Loco restaurant teams and Support Center staff as well.
"From the day I joined this brand, my #1 mission was to get the BBQ Black Beans back on our menu," said René Pisciotti, Senior Director of Culinary Innovation and Executive Chef at El Pollo Loco. "I loved them growing up, and I am absolutely thrilled to have them back on the menu this summer.
The BBQ Black Beans will only be available for a limited time starting June 25, so mark your calendar and find your local Loco today!
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
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SOURCE El Pollo Loco, Inc.