Costa Mesa, Calif. — El Pollo Loco, a premier fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, has unveiled its new restaurant prototype showcasing an enduring, yet modern and efficient, design. As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary next year, it looks to create a modern legacy of curated experiences, inspired by place and punctuated by new menu innovation.
While the new restaurant prototype includes existing brand elements — such as the fire stack gradient, logo and font — that fans have come to know and love, these elements now reflect an updated color palette, footprint and use of materials. Specifics include interior and furniture upgrades to create a bright and airy space; LED lighting; and energy-efficient hoods and HVAC.
The new restaurant design comes on the heels of hiring Tim Welsh as chief development officer earlier this year. Welsh, a registered architect, joined El Pollo Loco with over 25 years of experience in restaurant and retail design. Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Welsh was senior vice president of design and construction for TriMark, an industry leader in foodservice design and commercial kitchen construction. Before his time at TriMark, Welsh was the chief development officer of Crunch Fitness and QDOBA® Mexican Eats. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Sweetgreen and Walgreens. Throughout his career, Welsh has led growth strategies, franchise sales, prototype development, remodel programs and facilities maintenance.
Currently operating 495 restaurants across seven U.S. states, El Pollo Loco plans to open its 500th location by the end of 2024. The brand is also eyeing previously untapped markets such as Boise, Idaho; El Paso, Texas; Kansas City, Mo.; and Seattle-Tacoma, Wash., for growth in 2025.
El Pollo Loco operates more than 495 company-owned and franchised restaurants across seven U.S. states. The company has also extended its footprint internationally, with 10 licensed restaurant locations in the Philippines. For more information, visit www.ElPolloLoco.com.
SOURCE: El Pollo Loco