El Pollo Loco generated $123.5 million in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with $114.3 million in Q4 2024, driven by a 2.1% increase in system-wide comparable restaurant sales. Net income rose to $6.5 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, while adjusted EBITDA improved to $16.9 million.

Company-operated restaurant revenue climbed to $102.4 million from $95.6 million, with comparable sales up 0.4% on a 2.7% average check increase. Franchise revenue grew 15.5% to $13.0 million, aided by additional quarter weeks and nine new openings. Restaurant contribution margins expanded to 17.5% of company-operated revenue, offsetting higher general and administrative expenses driven by labor, restructuring and transition costs.

As of March 12, total debt was reduced to $46.0 million after successive paydowns, with $6.2 million in cash on hand. For 2026 the company projects system-wide comp sales growth of 1.0%–3.0%, three to four new company restaurants, 15 to 16 franchised openings, $37 million–$40 million in capital spending and adjusted EBITDA of $66 million–$68 million.