El Pollo Loco Trials Five New Menu Items in 60 Locations, Plans Eight More in 2026
El Pollo Loco is testing five new menu items in about 60 California and Utah restaurants through late April, including Honey Chipotle BBQ chicken meals, Loco Tenders and Horchata coffee drinks. The chain has scheduled eight more menu tests in 2026 to broaden its flavor portfolio and boost guest variety.
1. Five New Menu Innovations
El Pollo Loco has launched market tests for five new menu items across roughly 60 restaurants in California and Utah, running now through late April 2026. The lineup includes Honey Chipotle BBQ chicken meals served with BBQ black beans, coleslaw and sweet rolls; crispy Loco Tenders with Baja Lime, Pollo Loco Sauce or ranch dips; loaded quesadillas in Queso and Street Corn flavors; a crispy grilled chicken sandwich topped with house slaw; and two Horchata coffee drink variations.
2. Innovation Strategy and Next Steps
The company intends to deepen its culinary innovation through eight additional menu tests scheduled for later in 2026. These trials align with the “Let’s Get Loco” rebrand initiative, aiming to refine offerings based on guest feedback, accelerate flavor expansion and drive traffic and spend per visit in existing markets.