El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Key Highlights
- ➤Total revenue rose to $126.3 million from $121.5 million year over year
- ➤System-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 5.0%
- ➤Net income fell to $6.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share
- ➤2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook reiterated at $68 million to $70 million
- ➤2027 new-store outlook calls for 25-30 restaurant openings
Expert Statements
Liz Williams, Chief Executive Officer of El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.
“We are thrilled to have delivered another strong quarter for El Pollo Loco. In addition to positive traffic growth, comparable sales were positive for the fourth straight quarter. Our strategy continues to deliver results, our marketing and innovation brought fresh energy to the brand, while our quality, value and improved service delivered a better experience for our guests. As we look ahead, our goal remains the same: Build traffic that lasts, protect the margin discipline and strong unit economics we’ve built, and bring El Pollo Loco to new communities, one great restaurant at a time.”
COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the 13-week period ended September 30, 2026.
Highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026 compared to the third quarter ended September 24, 2025 were as follows: * Total revenue was $126.3 million compared to $121.5 million. * System-wide comparable restaurant sales(()(1)()) increased by 5.0%. * Income from operations was $10.2 million compared to $11.5 million. * Restaurant contribution((1)) was $19.4 million, or 18.4% of company-operated restaurant revenue, compared to $18.5 million, or 18.3% of company-operated restaurant revenue. * Net income was $6.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to net income of $7.4 million, or $0.25 per diluted share. * Adjusted net income((1)()) was $7.3 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, compared to $7.8 million, or $0.27 per diluted share. * Adjusted EBITDA((1)) was $17.1 million, compared to $17.4 million. -------------------- ((1)) System-wide comparable restaurant sales, restaurant contribution, adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA are not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and are defined under “Definitions of Non-GAAP and other Key Financial Measures” below. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included in the accompanying financial data. See also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
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