El Pollo Loco tops Q1 estimates as revenue rises 5.9%, LOCO gains

El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LOCO) reported first-quarter 2026 results above Wall Street expectations, with revenue rising 5.9% year over year to $126.2 million and adjusted earnings of $0.28 per share, 29.6% ahead of consensus estimates. Shares traded at $14.01 after the report, up from $13.51 before the earnings release. Management cited menu launches, including Baja Double Tostadas and Loco Tenders, along with improved service, order accuracy and speed, as drivers of sales mix, traffic and customer satisfaction. The company said its 2026 strategy will focus on traffic growth, restaurant-level margin discipline, loyalty platform upgrades, digital marketing and expansion into new markets. Management also flagged consumer spending pressure and inflation as continuing risks to margins and demand.