Craveworthy Expands to India With Genghis Grill, Dirty Dough
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings launches Poppin’ Ranch, a 99-cent popping-candy ranch add-on, designed to spark sensory buzz and impulse trials ahead of Wing Day.
Jul 17, 2026
Wonder closed a $650M Series D at a $9B valuation to expand locations and invest in robotics, AI, and delivery tech, accelerating its automation-first restaurant model.
Jul 17, 2026
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
One of the largest U.S. Cyclospora outbreaks hits 34 states; Taco Bell pulls produce in Michigan as FDA and CDC trace the source.
Jul 16, 2026
Chick-fil-A will refresh 200+ multi-sensory playgrounds by 2026 to boost dine-in traffic and loyalty, adding app content and toys as rivals upgrade experiences.
Jul 16, 2026
Ex-consultant Michael Creatore acquires six Mold Medics territories across central Ohio, partnering with Threshold Brands amid a growing mold remediation market.
Jul 16, 2026
Pizza Hut launches a Throwback Value Menu, app rewards, and a streetwear drop as ownership shifts and the brand bets on nostalgia to steady sales.
Jul 16, 2026
Discover how El Pollo Loco is accelerating growth through new openings and remodeling efforts in 2026 despite economic uncertainties.

El Pollo Loco's ambitious plans for 2026 involve accelerating its store openings despite the current macroeconomic challenges surrounding tariffs. The chain's CEO mentioned how their flexible format enables the company and franchisees to seamlessly fit into second-generation spaces, taking advantage of restaurant closures by converting them into El Pollo Loco outlets. This adaptability not only allows for cost-effective expansion but also promises improved financial returns as the brand spreads its footprint across the nation.

In addition to new store launches, El Pollo Loco is actively engaged in a significant remodeling initiative in 2026, with plans to renovate 60 to 70 restaurants this year alone. The management is strategically remodeling half of the system over the next four years, employing a two-tiered approach. Restaurants will undergo either a low-cost, five-year refreshment or a more extensive 10-year remodel investment. This strategic remodeling effort aims to enhance customer experience, rejuvenate the brand image, and boost overall sales performance.
Despite a slight systemwide sales decline in the first quarter, El Pollo Loco remains optimistic about quarterly improvements in the coming months. The brand is gearing up for a relaunch on May 15 and plans to introduce new menu items, including quesadillas, during the summer to attract more customers. With a focus on accelerating growth and executing a comprehensive five-point plan that includes enhancing hospitality, refining branding, embracing digital initiatives, and strengthening restaurant-level margins, El Pollo Loco is poised for success in 2026 and beyond.