Restaurant Technology Trends in 2026
Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
Aug 28, 2026
Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
Aug 28, 2026
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
Aug 31, 2026
Learn the startup costs of opening an ice cream shop, including rent, equipment, renovations, permits, inventory, labor, marketing, and reserves.
Aug 28, 2026
A restaurant P&L statement reveals sales, expenses, and profits, helping owners manage costs, improve margins, and plan finances more effectively.
Aug 26, 2026
Learn practical ways to reduce labour costs through smarter scheduling, forecasting, productivity, cross-training, automation, overtime control, and performance monitoring strategies.
Aug 26, 2026
RaceTrac has appointed Jill Pemberton as chief financial officer, succeeding Karla Ahlert, who moves into the newly created role of chief administrative officer.
Aug 26, 2026
A payroll advance policy helps restaurant owners define eligibility, limits, repayment, documentation, approval procedures, and compliance requirements for employee advances.
Aug 24, 2026
Create a practical restaurant marketing plan by setting goals, targeting customers, choosing channels, budgeting wisely, scheduling campaigns, and measuring results.
Aug 24, 2026
Levain Bakery appoints Lorna Sommerville and Taya Stenson as co-CEOs, blending operational and marketing expertise to power national expansion and innovation while staying rooted in its brand values.
Aug 25, 2026
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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.