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Red lobster to close more struggling restaurants this week, roti declares chapter 11 bankruptcy, el pollo loco's private equity investor finally heads for the exits, after 18 years.

El pollo loco investor

Last week, Dean Kehler resigned as a director with El Pollo Loco. The reason was relatively simple: Kehler’s private equity firm, Trimaran Capital, was wrapping up its investment in the California-based chicken chain.

In the process, Trimaran ended a surprisingly long-term investment in the company. The investment firm first invested in El Pollo Loco in 2005. At the time, El Pollo Loco was valued at $400 million and the chain operated 359 locations.

Trimaran tried taking Loco public the next year, only to withdraw, long enough for the world to plunge into and then emerge from a brutal recession. In 2014, Loco did go public. Shares took off, as some analysts likened the chain to Chipotle Mexican Grill, giving the brand a halo among investors that were pumping millions into fast-casual concepts at the time.

At one point, the brand was trading at more than $30 a share, giving it a valuation of more than $1 billion—well over the $400 million at which Loco was valued when Trimaran first invested.

But El Pollo Loco never matched that early valuation, and a year later the company’s stock price was below $10. It has largely drifted between $10 and $15 in the years since then. The company has also had some unique issues, such as $36 million in lawsuit settlements it paid in 2018 .  

Trimaran, which initially acquired El Pollo Loco along with Freeman Spogli, owned about 45% of the company's stock after the IPO, and 43% before unwinding. 

The brand itself has done OK. System sales have grown 74% since 2006 to about $1 billion, according to data from Restaurant Business sister company Technomic. They’ve grown by an average of 4.1% per year since 2016, more than Bojangles (3.8%) or KFC (2.5%) but less than Popeyes (10.6%) or Chick-fil-A (17.1%). The chain has 480 locations, 291 of which are owned by franchisees.

The company’s stock price, which started the year off strongly, hitting a 52-week high of $13 per share in early February, has since lost 28% of its value as Trimaran liquidated its position.

Loco’s enterprise value, according to data from Sentieo/AlphaSense, is just over $400 million, not much different than in 2005.

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trimaran el pollo loco

Trimaran Capital Closes on El Pollo Loco Acquisition

Trimaran Capital Partners announced today that it has completed the acquisition of El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in marinated, flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican-inspired entrees. Trimaran purchased the company from American Securities Capital Partners, L.P. in a deal originally announced on September 28, 2005. Terms were not disclosed.

“El Pollo Loco is a unique and well-regarded franchise, combining the flavor of authentic ethnic food with healthy, fresh ingredients. Its exceptional brand loyalty and appeal to many demographic groups make its growth prospects extremely encouraging. We look forward to working with management to bring this great brand across the U.S.,” said Andrew Heyer, a co-founder and Managing Partner at Trimaran Capital Partners.

El Pollo Loco’s management team, headed by President and CEO Stephen E. Carley, will continue in their current positions and will be investors in the transaction.

“El Pollo Loco has achieved remarkable momentum in recent years, and we look forward to continuing this course with Trimaran Capital Partners,” said Mr. Carley. “Their team brings a wealth of operating expertise to our brand, along with precisely the kind of thought leadership and passion that will fuel El Pollo Loco’s nationwide expansion. We are very excited about what the future holds for this powerful brand.”

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Stay connected, additional links, trimaran capital partners agrees to acquire el pollo loco.

IRVINE, Calif. & NEW YORK, Sep 28, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Trimaran Capital Partners announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in marinated, flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican-inspired entrees, from American Securities Capital Partners L.P. The transaction, whose value was not disclosed, is expected to close during the fourth quarter.  

Sept. 28, 2005

Trimaran Capital Partners has succeeded in utilizing similar investment themes in the past. Trimaran currently owns Charlie Brown's, a leading casual steak restaurant chain in the Northeast, that possesses a similar growth strategy of extending a dominant regional concept into new markets. Another Trimaran portfolio company, Urban Brands, Inc., is the operator of Marianne, founded in 1969, a leading retailer of misses and plus-size women's apparel and accessories for Hispanic women. Similarly, Trimaran's interest in healthy food and healthy eating dates to its founding of The Hain Celestial Group, a leading natural and organic beverage, snack, specialty food and personal care products company in North America and Europe with well-known brands such as Celestial Seasonings® and Terra Chips®.

About El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco, pronounced "L Po-yo Lo-co" and Spanish for "The Crazy Chicken," is the nation's leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican inspired entrees. Founded in Guasave, Mexico in 1975, El Pollo Loco's long-term success stems from the unique preparation of its award-winning "pollo" -- fresh chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices and citrus juices passed down from the founding family. The marinated chicken is then flame-grilled, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas and a wide assortment of side dishes and salsas prepared fresh every day. Rounding out the menu are fresh flavorful entrees inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including Signature Grilled Burritos, Pollo Bowls, Pollo Salads, Tacos al Carbon and Quesadillas. And of course, there is a fresh salsa bar featuring El Pollo Loco's famous House Salsa, alongside its Avocado, Chipotle and Pico de Gallo salsas. All are made fresh daily.

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Zombie fund Trimaran to double its money with El Pollo Loco IPO

trimaran el pollo loco

The IPO of El Pollo Loco shows that there is an afterlife, of sorts, for a zombie fund such as Trimaran Capital Partners .

Costa Mesa, California-based El Pollo Loco is expected to price its IPO later Thursday and trade Friday. El Pollo Loco, a fast-food chain that specializes in fire grilled chicken and other Mexican specialties, is offering roughly 7.14 million shares at $13 to $15 each, an SEC filing said . Bookrunners include Jefferies , Morgan Stanley and Baird .

Trimaran, a New York mid-market PE firm, was founded in 2000 by Jay Bloom , Andrew Heyer and Dean Kehler . The executives are all former vice chairmen of CIBC World Markets . The three are also all former bankers from Drexel Burnham Lambert .

Trimaran, which hasn’t raised a fund since 2000, is widely considered a zombie . The firm’s website does not list any portfolio companies. Now, nearly nine years after investing in El Pollo Loco, Trimaran is taking the fast food chain public. Another Trimaran portfolio company, Norcraft Cos , launched an IPO last year. “They are running off the investments,” a source familiar with Trimaran said.

Trimaran stands to more than double its money in El Pollo Loco after nearly nine years. At $14 a share (the mid-point of its IPO range), Trimaran’s stake will likely be worth $231 million. The investment in El Pollo Loco dates from November 2005 , when Trimaran injected $110 million of equity into the fast-food chain, the source said. In December 2007, Freeman Spogli & Co provided another $45 million to Pollo Loco, according to a statement from that time.

Trimaran’s investment came from its second fund, a $1 billion vehicle from 2000. CIBC was the biggest LP of Fund II, the source said. (The firm’s first fund hails back to 1995 when CIBC acquired Argosy Group , which also was founded by Bloom, Heyer and Kehler. Fund I, a $500 million vehicle, was part of that deal, the source said.)

In 2005, Trimaran began marketing for its third pool, which also had a $1 billion target, the source said. Fundraising came to a halt in January 2007 when Heyer left to start Mistral Equity Partners , a mid-market firm that target sectors such as consumer, retail and consumer media, peHUB has reported.

“After Heyer left, Trimaran lost all hope of raising a fund,” the source said. “They didn’t even try.”

With Heyer’s departure, Bloom and Kehler focused on the firm’s debt business, Trimaran Advisors , which was sold to Kohlberg Capital in 2012. Bloom and Kehler currently sit on KCAP Financial’s board, according to the firm’s website .

El Pollo Loco has not paid out any dividends to either Trimaran or Freeman Spogli. Neither PE firm is selling shares in the IPO. Instead, Trimaran’s stake in El Pollo Loco will fall to about 46 percent, or about 16.5 million shares. (CIBC appears to own about half of the holding, the SEC filing indicates.) Freeman Spogli will see its ownership drop to 26.3 percent, or 9.4 million shares.

Freeman’s holding stands to be valued at $131.6 million. It is nearly tripling its investment after nearly seven years. The Los Angeles PE firm closed its sixth fund with $735 million in commitments in 2011. Freeman Spogli is currently fundraising for its seventh pool, which has an $850 million target, Buyouts has reported .

Executives for El Pollo Loco and Trimaran declined to comment. Freeman Spogli could not immediately be reached for comment.

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Trimaran Capital Closes On El Pollo Loco Acquisition

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK, NEW YORK | Monday, November 21, 2005

“El Pollo Loco is a unique and well-regarded franchise, combining the flavor of authentic ethnic food with healthy, fresh ingredients. Its exceptional brand loyalty and appeal to many demographic groups make its growth prospects extremely encouraging. We look forward to working with management to bring this great brand across the U.S.,” said Andrew Heyer, a co-founder and Managing Partner at Trimaran Capital Partners.

El Pollo Loco’s management team, headed by President and CEO Stephen E. Carley, will continue in their current positions and will be investors in the transaction.

“El Pollo Loco has achieved remarkable momentum in recent years, and we look forward to continuing this course with Trimaran Capital Partners,” said Mr. Carley. “Their team brings a wealth of operating expertise to our brand, along with precisely the kind of thought leadership and passion that will fuel El Pollo Loco’s nationwide expansion. We are very excited about what the future holds for this powerful brand.” About El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco, pronounced “L Po-yo Lo-co” and Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” is the nation’s leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican inspired entrees. Headquartered in Irvine, California, El Pollo Loco currently has 330 restaurants located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Illinois and a strong pipeline of Company-owned and franchise restaurant commitments in California, Colorado, Illinois, New England, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Founded in Guasave, Mexico in 1975, El Pollo Loco’s long-term success stems from the unique preparation of its award-winning “pollo” � fresh chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices and citrus juices passed down from the founding family. The marinated chicken is then flame-grilled, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas and a wide assortment of side dishes and salsas prepared fresh every day. Rounding out the menu are fresh flavorful entrees inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including signature grilled Burritos, the Pollo Bowl�, Pollo Salads, Tacos al Carbon and Quesadillas. And of course, there is a fresh salsa bar featuring El Pollo Loco’s famous House Salsa, alongside its Avocado, Chipotle and Pico de Gallo salsas. All are made fresh daily.

About Trimaran Capital Partners Trimaran is a private asset management firm, headquartered in New York, with assets under management and committed capital in excess of $3 billion. Since 1995, Trimaran has completed 60 private equity investments totaling over $1.3 billion of equity capital. Trimaran partners with outstanding management teams that lead companies with strong growth prospects, as evidenced by the fact that four of its portfolio companies � ITC Holdings Corp.; Reddy Ice Group, Inc.; Accuride Corporation; and FreightCar America, Inc. � have had successful IPOs since April 2005. Trimaran’s restaurant and consumer portfolio companies include: Charlie Brown’s Inc., a leading, casual steakhouse chain with 59 units in the Northeast; Fortunoff, a retailer of fine jewelry and home furnishings in the New York area; Urban Brands, Inc., operator of two specialty apparel concepts, Marianne and Ashley Stewart, that primarily sell plus-sized apparel and accessories for Hispanic and African-American women; and Reddy Ice Group, Inc., the nation’s largest producer of packaged ice. Previous Trimaran investments include Domino’s, Inc., the leading pizza delivery company in the United States, and Golden State Foods, one of the oldest and largest suppliers to restaurants and franchisees of the McDonald’s Corporation.

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M&A Deal Summary

Trimaran capital partners acquires el pollo loco, on september 28, 2005, private equity firm trimaran capital partners acquired restaurant el pollo loco from american securities, acquisition highlights.

  • This is Trimaran Capital Partners’ 2nd transaction in the Restaurants sector.
  • This is Trimaran Capital Partners’ 8th transaction in the United States.
  • This is Trimaran Capital Partners’ 1st transaction in California.

Investment Fate

  • El Pollo Loco was sold to a consortium of financial buyers in 2007.
Date
Target
Sector
Buyer(s)
Sellers(s)
Deal Type

El Pollo Loco

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Trimaran Capital Partners

Investor

Category
Founded 1998
PE ASSETS 3.1B USD
Size
Type

DESCRIPTION

Trimaran Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity investor. The Firm seeks long-term capital appreciation by making privately negotiated equity or equity-oriented investments in niche middle-market companies. Trimaran generally looks to invest $25 to $100 million of equity in transactions ranging in value from $100 million to $1 billion. Sectors of interest include business services, financial services, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and media. Trimaran Capital Partners was formed in 1998 and is based in New York City.

DEAL STATS #
Overall 8 of 10
Sector ( ) 2 of 2
Type ( ) 4 of 4
State ( ) 1 of 1
Country ( ) 8 of 10
Year ( ) 3 of 4

PREVIOUS DEAL

DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2005-08-09

Dallas, Texas, United States

Reddy Ice Holdings, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice in the United States. The Company sells its products primarily under the widely known Reddy Ice® brand to a variety of customers in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Reddy Ice provides a broad array of product offerings in the marketplace through traditional direct store delivery, warehouse programs, and its proprietary technology, The Ice Factory®.

Sell -

FOLLOWING DEAL

DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2005-12-07

New York, New York, United States

Village Voice LLC is a newsweekly publisher in the United States. Its publications provide analysis of local political and community events, thorough coverage of arts and entertainment, sharp editorial commentary and cartoons, and provide a voice for local residents on issues of concern that are not well-addressed by other media. Village Voice was founded in 1955 and is based in New York City.

Buy -

Seller(S) 1

American securities.

Investor

Category
Founded 1994
PE ASSETS 26.0B USD
Size
Type

American Securities is a large private equity firm that typically partners with management when pursuing company acquisitions. American Securities typically targets US-based companies and generally seeks to commit $300 to $700 million per transaction. Areas of interest include consumer products, restaurants, healthcare, industrial, aerospace, defense, agriculture, environmental, paper/packaging, energy, and specialty chemicals. The Firm was originally formed in 1947 as the family office for William Rosenwald, an heir to the Sears Roebuck & Company, and began accepting outside investors in 1994. American Securities is headquartered in New York City.

DEAL STATS #
Overall 8 of 51
Sector ( ) 2 of 3
Type ( ) 4 of 20
State ( ) 2 of 4
Country ( ) 7 of 50
Year ( ) 3 of 3
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2005-06-06

Fort Worth, Texas, United States

TNP Enterprises, Inc. is a provider of community based electric service to 85 cities and more than 252,000 customers in Texas and New Mexico.

Sell $189M
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2005-10-17

West Bend, Wisconsin, United States

Weasler Engineering, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of mechanical power transmission products for agricultural and lawn & turf machinery.

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El Pollo Loco Franchise

El Pollo Loco Franchise

El Pollo Loco has a story distinct from most successful restaurant brands in America. The chain, which specializes in Mexican-style flame-grilled chicken dishes, originated in Mexico and spread through the northern part of the country before moving north across the border and opening its first American location in Los Angeles. From that foray, El Pollo Loco has continued to spread, mostly across the American Southwest. El Pollo Loco has also expanded its menu, venturing into burritos and salads and becoming a competitor with other Mexican-style restaurant brands, such as Taco Bell and Del Taco. And always, there has been El Pollo Locos famous salsa bar, with fresh salsas made daily. More about the cost of owning a El Pollo Loco franchise below.

trimaran el pollo loco

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Liquid capital required
Franchise fee

El Pollo Loco, which is Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” operates a 14-hour day, serving 50% lunch and 50% dinner customers. The company seeks franchisees to invest in multi-unit agreements, preferably a minimum of three locations in a 48-month period. El Pollo Loco corporation has built a strong business model with great potential for return-on-investment. The restaurant company is the nation’s leading quick-service chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken.

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El Pollo Loco Franchise Opportunities – History

El Pollo Loco began as a roadside chicken stand opened by Juan Francisco Ochoa in the small town of Guasave, Mexico, on the Pacific Coast, featuring a simple menu of fresh chicken marinated in special herbs, spices and citrus juices, an Ochoa family recipe, then flame-grilled to perfection. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite and grew to several locations in Northern Mexico. In 1980, the first El Pollo Loco opened in Los Angeles. In 1983, the American restaurants in the chain were acquired by Denny’s, leaving the Ochoas to run the Mexican chain. The chain has switched ownership twice since and is now owned by Trimaran Capital Partners, since 2005. The brand numbers more than 450 locations.

El Pollo Loco Franchise Cost, Total Investment and Royalties

The franchise fee to join El Pollo Loco is $40,000. The total investment to open an El Pollo Loco franchise ranges from $505,000 to $1.1 million. Financing is available from the company. A 4% royalty fee of monthly receipts is paid to the parent company.

El Pollo Loco Franchise Business Opportunities: Other Information

El Pollo Loco boasts numerous awards and accolades, including being voted “Best Chicken Place” for nine consecutive years by readers of the Orange County Register , and named to the lists of Top 200 Restaurants by Franchise Times and Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500, to name only a few.

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trimaran el pollo loco

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

FORM 4 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

Filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or Section 30(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
 
OMB APPROVAL
OMB Number: 3235-0287
Estimated average burden
hours per response: 0.5
X
1. Name and Address of Reporting Person
(Last) (First) (Middle)
C/O TRIMARAN CAPITAL PARTNERS
1325 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 28TH FLOOR
NEW YORK NY 10019
(City) (State) (Zip)
Director X 10% Owner
Officer (give title below) Other (specify below)
Form filed by One Reporting Person
X Form filed by More than One Reporting Person
1. Title of Security (Instr. 3) 2. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year) 2A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year) 3. Transaction Code (Instr. 8) 4. Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed Of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5) 5. Amount of Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 3 and 4) 6. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4) 7. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
Code V Amount (A) or (D) Price
Common Stock 03/28/2023 J 11,116,638 D $0.00 95,602 I See footnote
Common Stock 03/28/2023 J 5,182,564 A $0.00 5,182,564 I See footnote
Common Stock 03/28/2023 J 4,800,152 D $0.00 382,412 I See footnote

1. Title of Derivative Security (Instr. 3) 2. Conversion or Exercise Price of Derivative Security 3. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year) 3A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year) 4. Transaction Code (Instr. 8) 5. Number of Derivative Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5) 6. Date Exercisable and Expiration Date (Month/Day/Year) 7. Title and Amount of Securities Underlying Derivative Security (Instr. 3 and 4) 8. Price of Derivative Security (Instr. 5) 9. Number of derivative Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 4) 10. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4) 11. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
Code V (A) (D) Date Exercisable Expiration Date Title Amount or Number of Shares
1. Name and Address of Reporting Person
C/O TRIMARAN FUND MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
1325 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 28TH FLOOR
1. Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C. distributed these shares to all of its members on a ratable basis, for no consideration.
2. Represents shares held directly by Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C. Trimaran Capital, L.L.C. is the managing member of Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C. Mr. Bloom and Mr. Kehler are the managing members of Trimaran Capital, L.L.C. Each of Trimaran Capital, L.L.C., Mr. Bloom and Mr. Kehler may be deemed a beneficial owner of shares of the issuer's common stock held by Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C., but disclaims beneficial ownership thereof, except to the extent of its or respective pecuniary interest therein.
3. Represents shares received by Trimaran Fund II, L.L.C., Trimaran Parallel Fund II, L.P., and Trimaran Capital, L.L.C in a ratable distribution by Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C. for no consideration.
4. Represents shares held directly by Trimaran Capital, L.L.C., Trimaran Fund II, L.L.C. and Trimaran Parallel Fund II, L.P. Trimaran Investments II, L.L.C. is the special member of Trimaran Fund II, L.L.C. and the special limited partner of Trimaran Parallel Fund II, L.P. Mr. Bloom and Mr. Kehler are the managing members of Trimaran Capital, L.L.C. and Trimaran Investments II, L.L.C. Each of Mr. Bloom and Mr. Kehler may be deemed a beneficial owner of shares of the issuer's common stock held by Trimaran Capital, L.L.C., Trimaran Fund II, L.L.C. and Trimaran Parallel Fund II, L.P., but disclaims beneficial ownership thereof, except to the extent of his respective pecuniary interest therein.
5. Trimaran Fund II, L.L.C., Trimaran Parallel Fund II, L.P., and Trimaran Capital L.L.C distributed these shares to all of their members and limited partners, as applicable, on a ratable basis, for no consideration. Includes 11,433 shares distributed to Trimaran Investments II, L.L.C., 69,620 shares distributed to Mr. Kehler and 69,620 shares distributed to Mr. Bloom.
Exhibit List: Ex.24 - Power of Attorney
** Signature of Reporting Person Date
Reminder: Report on a separate line for each class of securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly.
* If the form is filed by more than one reporting person, Instruction 4 (b)(v).
** Intentional misstatements or omissions of facts constitute Federal Criminal Violations 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 15 U.S.C. 78ff(a).
Note: File three copies of this Form, one of which must be manually signed. If space is insufficient, Instruction 6 for procedure.

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trimaran el pollo loco

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Has El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Outpaced Other Retail-Wholesale Stocks This Year?

For those looking to find strong Retail-Wholesale stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has El Pollo Loco Holdings ( LOCO Quick Quote LOCO - Free Report ) been one of those stocks this year? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.

El Pollo Loco Holdings is a member of our Retail-Wholesale group, which includes 209 different companies and currently sits at #9 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. El Pollo Loco Holdings is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for LOCO's full-year earnings has moved 13.2% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the most recent data, LOCO has returned 54.1% so far this year. At the same time, Retail-Wholesale stocks have gained an average of 14.1%. This shows that El Pollo Loco Holdings is outperforming its peers so far this year.

Another stock in the Retail-Wholesale sector, Marks and Spencer Group PLC ( MAKSY Quick Quote MAKSY - Free Report ) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock's year-to-date return is 24.9%.

The consensus estimate for Marks and Spencer Group PLC's current year EPS has increased 1.5% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Looking more specifically, El Pollo Loco Holdings belongs to the Retail - Restaurants industry, which includes 43 individual stocks and currently sits at #145 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 2.1% so far this year, so LOCO is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.

On the other hand, Marks and Spencer Group PLC belongs to the Retail - Supermarkets industry. This 9-stock industry is currently ranked #21. The industry has moved +42.3% year to date.

Investors interested in the Retail-Wholesale sector may want to keep a close eye on El Pollo Loco Holdings and Marks and Spencer Group PLC as they attempt to continue their solid performance.

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Has El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Outpaced Other Retail-Wholesale Stocks This Year?

August 27, 2024 — 09:40 am EDT

Written by Zacks Equity Research for Zacks  ->

For those looking to find strong Retail-Wholesale stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) been one of those stocks this year? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.

El Pollo Loco Holdings is a member of our Retail-Wholesale group, which includes 209 different companies and currently sits at #9 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.

The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. El Pollo Loco Holdings is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for LOCO's full-year earnings has moved 13.2% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.

Based on the most recent data, LOCO has returned 54.1% so far this year. At the same time, Retail-Wholesale stocks have gained an average of 14.1%. This shows that El Pollo Loco Holdings is outperforming its peers so far this year.

Another stock in the Retail-Wholesale sector, Marks and Spencer Group PLC (MAKSY), has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock's year-to-date return is 24.9%.

The consensus estimate for Marks and Spencer Group PLC's current year EPS has increased 1.5% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Looking more specifically, El Pollo Loco Holdings belongs to the Retail - Restaurants industry, which includes 43 individual stocks and currently sits at #145 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 2.1% so far this year, so LOCO is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.

On the other hand, Marks and Spencer Group PLC belongs to the Retail - Supermarkets industry. This 9-stock industry is currently ranked #21. The industry has moved +42.3% year to date.

Investors interested in the Retail-Wholesale sector may want to keep a close eye on El Pollo Loco Holdings and Marks and Spencer Group PLC as they attempt to continue their solid performance.

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El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Marks and Spencer Group PLC (MAKSY) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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IMAGES

  1. A Brief History of El Pollo Loco

    trimaran el pollo loco

  2. El Pollo Loco

    trimaran el pollo loco

  3. Crónicas de un periodista… “El Pollo Loco”, la franquicia más exitosa

    trimaran el pollo loco

  4. The Untold Truth Of El Pollo Loco

    trimaran el pollo loco

  5. El Pollo Loco Franchise: The Best Mexican Franchise?

    trimaran el pollo loco

  6. El pollo loco

    trimaran el pollo loco

COMMENTS

  1. El Pollo Loco's private equity investor finally heads for the exits

    The investment firm first invested in El Pollo Loco in 2005. At the time, El Pollo Loco was valued at $400 million and the chain operated 359 locations. Trimaran tried taking Loco public the next year, only to withdraw, long enough for the world to plunge into and then emerge from a brutal recession. In 2014, Loco did go public.

  2. Trimaran Capital Closes on El Pollo Loco Acquisition

    Trimaran Capital Partners announced today that it has completed the acquisition of El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in marinated, flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican-inspired entrees. Trimaran purchased the company from American Securities Capital Partners, L.P. in a deal originally announced ...

  3. Don't Let the Fox in the Henhouse: Lessons from the El Pollo Loco

    In a recent split decision in Diep v.Trimaran Pollo Partners LLC et al., the Delaware Supreme Court, sitting en banc, addressed the level of independence required of members of Special Litigation Committees recommending dismissal of shareholder derivative actions. After a shareholder filed suit alleging that directors and officers of fast-casual restaurant chain El Pollo Loco, together with ...

  4. Press Release by Trimaran Capital Partners

    TRIMARAN CAPITAL CLOSES ON EL POLLO LOCO ACQUISITION . Irvine, CA and New York, NY, November 21, 2005 — Trimaran Capital Partners announced today that it has completed the acquisition of El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in marinated, flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican-inspired entrees. ...

  5. El Pollo Loco stock plunges as key investor liquidates position

    El Pollo Loco (LOCO) stock plummeted over 16% on Wednesday as a key investor moved to liquidate its position in the company.According to an 8-K filing, director Dean C ... [Trimaran Group] are ...

  6. SEC Filing

    The shares were initially acquired by Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C. ("LLC") and certain then members of management of our operating subsidiary, El Pollo Loco, Inc., in various transactions prior to the Company's initial public offering ("IPO") in July 2014 and as a result of the Company's 8.56381-for-1 common stock split effected ...

  7. SEC Filing

    Commission File Number: 001-36556. El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter.) 3535 Harbor Blvd Suite 100, Costa Mesa, California 92626. (Address of principal executive offices) 714 - 599-5000. (Registrant's Telephone number)

  8. Diep v. Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C. :: 2022

    Kevin Diep, a stockholder of El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. ("EPL"), filed derivative claims against some members of EPL's board of directors and management, as well as a private investment firm. The suit focused on two acts of alleged wrongdoing: concealing the negative impact of price increases during an earnings call and selling EPL stock while in possession of material non-public ...

  9. El Pollo Loco shares go crazy in debut, Trimaran's stake worth nearly

    (Reuters) - Shares of private equity-backed El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc (LOCO.O) rose as much as 33 percent in their market debut as investors tucked in, betting on the growing popularity of the ...

  10. Trimaran Capital Partners Inc.*

    For the Latest Year, Trimaran Capital Partners is credited with estimated pre-stock-sale El Pollo Loco revenue of $135.8 million and El Pollo Loco Holdings is shown with $214.5 million in post ...

  11. Michael Maselli

    Michael G. Maselli. Michael G. Maselli has been a director since 2011 and was the Chairperson of our Board from 2011 to April 2023. Mr. Maselli is a managing director of Trimaran Fund Management, L.L.C. ("Trimaran Fund"), a position he has held since 2006, and is also currently the President of Acquisitions of GX Acquisition Corp. II.

  12. Trimaran Capital Partners agrees to acquire El Pollo Loco

    IRVINE, Calif. & NEW YORK, Sep 28, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Trimaran Capital Partners announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in marinated, flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican-inspired entrees, from American Securities Capital Partners L.P.

  13. El Pollo Loco receives $45 mln equity investment

    El Pollo Loco is owned by Trimaran Capital Partners and management, according to the company. Trimaran agreed to buy the company, which specializes in grilled chicken, from American Securities ...

  14. Zombie fund Trimaran to double its money with El Pollo Loco IPO

    Trimaran stands to more than double its money in El Pollo Loco after nearly nine years. At $14 a share (the mid-point of its IPO range), Trimaran's stake will likely be worth $231 million.

  15. Is El Pollo Loco The Next Chipotle?

    El Pollo Loco investors have a second wind after the company reported full-year earnings. ... Trimaran took Loco public in July 2014 for $15/share and investor optimism took the shares to over $41 ...

  16. Trimaran Capital Closes On El Pollo Loco Acquisition

    Trimaran Capital Partners announced today that it has completed the acquisition of El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in marinated, flame-grilled chicken and other Mexican-inspired entrees. Trimaran purchased the company from American Securities Capital Partners, L.P. in a deal originally announced ...

  17. Trimaran Capital Partners Acquires El Pollo Loco

    Trimaran Capital Partners Acquires El Pollo Loco. On September 28, 2005, private equity firm Trimaran Capital Partners acquired restaurant El Pollo Loco from American Securities ... El Pollo Loco was founded in 1980 and is based in Costa Mesa, California. Search 196,672 Deals Now. SEARCH BY. Buyer Type (PE or Strategic) Deal Size ($10M to $10B ...

  18. El Pollo Loco Franchise Cost & Opportunities 2024

    The chain has switched ownership twice since and is now owned by Trimaran Capital Partners, since 2005. The brand numbers more than 450 locations. El Pollo Loco Franchise Cost, Total Investment and Royalties. The franchise fee to join El Pollo Loco is $40,000. The total investment to open an El Pollo Loco franchise ranges from $505,000 to $1.1 ...

  19. El Pollo Loco Keeps Stock Gains Going, FT Scoreboard Reports

    Mexican chicken brand El Pollo Loco had the third highest stock gains in July, with a 10 percent rise from $10.81 on July 3 to $11.88 on August 7. It follows a trend for the company's closing price, which increased 35 percent year-to-date from $8.80. August's stock price is the highest for El Pollo Loco since March 2023, when the price ...

  20. El Pollo Loco (United States)

    El Pollo Loco, Inc., is a restaurant chain based in the United States, specializing in Mexican-style grilled chicken.Restaurant service consists of: dine-in and take-out, with some locations offering drive-through options. The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, and operates about 500 (as of January 2019) [3] company-owned and franchised restaurants in the Southwestern United ...

  21. PDF 580 California Street Press Release

    "El Pollo Loco is a proven, successful restaurant concept with compelling franchisee economics, and we believe it has substantial geographic growth opportunities," said Andrew Heyer, managing partner at Trimaran Capital. El Pollo Loco, which means "The Crazy Chicken" in Spanish, has 139 company-owned and 188 franchised outlets.

  22. SEC Filing

    C/O TRIMARAN CAPITAL PARTNERS: 1325 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 28TH FLOOR (Street) NEW YORK: NY: 10019 (City) (State) (Zip) 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. [ LOCO] 5. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer (Check all applicable) Director: X: 10% Owner: Officer (give title below)

  23. In the Court of Chancery of The State of Delaware

    Trimaran Pollo Partners, LLC ("Pollo Partners").7 Dean Kehler is one of Trimaran's founders and sits on the EPL board of directors.8 He is also one of two managing members of Trimaran Capital, L.L.C., which is the managing member of Pollo Partners.9 Pollo Partners' membership comprises entities under Trimaran's umbrella, with one

  24. Has El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Outpaced Other Retail-Wholesale Stocks This

    El Pollo Loco Holdings is a member of our Retail-Wholesale group, which includes 209 different companies and currently sits at #9 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 ...

  25. EX-10.14

    Exhibit 10.14 . FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT OPTION AGREEMENT . This Franchise Development Option Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of July 11, 2014, by and between El Pollo Loco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Trimaran Pollo Partners, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the "Option Holder"). WHEREAS, the Company owns certain proprietary and other ...

  26. Has El Pollo Loco (LOCO) Outpaced Other Retail-Wholesale ...

    El Pollo Loco Holdings is a member of our Retail-Wholesale group, which includes 209 different companies and currently sits at #9 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 ...