Canteen vs El Pollo Loco
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Canteen and El Pollo Loco are quick-service restaurants franchises. Canteen requires an investment of $1.4M – $2.1M while El Pollo Loco requires $794K – $2.7M. El Pollo Loco discloses average revenue of $2.2M; Canteen does not report Item 19 data. On SBA loan performance, Canteen has a lower charge-off rate (0.0%) compared to El Pollo Loco (6.5%). FranchiseVerdict rates Canteen A (Strongest tier) and El Pollo Loco A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Canteen | El Pollo Loco |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $1.4M – $2.1M | $794K – $2.7M |
| Franchise Fee | $3K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | Up to 5.25% of Gross Sales (3.25% of Gross Sales if in compliance with Canteen's operational and purchasing standards). Rate may vary by franchisee depending on territory, size, revenue, and compliance. | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | N/A | $2.2M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.0% (11 loans) | 6.5% (61 loans) |
| Total Units | 261 | 503 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1996 | 1980 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$1.4M – $2.1M
$794K – $2.7M
Franchise Fee
$3K
$40K
Royalty Rate
Up to 5.25% of Gross Sales (3.25% of Gross Sales if in compliance with Canteen's operational and purchasing standards). Rate may vary by franchisee depending on territory, size, revenue, and compliance.
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
N/A
$2.2M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.0% (11 loans)
6.5% (61 loans)
Total Units
261
503
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1996
1980
FDD Year
2025
2026