Dairy Queen vs El Pollo Loco
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Dairy Queen and El Pollo Loco are quick-service restaurants franchises. Dairy Queen requires an investment of $623K – $2.8M while El Pollo Loco requires $794K – $2.7M. In terms of revenue, El Pollo Loco reports higher average unit revenue at $2.2M. On SBA loan performance, El Pollo Loco has a lower charge-off rate (6.5%) compared to Dairy Queen (10.7%). FranchiseVerdict rates Dairy Queen A (Top Quintile) and El Pollo Loco A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | Dairy Queen | El Pollo Loco |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $623K – $2.8M | $794K – $2.7M |
| Franchise Fee | $25K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $1.6M | $2.2M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 10.7% (1025 loans) | 6.5% (61 loans) |
| Total Units | 74 | 498 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1947 | 1980 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$623K – $2.8M
$794K – $2.7M
Franchise Fee
$25K
$40K
Royalty Rate
4.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$1.6M
$2.2M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
10.7% (1025 loans)
6.5% (61 loans)
Total Units
74
498
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1947
1980
FDD Year
2026
2025