El Pollo Loco vs Canteen
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both El Pollo Loco and Canteen are quick-service restaurants franchises. El Pollo Loco requires an investment of $794K – $2.7M while Canteen requires $1.4M – $2.1M. 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 El Pollo Loco A (Strongest tier) and Canteen A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | El Pollo Loco | Canteen |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $794K – $2.7M | $1.4M – $2.1M |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $3K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 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. |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.2M | N/A |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 6.5% (61 loans) | 0.0% (11 loans) |
| Total Units | 503 | 261 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1980 | 1996 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$794K – $2.7M
$1.4M – $2.1M
Franchise Fee
$40K
$3K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
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.
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.2M
N/A
SBA Charge-Off Rate
6.5% (61 loans)
0.0% (11 loans)
Total Units
503
261
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1980
1996
FDD Year
2026
2025