El Pollo Loco vs Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both El Pollo Loco and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers are quick-service restaurants franchises. El Pollo Loco requires an investment of $794K – $2.7M while Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers requires $786K – $2.8M. In terms of revenue, El Pollo Loco reports higher average unit revenue at $2.2M. El Pollo Loco has SBA lending data on file with a 6.5% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates El Pollo Loco A (Top Quintile) and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | El Pollo Loco | Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $794K – $2.7M | $786K – $2.8M |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | For License Agreements signed before July 1, 2025: 4.5% of all Gross Receipts; For License Agreements signed on or after July 1, 2025: 5% of all Gross Receipts |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.2M | $1.9M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 6.5% (61 loans) | N/A |
| Total Units | 498 | 550 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1980 | 2004 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
El Pollo Loco
ATop QuintileTop Quintile
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
ATop QuintileTop Quintile
Investment Range
$794K – $2.7M
$786K – $2.8M
Franchise Fee
$40K
$35K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
For License Agreements signed before July 1, 2025: 4.5% of all Gross Receipts; For License Agreements signed on or after July 1, 2025: 5% of all Gross Receipts
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.2M
$1.9M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
6.5% (61 loans)
N/A
Total Units
498
550
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1980
2004
FDD Year
2025
2025