El Pollo Loco vs Wendy's
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both El Pollo Loco and Wendy's are quick-service restaurants franchises. El Pollo Loco requires an investment of $794K – $2.7M while Wendy's requires $410K – $3.1M. In terms of revenue, El Pollo Loco reports higher average unit revenue at $2.2M. On SBA loan performance, Wendy's has a lower charge-off rate (0.8%) compared to El Pollo Loco (6.5%). FranchiseVerdict rates El Pollo Loco A (Top Quintile) and Wendy's A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | El Pollo Loco | Wendy's |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $794K – $2.7M | $410K – $3.1M |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $50K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 4-6% of Gross Sales depending on restaurant type and development program (4% traditional/Groundbreaker, 5% Pacesetter, 6% military/Build-to-Suit) |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.2M | $2.1M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 6.5% (61 loans) | 0.8% (200 loans) |
| Total Units | 498 | 7,397 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1980 | 1971 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$794K – $2.7M
$410K – $3.1M
Franchise Fee
$40K
$50K
Royalty Rate
5.0%
4-6% of Gross Sales depending on restaurant type and development program (4% traditional/Groundbreaker, 5% Pacesetter, 6% military/Build-to-Suit)
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.2M
$2.1M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
6.5% (61 loans)
0.8% (200 loans)
Total Units
498
7,397
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1980
1971
FDD Year
2025
2026