Original Rainbow Cone vs El Pollo Loco
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Original Rainbow Cone and El Pollo Loco are quick-service restaurants franchises. Original Rainbow Cone requires an investment of $205K – $3.2M while El Pollo Loco requires $794K – $2.7M. 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 Original Rainbow Cone B (Above Average) and El Pollo Loco A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | Original Rainbow Cone | El Pollo Loco |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $205K – $3.2M | $794K – $2.7M |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $40K |
| Royalty Rate | 6.0% | 5.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $846K | $2.2M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | N/A | 6.5% (61 loans) |
| Total Units | 25 | 498 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2019 | 1980 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$205K – $3.2M
$794K – $2.7M
Franchise Fee
$40K
$40K
Royalty Rate
6.0%
5.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$846K
$2.2M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
N/A
6.5% (61 loans)
Total Units
25
498
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2019
1980
FDD Year
2025
2025