Selling an El Pollo Loco Franchise

Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for El Pollo Loco Franchise Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling an El Pollo Loco franchise is a specialized transaction that requires brand-specific expertise, disciplined valuation, and maximum buyer exposure. El Pollo Loco operates within a distinct QSR segment with a strong regional presence, loyal customer base, and defined franchise standards—making experienced M&A representation essential to achieving optimal value and a smooth closing.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory for franchise owners, representing El Pollo Loco franchisees across the United States. We advise owners on single-unit sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a professional, structured process designed to maximize value and transaction certainty.

Why Selling an El Pollo Loco Franchise Requires Specialized M&A Expertise

El Pollo Loco franchise resales involve specific operational and brand requirements, including:

• Franchisor approval and formal transfer processes

• Buyer net worth, liquidity, and QSR operating experience standards

• Brand compliance reviews and operational audits

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and rent economics

• Regional performance considerations and unit-level economics

These factors directly impact valuation credibility, buyer eligibility, financing, and transaction timelines. A general business broker may understand restaurants—but a franchise M&A advisor understands El Pollo Loco.

How El Pollo Loco Franchises Are Valued

El Pollo Loco franchise valuations are driven by cash flow durability, operational efficiency, and transferability, not gross sales.

Core Valuation Drivers

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Trailing twelve-month and historical financial performance

• Unit-level margins, labor efficiency, and food cost controls

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining option periods

• Management depth versus owner involvement

• Brand compliance and anticipated capital expenditures

At Highwater Partners, we apply M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation methodologies, ensuring pricing is credible to sophisticated franchise buyers, lenders, and private equity investors.

Who Is Buying El Pollo Loco Franchises Today

Active buyers for El Pollo Loco franchises include:

• Existing El Pollo Loco franchisees expanding regionally

• Multi-unit, multi-brand QSR operators

• Private equity–backed franchise platforms

• Strategic buyers seeking established chicken-focused concepts

Through maximum listing exposure and targeted outreach, we ensure sellers reach the most qualified and motivated buyers nationwide.

Maximum Exposure Through a National Buyer & Broker Network

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm delivers maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners delivers broad, national exposure through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• A nationwide network of 110+ professional business brokers across the U.S.

• Direct outreach to active, brand-aligned El Pollo Loco buyers

• Professionally prepared marketing materials designed for institutional and lender review

This approach creates competitive buyer interest, stronger negotiating leverage, and higher certainty of close, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Why El Pollo Loco Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

El Pollo Loco franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we deliver:

• Top-tier professionals with deep franchise and M&A experience

• Brand-specific El Pollo Loco resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and deal preparation

• Maximum listing exposure across national buyer channels

• Proven execution on complex, multi-unit franchise transactions

• Professional, discreet representation from start to finish

We are consistently selected by franchise owners seeking the best firm to sell an El Pollo Loco franchise, not a generalist brokerage.

Our El Pollo Loco Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential Valuation & Exit Strategy Assessment

2. Professional CIM & Transaction Packaging

3. Maximum Buyer Exposure & Targeted Outreach

4. Buyer Qualification & Franchisor Coordination

5. Offer Negotiation & Deal Structuring

6. Transaction Management Through Closing

Each step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and deliver optimal outcomes.

When Is the Right Time to Sell an El Pollo Loco Franchise?

The strongest sale outcomes typically occur when:

• Cash flow is stable or improving

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Management systems are established

• Buyer demand for El Pollo Loco franchises is active

Preparation and positioning often matter more than market timing.

Speak with a Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your El Pollo Loco franchise—now or in the future—begin with a confidential consultation to discuss valuation, timing, and exit strategy.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Call or text: 714.330.9999