News Summary
El Pollo Loco is set to move its headquarters in Costa Mesa after nearly 20 years on Harbor Boulevard. The fast-food chain has signed a seven-year lease at The MET office campus at 575 Anton Blvd., with operations starting November 2025. The new office space will be 20,298 square feet, slightly smaller than the current headquarters, as part of a strategy to modernize its corporate environment and enhance operational capabilities.
Costa Mesa – El Pollo Loco, the popular fast-food chain known for its flame-grilled chicken, is set to relocate its headquarters within Costa Mesa after nearly 20 years at its current location on Harbor Boulevard. The company has signed a new seven-year lease, securing office space at The MET office campus, which will officially accommodate its operations starting in November 2025.
The new headquarters, located at 575 Anton Blvd., is on the 12th floor and spans 20,298 square feet. While this new location is slightly smaller than the current headquarters, which occupies 24,890 square feet, it aligns with El Pollo Loco’s mission to modernize its corporate environment. The lease for the existing headquarters, situated at 3535 Harbor Blvd., concludes in 2026, providing a smooth transition for the company.
El Pollo Loco has committed to a lease rate of $46.20 per square foot, as reported by CoStar. This move is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the company’s operational capabilities and overall brand presence. Currently, El Pollo Loco employs over 1,400 individuals in Orange County, which includes the management of 51 restaurants across the region. The company has 175 employees based at its current headquarters.
The decision to relocate comes as the company embraces a recent brand refresh and aims to implement new restaurant designs. CEO Liz Williams highlighted the necessity of modern office space that reflects El Pollo Loco’s brand while also accommodating a test kitchen. This test kitchen will further facilitate culinary innovation, allowing the company to enhance its menu offerings and improve customer experiences.
Leadership and Industry Experience
El Pollo Loco’s leadership team boasts extensive experience in the restaurant industry, with key executives such as CFO Ira Fils bringing nearly 14 years of experience from Habit Burger & Grill and COO Maria Hollandsworth having over 20 years at Jack in the Box Inc. This strong leadership foundation is expected to guide the company through its upcoming transition and brand evolution.
The MET Office Campus Benefits
The new office at The MET office campus incorporates valuable amenities that align with contemporary workplace trends. The campus includes three buildings that are nearing 80% leased, providing a thriving environment for corporate tenants. In 2025 alone, approximately 75,000 square feet of office space has been leased throughout the property, with negotiations for additional spaces already in progress. Notably, California Pizza Kitchen also has its headquarters at The MET.
Future Enhancements to Amenities
The property owner, McCarthy Cook, has plans to enhance The MET office campus significantly, scheduled to commence this year. Upcoming improvements will include the introduction of an upscale chef-driven restaurant, a craft Biergarten, a coffee and breakfast café, and even a pickleball club. These enhancements aim to create a more vibrant atmosphere that benefits both tenants and visitors.
Stock Market Context
In the financial arena, El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is currently trading around $10.93, reflecting a 4.2% decrease since January, and the company holds a market capitalization of $328 million. As the company prepares for its relocation and introduces new initiatives, the emphasis on a refreshed brand and modern office settings is anticipated to play a pivotal role in their continued growth and success.
With the relocation of its headquarters, El Pollo Loco positions itself to enhance its operational capabilities, adapt to modern workplace trends, and focus on culinary innovation as part of its strategic growth plan.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal
- GlobeNewswire
- Restaurant Business Online
- GlobeNewswire
- Nation’s Restaurant News
- Wikipedia: El Pollo Loco
