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El Pollo Loco to Relocate Headquarters in Costa Mesa

El Pollo Loco's new office building at The MET campus in Costa Mesa

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

STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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