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El Pollo Loco® Partners with WNBA Star Arike Ogunbowale to Support School Sports Teams Nationwide

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COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco , the nation's leading fire-gril...

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AI Summary

El Pollo Loco is sponsoring the 'Bring the Fire' contest, awarding $10,000 to support school sports teams needing equipment. The initiative, running until February 19, fosters community engagement and showcases the brand's commitment to youth programs, potentially enhancing its public image and customer loyalty.

Sentiment Rationale

El Pollo Loco's community initiatives often lead to increased customer goodwill and loyalty, historically translating to positive performance. Successful campaigns can create a branding halo effect that drives sales.

Trading Thesis

LOCO is positioned for a potential upside as community initiatives enhance brand loyalty in the near term.

Market-Moving

  • Positive community engagement may drive customer traffic and sales at LOCO.
  • National publicity from the contest could increase brand visibility.
  • Support from a sports celebrity can enhance customer sentiment.
  • Successful execution of this campaign may attract new customers.

Key Facts

  • El Pollo Loco launches 'Bring the Fire' contest with $10,000 prize.
  • Contest supports school sports teams to enhance athletic resources.
  • Winners to be announced mid-March 2026 via Instagram.
  • Partnership with star athlete Arike Ogunbowale highlights community engagement.
  • The initiative aligns with El Pollo Loco's mission to support youth.

Companies Mentioned

  • El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO): Increased positive brand perception could support LOCO's stock performance.

Corporate Developments

This initiative fits under 'Corporate Developments' as it highlights El Pollo Loco's community engagement efforts and customer outreach. Such activities are crucial for brand loyalty and customer base expansion, long-term growth factors for the company.

El Pollo Loco® Teams Up with WNBA Star Arike Ogunbowale to Support Youth Sports

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO), the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain in the United States, has announced an exciting partnership with renowned WNBA player Arike Ogunbowale. This collaboration is aimed at supporting school sports teams nationwide through the "Bring the Fire" contest, a philanthropic initiative designed to enhance youth athletics and provide essential equipment to school sports programs.

Contest Details and Objectives

The "Bring the Fire" contest will award five school sports teams a total of $10,000 in new gear and equipment. Each team selected will receive $2,000 to help improve their facilities or gear, fostering the growth and sustainability of their athletic programs. The contest is currently open and will run until February 19, 2026, with the winners being announced in mid-March 2026 via El Pollo Loco’s Instagram.

Community Impact and Support from Arike Ogunbowale

As part of her commitment to uplifting youth, Ogunbowale stated, "School sports are such a powerful source of confidence and community for young athletes, but not every school has the resources to replace equipment or maintain facilities—and that shouldn’t be a barrier to participation or success." Her collaboration with El Pollo Loco aims to dismantle these barriers, allowing young athletes to focus on teamwork, confidence, and their passion for sports.

Recent Outreach at Lancaster High School

This initiative follows a recent event where Ogunbowale made a surprise visit to Lancaster High School in Texas. During this visit, she engaged with the girls’ basketball team and presented a $10,000 donation from the El Pollo Loco Foundation to bolster the school's girls' basketball program. The excitement from this visit inspired the creation of the "Bring the Fire" contest, expanding the Foundation’s reach to support more teams across the country.

How to Enter the 'Bring the Fire' Contest

Participating in the contest is simple. Here’s how to enter:

  • Record a video nominating a school sports team, explaining why they deserve to win and how they would utilize the prize money.
  • Post the video on Instagram with the hashtags #EPLfire and #Contest.
  • Follow both @elpolloloco and @arike_ogunbowale for contest updates.

For detailed guidelines and terms, visit ElPolloLoco.com/BringtheFire.

About El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is recognized as the premier fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain in the United States, offering flavorful and healthier dining options. Celebrated for its creative menu featuring Mexican-inspired dishes, El Pollo Loco has earned accolades for being a top choice for quick healthy food. The company has expanded its footprint with over 500 locations across nine states and operates internationally in the Philippines.

About the El Pollo Loco Foundation

The El Pollo Loco Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing essential resources, including food and necessities, to those in financial need. The Foundation emphasizes community support and strives to make a positive impact where it is needed most.

For more information about El Pollo Loco’s commitment to community support and to learn more about the "Bring the Fire" contest, visit ElPolloLoco.com.

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