El Pollo Loco, Inc. (EPL) describes itself as the nation's leading quick-service chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken. EPL owns and operates nearly 140 El Pollo Loco restaurants while franchisees control nearly 180 restaurants. The restaurants are located in California, Arizona, Nevada, an...
Once these hurdles were cleared, Ryan's growth was impressive. A share of stock, worth $9.25 originally, rose to more than $30 at its peak. Ryan's never paid dividends and was thus able to use all of its profits for expansion. Fred Grant, a finance officer, explained in 1991 that is...