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Noodles vs El Pollo Loco Holdings: NDLS and LOCO compared
Noodles is the larger company: $127M of revenue in its latest quarter (Q2 2026) against $126M for El Pollo Loco Holdings (Q3 2026). El Pollo Loco Holdings is growing faster (+4% against +0.5% a year earlier). El Pollo Loco Holdings is more profitable, with an operating margin of 8.1% against -1.2%.
Where the money goes: NDLS and LOCO
Noodles (NDLS) · Q2 2026
Noodles, Q2 2026: revenue $127M (+0.5% year over year), operating margin -1.2%, net loss $4.0M, operating cash flow $3.3M. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) · Q3 2026
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Q3 2026: revenue $126M (+4% year over year), operating margin 8.1%, net earnings $6.9M, operating cash flow $7.9M. The chart follows the revenue to costs, profit and cash.
| Noodles (NDLS) | El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest quarter | Q2 2026 | Q3 2026 |
| Revenue | $127M | $126M |
| Revenue growth, Y/Y | +0.5% | +4% |
| Operating margin | -1.2% | 8.1% |
| Net earnings | −$4.0M | $6.9M |
| Net margin | -3.1% | 5.4% |
| Operating cash flow | $3.3M | $7.9M |
| Free cash flow | $1.8M | $506K |
Where the revenue comes from
Noodles
- Restaurant revenue: $125M (98%)
- Franchising royalties and fees, and other: $2.2M (2%)
El Pollo Loco Holdings
- Company-operated restaurant revenue: $105M (83%)
- Franchise revenue: $12.5M (10%)
- Franchise advertising fee revenue: $8.4M (7%)
Questions
Which is bigger, Noodles or El Pollo Loco Holdings?
Noodles is the larger company: $127M of revenue in its latest quarter (Q2 2026) against $126M for El Pollo Loco Holdings (Q3 2026).
Is Noodles or El Pollo Loco Holdings growing faster?
El Pollo Loco Holdings is growing faster (+4% against +0.5% a year earlier).
Which is more profitable, Noodles or El Pollo Loco Holdings?
El Pollo Loco Holdings is more profitable, with an operating margin of 8.1% against -1.2%.
More: Noodles earnings · how Noodles makes money · El Pollo Loco Holdings earnings · how El Pollo Loco Holdings makes money
From the companies' latest 10-Q, 10-K or earnings release (10-Q filed Jul 24, 2026; 10-Q filed Nov 6, 2026). Fiscal quarters can end on different dates. Not investment advice.