El Pollo Loco is starting to play catch up with other fast food chains with the addition of a new mobile ordering application that integrates a loyalty program as well as other modern features into a single mobile package.

The app has all the features that consumer shave come to expect from a modern mobile companion app. The reveal marks a step towards a modern mobile approach for the chicken-focused chain.

“At El Pollo Loco, we constantly look for ways to elevate our guests’ dining experience and are thrilled to launch two new methods for customers to order their favorite El Pollo Loco meals through online and mobile platforms,” said Steve Sather, CEO of El Pollo Loco. “Our guests are on-the-go, and by providing them in-restaurant, drive-thru and now online and mobile ordering options, we are continuing to provide more personalized and convenient ways to enjoy our offerings and cater to their increasingly busy lifestyles.

“Beyond the ability to order and pay online and on their phone, guests can expect to soon see future technology innovations, including additional payment options, loyalty program integration, delivery and more.”

Pollo Loco
There are a few things known about the modern consumer. They expect their transactions to be quicker and smoother, their favorite brands to cultivate a lasting relationship with them and most importantly, they expect every channel of their shopping experience to be integrated.

That last one is of particular interest to brands who want to make use of mobile, as it is by far the most powerful channel for that aim, since it is the one digital connection that almost everyone has with them at all times.

Mobile provides a powerful tool for brands to connect with consumers and connect their shopping experience across channels.

El Pollo Loco is dutifully aware of that power and has unveiled its latest project in an attempt to capture that ability.

The new El Pollo Loco app comes with everything that a modern mobile commerce app should have in the minds of consumers. Users are able to order their food through the app for quicker pickups, earn rewards for every order they place and stay connected with the brand even when not making purchases.

Mobile fast food
Many fast food chains have been hopping on the mobile ordering train as a unique way of making the purchasing experience quicker.

Starbucks has been one of the de facto leaders in this space, with its powerful mobile app that lets consumers order before they get to the store and pick up while skipping the line.

Another big name, McDonald’s, which surprised many by not stepping fully into the mobile game until recently, now has its own mobile ordering app and is now playing catch-up with the rest of the fast food world (see story).

So El Pollo Loco is not without company in being a bit behind the rest of the wave of food chains who have their own mobile apps. What matters is if the brand can make proper use of it in the future.

“Since day one of working with El Pollo Loco, it was clear to us how committed they are to preparing fresh, high quality, authentic food in their restaurants every day, and we were delighted to be able to mirror that commitment to quality when developing the online ordering platform and new mobile app for the brand,” said Noah Glass, CEO of Olo. “By utilizing our latest technologies, including our newest mobile interface, among other new and improved features, we are confident we created an online and mobile experience that El Pollo Loco fans will enjoy almost as much as the brand’s signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken.”