El Pollo Loco is not shutting down the idea of introducing a plant-based meat product to its chicken-friendly menu.
"Never say never," Bernard Acoca, CEO of El Pollo Loco in an interview with Cheddar. "Plant-based is becoming what appears to be a trend and we won't rule it out, and it may be something that we look to in our future."
Fake meat makers including Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have brought mock-meat into the spotlight, and their early success demonstrates the substantial demand for products such as plant-based burgers and sausages. Part of the popularity is a result of consumers' desire for a healthier diet. In fact, 83 percent of U.S. consumers cite improving overall health and nutrition as motivation for eating plant-based foods, according to a Nielsen survey. But El Pollo Loco doesn't think plant-based is the only solution.
"If you're looking to eat healthy, we have a way for you to do that today," Acoca said.
El Pollo Loco's CEO pointed to the restaurant chain's Mexican-inspired menu featuring grilled chicken, vegetarian options, and an under 500 calories menu that he said will "cater to any diet."
The total meat market is estimated to be a $1.4 trillion category, and many restaurants are preparing for plant-based to be a major contributor to the segment's growth. Chains including BurgerFi, KFC, Dunkin' Donuts, and Carl's Junior have already teamed up with Beyond Meat, while restaurants such as White Castle, Applebee's, and Burger King have partnered with Impossible Foods. Meat processors are also taking notice. Tyson Foods launched its Raised & Rooted brand this past summer, which features its nuggets made with pea protein, bamboo fiber, egg white, and golden flaxseed.
What do Arnold Schwarzenegger, Aubrey Plaza, and Tom Brady all have in common? You'll see them on Super Bowl Sunday, but not on the field. If you only watch the Super Bowl for the ads, here's a sneak peek.
The Federal Communications Commission knows (to loosely quote Drake) "when that [AI robocall] hotline bling, that can only mean one thing" — deception. The agency says bad actors have been using these voices to misinform voters.
David Stryzewski, CEO of Sound Planning Group, breaks down Disney’s latest results, from adding Taylor Swift to building out ESPN, and why Bob Iger’s leadership is crucial.
Kevin Cohee, CEO and chairman of OneUnited Bank, discusses the power of financial literacy and how education and technology can help bridge the racial wealth gap.
Alex McGrath, Chief Investment Officer at NorthEnd Private Wealth, discusses why the A.I. hype can’t power the market forever and how to position investments in the current market.
Paul Verna of Insider Intelligence breaks down how the company is positioned, whether they can make their streaming service profitable, and the upper limit of streaming bundle prices.
From Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to Sweet Heat Starburst, America’s snacks are getting spicier. Now, Coca-Cola wants in on the trend. The beverage giant introduced Coca-Cola Spiced, the first new permanent offering to its North American portfolio in three years.
Taylor Swift’s camp is hitting Jack Sweeney, a junior at the University of Central Florida, with a cease-and-desist letter that blamed his automated tracking of her private jet for tipping off stalkers as to her location.
