Hello A-J readers!

This week, we got details on the upcoming El Pollo Loco. I am also choosing my top five favorite new businesses of 2025.

Starting with the news, I met with Palmetto Assets, LLC.'s VP Katie Hughes Mallory to discuss what makes El Pollo Loco worth the trip in 2026.

"El Pollo Loco is a much healthier version of the traditional quick service chicken," Hughes Mallory said. "It is a traditional quick service restaurant, but with a really high quality of fresh food. I would say food quality-wise, it is definitely on par with more of a fast-casual or sit down restaurant. You're able to get it at a really fast speed and a nice price point."

You might recognize Hughes Mallory's name from last week's coverage of Wienerschnitzel's closure and plane table moving. Palmetto Asset

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