El Pollo Loco Launches Protein Forward Menu
El Pollo Loco has rolled out a new Protein Packed Menu designed to highlight high-protein offerings and make them easier for customers to find and order. The curated lineup features more than 20 existing items, including burritos, bowls, salads, and classic entrées, all centered on the brand’s signature fire-grilled chicken. Every item on this new menu is priced under $15.
The selections range widely in protein content, from about 23 grams to as much as 74 grams per item, with options such as the Double Chicken Bowl and the Guacamole Chicken Burrito among the higher-protein choices. Many traditional favorites, like the Original Pollo Bowl and Mexican Caesar Salad, also made the cut, ensuring there are options for different tastes while maintaining the focus on muscle-building protein.
The menu is now available online, and the company continues to emphasize its heritage in quality, fire-grilled chicken and accessible pricing.
Learn more here.
PJ’s Coffee Finalizes Nationwide Brand Experience Overhaul
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans has completed a major systemwide roll-out of its refreshed brand experience, marking the culmination of a multi-year initiative to modernize and unify its cafés across the U.S. The Big Easy Initiative is designed to reinforce PJ’s identity rooted in New Orleans culture while updating its look and feel to better resonate with today’s coffee consumers.
This brand experience update touches everything from store aesthetics to customer engagement, with the intent of creating a cohesive experience irrespective of location. The brand has updated interior design elements, refreshed branding assets, and made enhancements to front-of-house spaces to make the experience feel both welcoming and consistent with the brand’s story.
The systemwide refresh is also positioned as part of PJ’s broader growth strategy, helping support franchisee development and competitive positioning in the crowded specialty coffee market. By standardizing the guest experience and strengthening brand recognition, PJ’s leadership expects the updated concept to drive customer loyalty and support continued expansion.
Learn more here.
Choice Hotels and Wanderlab Unveil Ultimate Route 66 Travel Planner
Wanderlab, the creative studio within Tripadvisor, teamed up with Choice Hotels International to launch an interactive digital guide celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66, one of America’s most iconic highways. The new online tool maps the full 2,500-mile span of Route 66 across eight states, highlighting historic sites, legendary roadside attractions, classic diners, and recommended Choice Hotels locations along the way. It’s designed to help travelers easily plan and customize an itinerary that blends cultural landmarks with comfortable places to stay.
The guide integrates Choice Hotels’ extensive footprint along the corridor, so road-trippers can find convenient accommodations near notable stops from Illinois to California. Along the way, users can explore vintage murals, unique eateries, and quirky photo ops.
By pairing Tripadvisor’s deep traveler insights with Choice Hotels’ broad network, the interactive map aims to make the centennial celebration more accessible and inspiring for today’s travelers, encouraging exploration of small-town histories, local flavors, and classic American road trip culture.
Learn more here.