Does El Pollo Loco Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Drug Test Type and Process

El Pollo Loco does not appear to run a strict, uniform pre-employment drug program for crew. When a location does test, it is a standard urine test at a third-party clinic screening for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP, administered after a conditional offer. The typical hiring flow is: apply on the careers site or in person, choose a location and position, provide background information, and — for management positions — complete an online assessment. Many crew applicants report no drug test in this process. Company-owned versus franchised locations may handle screening differently, and managers are the most likely to be tested. If a restaurant screens, it usually schedules the test at a nearby clinic within a day or two of your offer.

Marijuana Policy

El Pollo Loco has no publicized company-wide marijuana policy, and practice is shaped heavily by state law. Most restaurants are in California, which since 2024 (AB 2188) prohibits most employers from penalizing workers for off-duty, off-site cannabis use and bars hair/urine tests that detect non-psychoactive THC metabolites for many non-safety-sensitive roles — so crew-level THC screening is uncommon there. In other operating states, individual locations or franchises may still screen. Regardless of testing, being impaired on the job is prohibited at every restaurant. If off-duty cannabis use is a concern, ask the specific location whether they drug test for the position, since the answer depends on the store and the state where you apply.

Tips for Applicants

El Pollo Loco is an approachable entry-level and second-chance employer with hundreds of restaurants and frequent openings for service assistants, cashiers, cooks, and grill masters. Apply through the official careers site (select a location, then a role) or in person. Be ready for a friendly interview focused on availability, teamwork, and customer service; management applicants also take an online assessment. Ask the hiring manager directly: 'Does this position include a drug test or background check?' — because practice varies by location and franchise, their answer tells you what to expect. If you have a record, emphasize reliability, food-service or cash-handling experience, and open availability for the shifts they need covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does El Pollo Loco drug test for weed?

Usually not for crew, especially in California, where off-duty cannabis-use protections (AB 2188) limit marijuana testing for non-safety-sensitive roles. Practice varies by location and is more likely for managers. Being impaired on the job is always prohibited. Ask the specific restaurant to confirm.

Does El Pollo Loco drug test when you get hired?

It varies. Some hiring summaries mention a drug test with the background check, but many current and former crew report they were never screened at hire. Testing is more common for management roles and at certain locations or franchises. Confirm with the store where you apply.

What kind of drug test does El Pollo Loco use?

When a location does test, it is a standard urine test at a local clinic screening for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. There is no single corporate test, since El Pollo Loco has both company-owned and franchised restaurants.

Do El Pollo Loco managers get drug tested?

More often than crew. Some locations screen assistant managers and general managers before hiring because those roles handle cash, scheduling, and safety. It still depends on the restaurant and state, so ask the hiring manager whether the position is tested.

Does El Pollo Loco do random drug tests?

Random testing is uncommon for crew. Most locations only test after a workplace accident or on reasonable suspicion of impairment. There is no publicized national random-testing program for team members.

Can I work at El Pollo Loco with a criminal record?

Often yes. El Pollo Loco hires broadly for crew and gives many applicants a fresh start, especially in California, which limits how much old records can be used. A record is not an automatic bar; ask the hiring manager about any background check and drug test for the role.