El Pollo Loco

The fast-food chicken chain gave its customers value, which generated traffic but not sales. But restaurant-level profits grew, too. And then results improved in October. The company's stock skyrocketed.

Fresca Wraps and quesadillas have helped boost traffic, but the fast-casual chain's second quarter was mixed. Will the return of chicken tenders and sandwiches goose second half results?

The private-equity firm has taken a stake in the chicken chain and the two are talking about a “potential extraordinary transaction” as an investor or financier, increasing the chances of a sale.