COSTA MESA, Calif., May 19, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today opened its newest location in West Jordan, UT. The new restaurant, owned and operated by franchise partner WKS Restaurant Corporation, is located at 3692 W. 7800 South and marks the third El Pollo Loco in the state of Utah.

"We are excited to continue expanding in Utah and team up with WKS to open the third El Pollo Loco restaurant in the state. Our fire-grilled chicken and other offerings are extremely popular in Utah and we are pleased to offer another convenient location for individuals and families to enjoy our handcrafted dishes," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "Franchise development is a vital part of our Company's strategic growth plan and we are thrilled to continue to build upon our relationship with our largest franchise partner with the opening of the 64^th El Pollo Loco restaurant operated by WKS."

"El Pollo Loco has been a tremendous partner to us since we first joined as a franchisee 28 years ago and we are proud of our contributions in building this great brand," said Roland Spongberg, President and CEO at WKS. "We are thrilled to bring another El Pollo Loco restaurant to Utah and we look forward to sharing our flavorful chicken meals and fresh Mexican-inspired entrees with the West Jordan community."

El Pollo Loco and WKS welcome the local community to celebrate the West Jordan location opening with them by visiting the new restaurant today, where there will be free t-shirts, a DJ from 4 p.m. — 8 p.m. and a giveaway of "Free Chicken For a Year" cards to the first 100 guests.

The 3,287 square foot restaurant has seating for 108 guests and incorporates the brand's hacienda design which features an open kitchen layout designed for customers to view El Pollo Loco's signature chicken as it's being grilled. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.

El Pollo Loco is currently seeking highly qualified, multi-unit operators in Northern California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas.  For more information visit, www.elpolloloco.com/franchising.

About El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO) is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain renowned for its masterfully citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and handcrafted entrees using fresh ingredients inspired by Mexican recipes. With more than 430 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, El Pollo Loco is expanding its presence in key markets like Houston and Dallas through a combination of company and existing and new franchisee development. Visit us on our website at ElPolloLoco.com.

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CONTACT: Media Contact:
Kellie Duffy
ICR Inc.
203-682-8200
LOCO@icrinc.com