COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 21, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, opened its newest location in Chula Vista, CA. The new restaurant located at 1305 Third Avenue is owned and operated by Chic Pollo, LLC, an affiliate of Peg/Lion, LLC, a longtime El Pollo Loco Franchisee. It is the second location to open in Chula Vista.

"After over three decades with El Pollo Loco, we are extremely proud that this Chula Vista restaurant marks our 30th restaurant," said Aaron Pingel, Chief Financial Officer of Chic Pollo, LLC. "We are thrilled to offer area residents a family-friendly environment to sit and enjoy our healthy, flavorful, Mexican-inspired dishes and strive to become an integral part of the community not only by serving healthier lunch and dinner options, but by also hosting local fundraisers and sponsoring youth sports teams and non-profit initiatives."

"With franchise development being such a vital part of our Company's strategic growth plan, we put the utmost trust and confidence in experienced franchisees like Bill, Chris, Aaron, and Angel," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "I couldn't be more thrilled with how the Chic Pollo and Peg/Lion teams have represented El Pollo Loco over the past 30 years. We are very excited to open a second Chula Vista location and invite the entire community to celebrate with us by stopping in and enjoying our signature fire-grilled chicken, house-made salsas and other Mexican-inspired entrees."

The 2,400 square foot restaurant has seating for 74 guests and features the brand's hacienda design, with an open kitchen layout for customers to view El Pollo Loco's signature chicken as it is fire-grilled. The restaurant is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.  

For promotions and news on the new Chula Vista location, fans can follow the restaurant's local Facebook page. El Pollo Loco fans are also encouraged to join the My Loco Rewards Program. New members that sign up will receive a voucher for a free Taco al Carbon. My Loco Rewards members also receive exclusive offers, information about new menu items, promotions, events and more. To learn more about El Pollo Loco, please visit www.elpolloloco.com or check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 450 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.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kellie Duffy
ICR Inc.
203-682-8200
LOCO@icrinc.com