COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today opened its newest location in Tempe, AZ. The new restaurant, located at 1314 S. Rural Road, is the third in Tempe and the 20th in the state of Arizona.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/400519b7-94ac-4689-9fbb-4c55830ebb21

"We are excited to open our new, convenient restaurant near the Arizona State University, Tempe Campus and offer our delicious fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired entrees to university students and the Tempe community," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "Our brand has been a staple for many consumers in Arizona and we are thrilled to continue expanding our presence in the greater Phoenix area and give our fans more locations to enjoy our offerings."

El Pollo Loco's skilled Grill Masters fire-grill the citrus-marinated chickens which are then hand-cut, and served in all chicken meals and flavorful entrees including burritos, salads, soups, tacos and quesadillas.

The new 2,724 square-foot Tempe restaurant has seating for 66 guests in the dining room and incorporates the brand's hacienda design featuring an open kitchen layout which allows customers to view the brand's signature chicken as it is being grilled. Hours of operation for the Tempe El Pollo Loco restaurant are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week with dine-in service concluding one hour prior to closing.

El Pollo Loco is currently seeking highly qualified, multi-unit operators in Northern California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Texas. For more information visit https://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 420 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. Some say the lengths we go to create fresh, delicious food are crazy. We say it's Crazy You Can Taste. Visit us on our website at ElPolloLoco.com.

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