COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. ("El Pollo Loco" and the "Company") (Nasdaq:LOCO) today announced that Douglas "Doug" Babb has been appointed as an independent member of its Board of Directors, effective January 3, 2018.

Michael Maselli, Chairman of El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Doug Babb to our Board of Directors.  His extensive and varied management experience will be instrumental as we continue to grow the El Pollo Loco brand, and we are confident that his many talents will benefit our Board, our Company and our shareholders."    

Mr. Babb is an experienced executive with extensive management and legal experience. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Cooper Clinic, P.A., one of the largest physician-owned medical groups in Arkansas. Previously, he was Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer of what was then Beverly Enterprises, a leading provider of eldercare services in the U.S. Prior to Beverly, Mr. Babb was a senior vice president at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.

Mr. Babb currently is the Managing Director of Babb Strategic Services, LLP.

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 470 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, El Pollo Loco is expanding its presence in key markets through a combination of company and existing and new franchisee development. Visit us on our website at www.elpolloloco.com.

Investor Contact:
Fitzhugh Taylor, ICR
(714) 599-5200
investors@elpolloloco.com

Media Contact:
Alecia Pulman, ICR
203-682-8200
LOCO@icrinc.com