COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today opened it newest location in Houston, TX. The new restaurant located in the Memorial area at 1108 Silber Road is the 8th location to open in the Houston market and 18th to open in the state of Texas.

"Expanding our presence in the Houston market was a key focus in 2015," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "We're extremely proud of the growth we've achieved and are excited to make El Pollo Loco more accessible to Houston residents. We look forward to making 2016 another strong development year for the company by further growing existing markets as well as bringing the concept to new cities."

The 2,973 square foot restaurant has seating for 72 guests and incorporates the brand's hacienda design which features an open kitchen layout designed for customers to watch El Pollo Loco's signature chicken as it's being grilled. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with drive-thru service concluding at 11 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 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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Media Contact:

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