COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Members of the community gathered today at 3704 S. Mooney Blvd. to celebrate the opening of El Pollo Loco's first Visalia, Calif. location. The festivities included remarks by elected officials, including City of Sacramento Vice Mayor, E. Warren Gubler, community dignitaries and El Pollo Loco Director of Operations, David Aguilera, followed by kitchen tours and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The restaurant features a vibrant exterior, colorful, comfortable booths and large windows to allow natural sunlight into the dining area. An exhibition kitchen showcases the restaurant's Grill Masters as they prepare the citrus-marinated and fire-grilled chicken for which El Pollo Loco is famous. The restaurant officially opened its doors on August 1 and was recorded as one of the most successful restaurant openings in El Pollo Loco brand history.

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"As a representative for the residents of Visalia, I'm proud to welcome you and express how thrilled we are to have you as a new partner in our community," said Vice Mayor E. Warren Gubler. "We are excited to be able to serve Visalia residents by bringing both great-tasting food and rewarding jobs to the local area," said David Aguilera, Director of Operations, El Pollo Loco. "We take our new membership in the Visalia community very seriously and will dedicate ourselves to delivering a delicious dining experience to every guest, every day, while also giving back to this community in meaningful ways."

Through its proprietary charitable arm, El Pollo Loco gives back to the communities in which it does business in a number of ways including volunteering in local neighborhoods, hosting fire-grilled fundraisers in which a portion of the restaurant proceeds benefit a local organization, or sponsoring organizations in need.

At approximately 2,900 square feet, this restaurant employs approximately 50 new hires from the local community and is open seven days a week. Dine-in service is from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and drive-thru service is extended until 11:00 p.m. Catering for special events and celebrations is also available.

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 and fire-grilled chicken and handcrafted entrees using fresh ingredients inspired by authentic Mexican recipes. With more than 400 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, El Pollo Loco will expand its presence in key markets targeting growth of eight to 10 percent per year 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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CONTACT: Media Contact:

         Juliana Sheldon

         Zeno Group

         310-566-3989

         Juliana.Sheldon@zenogroup.com

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