COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, celebrated the grand opening of its newest restaurant located at 40520 Winchester Road in Temecula. The festivities included remarks by elected officials, including City of Temecula Chamber of Commerce members, community dignitaries and El Pollo Loco director of operations, Carlos Esquivel, followed by kitchen tours and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

New Temecula restaurant located at 40520 Winchester Rd opened on Nov 19, 2014

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"I and the City of Temecula business community whom I represent, are thrilled to have a new and improved El Pollo Loco as a new partner in the community," said CEO of Temecula Chamber of Commerce, Alice Sullivan.  "El Pollo Loco provides great family meals and many options for healthy nutrition for the families and individuals that make up Temecula.  I would like to give a special thank you to Adriana, Christina and their staff, as well as my many constituents and community stakeholders who came out to welcome this great restaurant. We are all committed to El Pollo Loco's success."

"We are excited to bring this new and improved restaurant to the city of Temecula, bringing with us wholesome meals prepared from scratch in our restaurant daily and new employment opportunities for local residents," said Carlos Esquivel, director of operations, El Pollo Loco. "As a proud member of this community we look forward to continuing to find ways to give back, whether it means volunteering in our local neighborhood or supporting those community organizations in need."  

At approximately 3,800 square feet, the restaurant, relocated from 27375 Jefferson Avenue, will feature El Pollo Loco's new hacienda design with a vibrant exterior, colorful, comfortable booths and large windows to allow natural sunlight into the dining area. The restaurant, which employs approximately 50 individuals from the local community, has an exhibition kitchen that showcases the preparation of El Pollo Loco's signature citrus-marinated chicken. The chicken is prepared on an open flame by the restaurant's Grill Masters. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with dine-in service concluding one hour prior to closing. 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 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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