COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in Goodyear, AZ on Thursday, January 8. The new restaurant, located at 13233 W. McDowell Road, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony which included featured remarks from John Safin, President and CEO of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=29942

"On behalf of Goodyear, I'd like to say that we are excited for the arrival of El Pollo Loco and its signature citrus-marinated and fire-grilled chicken to our city," said Joanne Osborne, Goodyear Council Member. "El Pollo Loco is a great addition to the community and we are pleased that the business is helping to create jobs for local residents."

The new Goodyear location is the 19th in the state of Arizona. El Pollo Loco has more than 400 restaurant locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Texas and delivers its renowned citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken and handcrafted entrees that use only the freshest ingredients to create authentic Mexican inspired recipes.

"We are thrilled that the local community and government officials came out to celebrate our new Goodyear restaurant," said David Aguilera, Director of Operations at El Pollo Loco.  "We are extremely excited to continue our expansion in Arizona and look forward to sharing our authentic Mexican-inspired dishes with area residents and visitors in our bright and welcoming restaurant."

The approximately 3,000 square-foot Goodyear El Pollo Loco has seating for 62 guests inside the dining room and incorporates the brand's hacienda design which features an open kitchen layout designed for customers to watch the signature chicken as it is grilled. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:00AM - 11:00 PM, with dine-in service concluding one hour prior to closing.

It's time to get crazy and join the El Pollo Loco eClub. Local fans are also encouraged to join the My Loco Rewards program for exclusive news, rewards and previews delivered to their inbox. My Loco Rewards also allows members to voice their opinion and learn from other passionate Grill Masters. For more information on El Pollo Loco, please visit www.ElPolloLoco.com or check us out on Facebook and Twitter.  

About El Pollo Loco

With more than 400 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, El Pollo 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. Some say the lengths we go to create fresh, delicious food are crazy. We say it's Crazy You Can Taste. For more information on El Pollo Loco or franchising opportunities, visit our website at ElPolloLoco.com. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter and join the craze with the My Loco Rewards program for exclusive news, rewards and previews.

CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT

         Alecia Pulman, ICR

         LOCO@icrinc.com

         203.682.8200