COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today announced the opening of two Los Angeles County locations in Lancaster and San Pedro. The new Lancaster restaurant, located at 42839 10^th Street West, opened Monday, October 26 and the San Pedro restaurant, located at 215 North Gaffey Street, opened today, Wednesday, October 28.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=37244

"Our heart is in Los Angeles, where we opened our first El Pollo Loco in the U.S. We are integrated in the local community and have seen tremendous growth over the years. We now have over 270 locations in the Los Angeles region," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "It is always special to open a new location in the area where the brand first got started and we are excited to end the month of October by bringing two more convenient locations to our fans and provide area residents with even more access to our signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and delicious handcrafted meals."

The 3,000 square-foot Lancaster, CA restaurant has seating for 77 guests in the dining room and incorporates the brand's hacienda design, featuring an open kitchen layout designed for customers to view the signature chicken as it is being grilled.

The San Pedro, CA restaurant also features the hacienda design in its 3,290 square-foot interior with seating for 82 guests.

Hours of operation for the Lancaster and San Pedro restaurants are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with dine-in service concluding one hour prior to closing.

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 415 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.

Like: https://www.facebook.com/ElPolloLoco
Follow on Twitter: @ElPolloLoco
Follow on Instagram: @ElPolloLoco
Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialElPolloLoco
Join e-club: http://www.elpolloloco.com/locorewards/

CONTACT: Media Contact:



         Kellie Duffy

         ICR Inc.

         203-682-8200

         LOCO@icrinc.com

News Provided by Acquire Media