COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 9, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today opened its newest location in Houston, TX. The new restaurant, located at 3102 Ella Blvd., is the fifth location to open in the greater Houston region and 15^th in the state of Texas.

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"We love the pro-business attitude in Texas and are excited to continue expanding in the state with this new location in Houston," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "Houston area residents have been extremely receptive to the four restaurants we've opened in the surrounding communities. We are pleased to open this new, centrally positioned restaurant and offer fans another location to enjoy our signature chicken and Mexican-inspired entrees."

Whether guests are looking for burritos, salads, quesadillas, or family chicken meals, El Pollo Loco has something delicious for everyone. With more than 420 restaurant locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Texas, El Pollo Loco serves its renowned citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken and handcrafted entrees that use only the freshest ingredients to create authentic Mexican inspired recipes.

The new 3,000 square-foot Houston 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 restaurant is open seven days a week 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 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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         Kellie Duffy

         ICR Inc.

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         LOCO@icrinc.com

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