COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 7, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today opened its newest location in Tracy, CA. The new restaurant, located at 2442 Naglee Road, is the 20^th in the greater Sacramento market.

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"El Pollo Loco has a tremendous following in California and we are excited that there continues to be a strong desire for new locations in our home state," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "Our first location in the city of Tracy will offer residents a convenient location to enjoy our signature fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired entrees. We welcome the community to come visit our newest location and look forward to continuing to grow in Northern California."

For 35 years, El Pollo Loco's skilled Grill Masters have mastered the art of fire-grilling delicious, citrus-marinated chickens. The grilled chicken is then hand-cut and served in all of El Pollo Loco's chicken meals and authentic Mexican-inspired entrees including burritos, salads, soups, tacos and quesadillas. All of El Pollo Loco's menu items are made with the freshest ingredients.

The new 3,000 square-foot Tracy El Pollo Loco has seating for 70 guests in the dining room and incorporates the brand's hacienda design featuring an open kitchen layout which allows customers to view the brand's signature chicken as it is being grilled. Hours of operation for the new restaurant are Monday through Sunday 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, 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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