COSTA MESA, Calif., May 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, opened its newest location in Oceanside, CA today. The restaurant, located at 483 College Blvd is the third location to open in the city of Oceanside. 

"We are excited to continue expanding in our home state of California and offer another conveniently located destination for individuals and families to enjoy our handcrafted dishes," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "Our citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken is a crowd pleaser and we look forward to sharing our flavorful chicken meals and Mexican-inspired entrees with the Oceanside community."

The Company's signature fire-grilled chicken is artfully prepared by El Pollo Loco's Grill Masters and then hand-cut, and served in its chicken meals and authentic Mexican-inspired entrees. Whether guests are looking for a family chicken meal, burrito, salad, quesadilla or under 500 calorie options, El Pollo Loco has a wide variety of delicious offerings.  

The 3,017 square foot restaurant has seating for 78 guests and features the brand's hacienda design, with an open kitchen layout for customers to view El Pollo Loco's signature chicken as it's fire-grilled. The new location will be owned and operated by Chic Pollo, LLC, an affiliate of Peg Lion, LLC, a longtime El Pollo Loco Franchisee with 25 other locations. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

"We are thrilled to open the third El Pollo Loco in Oceanside and bring over 40 jobs to the local community," said Aaron Pingel of Chic Pollo, LLC. "We are very involved in the communities we serve and we look forward to furthering our relationship with the city by continuing to partner with local schools, churches and non-profits to coordinate fundraisers, school tours and other special events."

For promotions and news on the new Oceanside location, fans can follow the restaurant's local Facebook page. El Pollo Loco fans are also encouraged to join the Loco Rewards Program. New members that sign up will receive a voucher for a free order of chips and guacamole. Loco Rewards members also receive exclusive offers, information about new menu items, promotions, events and more. For more information on El Pollo Loco, please visit www.elpolloloco.com or check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 430 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. Visit us on our website at ElPolloLoco.com.

Media Contact:

Kellie Duffy
ICR Inc.
203-682-8200
LOCO@icrinc.com