COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, opened its newest location in Fort Worth, TX today. The restaurant, located at 8817 North Freeway, marks the third location in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50cc9692-3ee5-43a8-a44b-a002e657c932.

"We are excited to continue expanding in the state of Texas 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 crave-worthy chicken meals and delicious Mexican-inspired entrees with the Fort Worth community."

The brand's signature chicken is prepared on an open flame grill by El Pollo Loco Grill Masters before it is hand-cut and served in its chicken meals and Mexican 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 flavorful offerings.

The 2,995 square foot restaurant has seating for 68 guests and features the brand's Vision design, with an open kitchen layout that allows customers to view El Pollo Loco's signature chicken as it's fire-grilled. The restaurant is open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm each day.

The Fort Worth restaurant will host a grand opening event for the community on Saturday, October 29 starting at 11:00 am. The event will include free family activities throughout the day. For more information about El Pollo Loco in DFW, visit ElPolloLoco.com/dallas.

For promotions and news on the new Fort Worth location, fans can follow the restaurant's local Facebook page. Additionally, fans are invited to join the My Loco Rewards Program. New members that sign up will receive a voucher for a free Taco al Carbon. My Loco Rewards members also receive exclusive offers, information about new menu items, promotions, events and more. To learn more about 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 440 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, El Pollo Loco is expanding its presence in key markets 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