COSTA MESA, Calif., December 2, 2016 - El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO), the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today announced the introduction of its new slow-cooked Beef Barbacoa, featured in four specially crafted menu items for guests to enjoy. The new Beef Barbacoa Burrito, Torta, Tacos, and Quesadillas are available at participating restaurants for a limited time only.

“We are thrilled to offer another protein option that epitomizes the authentic, delicious flavor our guests and fans have come to expect from El Pollo Loco,” said Ed Valle, Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco. “Our Beef Barbacoa is seasoned with high quality beef with crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices and then braised to perfection. We’ve crafted four special Mexican-inspired menu items to highlight our Beef Barbacoa, bringing guests even more ways to enjoy our craveworthy menu items and spice up their lunch and dinner time routines this holiday season.”

The new Beef Barbacoa menu items include the following:

• Burrito - beef barbacoa, avocado, cheese, rice, beans, cabbage, pico de gallo, creamy cilantro
• Torta - beef barbacoa, avocado, cheese, beans, cabbage, pico de gallo, creamy cilantro, telera roll
• Tacos - two tacos with beef barbacoa, avocado, cotija, cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro
• Quesadilla - beef barbacoa, avocado, sour cream, cheese, cabbage, onions, cilantro

El Pollo Loco is passionate about creating Mexican-inspired entrees that are made with fresh ingredients and provide a healthier alternative to traditional food on-the-go. The brand's signature citrus-marinated chicken is prepared daily on an open flame grill by El Pollo Loco Grill Masters. El Pollo Loco’s menu items bring the authentic flavors of the brand’s Mexican roots and are hand crafted and prepared fresh in all of its restaurants every day. The four new limited time only Beef Barbacoa menu items are available now through December 26, 2016 at participating restaurants.

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 450 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.

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Media Contact:
Kellie Duffy, ICR
LOCO@icrinc.com
203-682-8244