COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, opened its newest location in Covina, CA today. The new El Pollo Loco, located at 1405 N. Azusa Ave., is owned by franchise partner Peg/Lion, LLC. The new restaurant marks the third El Pollo Loco location to open in Covina operated by franchisees Bill Engel, Chris Pingel, Aaron Pingel, and Angel Lara.

"We are very excited to open another convenient El Pollo Loco location in Covina and offer the community a third restaurant at which they can enjoy our signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and delicious, authentic Mexican offerings," said Aaron Pingel, Chief Financial Officer of Peg/Lion, LLC. "We welcome residents and visitors of Covina to come join us at our new restaurant."

"We are thrilled to have Peg/Lion expand our presence in Covina," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "For over 30 years, Bill, Chris, Aaron, and Angel have been fantastic stewards of the El Pollo Loco brand and have worked hard to expand the presence of the company. They have been great partners to us and we continue to seek well qualified partners like them to become successful franchisees."

The 2,400 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 is fire-grilled. The restaurant is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

El Pollo Loco has exclusive multi-unit franchise opportunities available for highly qualified operators in Northern California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.  For more information, visit www.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 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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