COSTA MESA, Calif., March 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, today announced it has expanded its franchise development deal with Chicken Time Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Henry Investment Group (HIG) to open an additional 13 new restaurants in Texas.  As part of this new deal, HIG will open an additional three new restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, as well as expand the brand to Austin and Waco, with six and four restaurants, respectively.  By 2022, HIG will have a total of 20 restaurants in the Texas market. 

"With an abundance of expertise and industry experience, Henry Investment Group has been instrumental in El Pollo Loco's expansion throughout Texas," said Steve Sather, President and CEO of El Pollo Loco. "We are excited to have Henry Investment Group help El Pollo Loco continue to spread our commitment to fresh, authentically prepared food."

The restaurant operations leadership team at HIG brings over 20 years of successful experience to El Pollo Loco. HIG's vision includes investing in sustainable long-term enterprises, representing the highest quality in all that it does, being active in the communities it serves and attracting and retaining quality team members.

"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with El Pollo Loco, with its great track record of success due to amazing food and unrivaled passion that is steeped in tradition," said David Henry, Principal and CEO of Henry Investment Group. "We're confident El Pollo Loco's signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired entrees will resonate with residents and visitors of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Waco communities and we're excited to open our doors."

El Pollo Loco is currently seeking highly qualified, multi-unit operators in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and Arkansas.  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 460 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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