COSTA MESA, Calif., May 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO), the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken chain, opened its newest location in Irving, TX today. The new El Pollo Loco, located at 4050 W Airport Fwy, is owned and operated by franchise partner Chicken Time IV, LLC, an affiliate of Chicken Time Holdings, LLC and Henry Investment Group. The new restaurant marks the first El Pollo Loco location to open in Irving and the fourth operated by franchisee John Murphy of Chicken Time Holdings, LLC.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ecd821e3-d833-4e9d-b2d3-5a9435437271

"We are excited to bring El Pollo Loco to Irving and offer the community a family-friendly environment where they can enjoy our signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and authentic Mexican offerings," said David Henry, Chief Executive Officer of Chicken Time Holdings, LLC. "The local community has been vocal in their desire to have their very own El Pollo Loco and we're pleased to welcome residents and visitors of Irving to our new restaurant. We look forward to being an active part of the community and providing a healthier dining option to join the Irving restaurant scene."

"We are thrilled to have Chicken Time Holdings bring El Pollo Loco to Irving and continue our growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth market," said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. "Their team has worked tirelessly to open the doors to this new restaurant. We are thrilled to be part of this great community and look forward to continuing to expand our footprint with the help of dedicated franchise partners like Chicken Time Holdings."

The 3,000 square foot restaurant has seating for 62 guests and incorporates the brand's new ‘Vision Design,' which highlights an authentic, Mexican-inspired atmosphere and encompasses El Pollo Loco's menu and brand identity. The new design features warm textures, rustic elements and a focus on the Company's signature open kitchen layout which allows for guests to view El Pollo Loco's chicken as it is fire-grilled. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

El Pollo Loco has exclusive multi-unit franchise opportunities available for highly qualified 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 465 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 franchisee development. Visit us on our website at ElPolloLoco.com.

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