FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Julie Weeks 714-599-5150 El Pollo Loco jweeks@elpolloloco.com
07/17/2008
El Pollo Loco Spreads it Wings in Utah with a Second Restaurant
The Nation’s Flame-grilled Chicken Leader Flocks to Washington, Utah

COSTA MESA, CA – July 17, 2008 – Utah has a brand new flame, and Washington is the second town to “ignite” it! Following much anticipation around the arrival of El Pollo Loco in Utah, the flame-grilled chicken leader will open the doors to the state’s second El Pollo Loco on Monday, July 21st at 9:00 a.m. in the city of Washington. El Pollo Loco, a leading franchise of more than 400 fast casual restaurants, is famous on the West Coast for its fresh, natural, citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken served with warm tortillas, assortment of delicious sides and fresh salsas, along with a wide variety of fresh, contemporary Mexican-influenced entrees.

The new Washington, Utah restaurant is located at 745 West Telegraph Street near Greensprings Drive. It is approximately 2,850 square feet and offers bright, comfortable seating for more than 65 guests. The restaurant employs 60 new hires from the local community and is open seven days a week-- from 9:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the dining room and from 9:00 a.m. to midnight at the drive thru. Catering for special events and celebrations is also available.

The Washington, Utah location features the company’s new building design. The impressive exterior evokes contemporary Mexican design with multiple textures, geometric shapes, natural wood and Aztec design elements. The dramatic interior highlights El Pollo Loco’s fresh, citrus-marinated chicken as it cooks on the grill and features an open dining area with flexible seating that encourages customers to relax and enjoy the unique El Pollo Loco dining experience. A focal point of the new dining room is a circular, self serve salsa bar approachable from all directions so guests can easily customize their menu selections with any combination of El Pollo Loco’s signature salsas. All are prepared fresh every day.

The new Washington location is one of 17 El Pollo Loco restaurants to be opened in Utah over the next several years. The first Utah El Pollo Loco opened last month in the city of Lehi and a third El Pollo Loco is scheduled to open in St. George in late November of this year. More locations will follow in the years ahead.

“We are both honored and excited to bring Utah its second El Pollo Loco,” said Sergio Ceja, Area Leader for El Pollo Loco. “The people of Utah who have experienced El Pollo Loco are thrilled to finally be able to enjoy the mouthwatering taste of our citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken here locally. And for those who have never tried El Pollo Loco, it will be love at first bite.”

Compared to fried chicken, El Pollo Loco provides a healthier option with its flame-grilled method of preparation. El Pollo Loco additionally offers an assortment of wholesome sides-- including fresh vegetables, garden salad, and pinto beans, and freshly prepared salsas.

Founded in Guasave, Mexico in 1975, El Pollo Loco, pronounced “L Po-yo Lo-co” and Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” opened its first U.S. restaurant in 1980 and is famous for the unique preparation of its award-winning “pollo”-- fresh chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices and citrus juices passed down from the founding family. The marinated chicken is then flame-grilled, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas, freshly prepared salsas, and a wide assortment of side dishes. Rounding out the menu are fresh flavorful entrées inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including signature, grilled burritos, Pollo Bowl® entrees, Pollo Salads, Tacos al Carbon, quesadillas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and more.

About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco currently operates 409 restaurants (245 franchised locations and 164 company-owned restaurants) located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Illinois, Georgia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, El Pollo Loco, Inc. is a privately held company owned by Trimaran Pollo Partners, LLC and management.
For more information about El Pollo Loco, visit the company’s website at www.elpolloloco.com