El Pollo Loco Introduces New Spicy Chicken

Famous for chicken that is hand-marinated in special herbs, spices and fruit juices and then flame-broiled to perfection, El Pollo Loco has a reputation for introducing tasty varieties of its signature chicken. Today, the Mexican chicken chain unveils a brand new taste sensation that embraces consumers' growing demand for bold spicy flavors.

El Pollo Loco's New Spicy Chicken begins with fresh chicken basted in a special blend of exotic chilies, spices and lime. The Habanero Chile, originating from the Yucatan region, lends rich tropical fruit flavors and fiery heat to the chicken. The Ancho Chile, frequently used in traditional mole sauce, contributes bold flavor and a mild, fruit-like sweetness. The basted chicken is slowly flame-broiled over an open grill by El Pollo Loco's expert cooks to produce its rich spicy flavor.

"People are increasingly enjoying bold, spicy flavors reminiscent of authentic Mexican faire," explained Margaret Jenkins, vice president of marketing for El Pollo Loco. "Responding to this growing demand, we took great care to create a winning recipe that delivers the exotic spiciness people crave while remaining true to the basic flavor of our marinated, flame-broiled chicken."

El Pollo Loco's New Spicy Chicken will be available through Dec. 6, 2001. During this time, the chain's traditional flame-broiled chicken will also be served, and guests can mix varieties within their order to accommodate different tastes.

El Pollo Loco will communicate its New Spicy Chicken to consumers in both general and Hispanic markets through a multimedia campaign launching Oct. 15. Television commercials will capture a family's delight when dad brings home El Pollo Loco's New Spicy Chicken for dinner. The commercials will appear as :15 and :30 second spots in select West Coast markets. El Pollo Loco's New Spicy Chicken will also be communicated to both general market and Hispanic consumers through :60 second radio commercials in select West coast markets.

In addition to television and radio advertising, El Pollo Loco is introducing a wide mix of point-of-purchase vehicles to debut its New Spicy Chicken. Merchandising components include exterior banners, translites and drive-thru signage.

El Pollo Loco, a privately held company with headquarters in Irvine, is the nation's leading quick-service Restaurant chain specializing in marinated, flame-broiled chicken. In addition to individual and family meals featuring its famous flame-broiled chicken, El Pollo Loco offers a wide variety of Mexican food entrees including made-to-order burritos, Pollo Bowls®, tacos al carbon, tostada salads and hand-rolled taquitos. El Pollo Loco currently operates domestically 286 restaurants in four states -- California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas.