El Pollo Loco Franchise 'Spreads its Wings' in Denver

El Pollo Loco, famous for its fresh, authentic, citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken, will open its newest location on July 24 at 1401 South Federal Boulevard in Denver, Colorado. The opening marks the chain's first passage into the Centennial State in its 30-year history. The company operates 341 restaurants (a combination of company- and franchise-owned locations) in six states - California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Illinois and now Colorado. The new Denver El Pollo Loco Restaurant is the first of three sites that El Pollo Loco Franchise partners Robert and Lonni De La Rosa will open in Colorado. The other locations are slated to open in the Denver metropolitan area. The De La Rosas currently own both El Pollo Loco and Burger King locations in Denver and Douglas Counties.

The new Denver El Pollo Loco restaurant is approximately 2,700 square feet and offers bright, comfortable seating for 77 guests. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Catering for special events and celebrations is available.

El Pollo Loco announced significant franchise expansion plans in 2004, introducing a 'Next Generation' prototype for future Franchises with broad demographic appeal and design flexibility to drive its continued national growth. The new Denver location will incorporate the new prototype elements. In addition to Colorado, the company has a pipeline of franchise restaurant commitments in California, Arizona, Illinois, New England, Virginia, Texas, Oregon and Washington. Often referred to as the Starbucks of the pizza industry, Zpizza takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment, offering a large selection of premium quality and creative pizzas. Zpizza's menu offers 17 tasty and adventurous pizzas as well as sandwiches, salads, calzones and the opportunity to create your own pizza with a selection of crusts-including whole wheat, sauces, cheeses and toppings.

"Colorado is an important growth market for El Pollo Loco and we are excited about bringing our delicious citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken to this vibrant market," said Brian Berkhausen, Senior Vice President of Development for El Pollo Loco. "El Pollo Loco provides a fresh, flavorful and healthful alternative to traditional Fast Food and is a perfect fit with the active lifestyles here."

Founded in Guasave, Mexico in 1975, El Pollo Loco, pronounced "L Po-yo Lo-co," is famous for the unique preparation of its award-winning "pollo"-fresh, natural 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 in front of guests, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas, freshly prepared salsas, and a wide assortment of side dishes. In addition to individual and family quantities of its signature chicken, El Pollo Loco serves fresh flavorful entrées inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including made-to-order grilled burritos, the Original Pollo Bowl, Pollo Salads, Tacos al Carbon, quesadillas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and more.

About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco currently operates 341 restaurants (195 franchised locations and 146 company-owned restaurants), located principally in California, with additional restaurants in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Illinois and now Colorado. Headquartered in Irvine, California, El Pollo Loco, Inc. is a privately held company owned by Trimaran Capital Partners and company management. Trimaran is a private asset management firm, headquartered in New York, with assets under management and committed capital in excess of $3 billion.