El Pollo Loco Passes the Buck Back to Consumers With Hot-Off-the-Grill Competitor Coupon Program

COSTA MESA, CA--(Marketwire - February 19, 2009) - After watching Wall Street fat cats pocket huge bonuses of taxpayer money, El Pollo Loco has decided now is the time to pass the buck back to the American people... and in some cases three bucks. Hot off the grill, the nation's leading flame-grilled chicken chain will gladly accept competitors' chicken coupons for a limited time in all 400 plus locations across the country. Just bring in any printed chicken coupon from another restaurant and El Pollo Loco provides a special discount of:

--  $1 off any El Pollo Loco Combo Meal (if competitor coupon features an
    individual chicken meal or entrée)
    
--  $3 off any El Pollo Loco Family Meal (if competitor coupon features a
    family chicken meal)
    

Consumers can visit www.elpolloloco.com for additional details about this limited time offer.

"Though this offer may ruffle a few feathers, we want to do our part to heat up the economy and reward our guests by offering this special dollars-off discount on our fresh, healthful flame-grilled chicken," said Steve Carley, chief executive officer. "El Pollo Loco doesn't need to lock its recipe in some well-armed underground bunker. It's no secret that El Pollo Loco's juicy, citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken has perfected a traditional family recipe with 30 years of grilling expertise."

El Pollo Loco is famous for the unique preparation of its award-winning "pollo" -- fresh chicken marinated in a special combination of herbs, spices and citrus juices, 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 healthful menu are fresh flavorful entrees inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including signature grilled burritos, Pollo Bowl® entrees, Pollo Salads, tacos, quesadillas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and more.

About El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco, Inc., a privately held company headquartered in Costa Mesa, California currently operates more than 400 locations in 14 states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ElPolloLoco.com.

Contact Information: Contacts: Heather Gordon The Rogers Group 310-552-4123 hgordon@rogerspr.com Julie Weeks El Pollo Loco 714-599-5150 jweeks@elpolloloco.com