El Pollo Loco opens 400th restaurant

COSTA MESA, Calif. — To celebrate the opening of its 400th restaurant, El Pollo Loco will give away prizes this month in celebration of its national expansion.

From July 7 through Aug. 3, 2008, every person who makes a purchase at El Pollo Loco will receive a "Chicken Scratch" game card. Every card is a winner, and some include free menu items such as a four-piece chicken meal, small drink, two-piece meal, crunchy taco or a Churro. Another prize is a $400 El Pollo Loco gift card.

El Pollo Loco has entered several new markets, including Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Portland and, most recently, Utah and Virginia. Throughout 2008, El Pollo Loco is continuing expansion into other markets around the country. Locations are set to open over the next year in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Virginia, New Jersey and New England.

"The opening of our 400th restaurant is a major milestone in the history of our brand and represents our momentous journey from west to east," said El Pollo Loco CEO Steve Carley. "As consumers across the nation increasingly seek healthier options that deliver both great value and flavor, we believe we are well positioned for national growth."