El Pollo Loco Signs 18-location Development Agreement With Established Multi-unit, Multi-concept Franchise Developer For California And Washington

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (Tuesday, May 10, 2005) - El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leader in citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken, announced today it has signed a multi-unit agreement with a prolific franchise industry magnate who over the past 24 years has successfully opened some 92 different restaurants. The agreement calls for John Gantes and Breckenridge Group, Inc. to open 18 El Pollo Loco locations throughout California and Washington by 2015.

“We are pleased to have a seasoned restaurant developer like Mr. Gantes as part of our growing franchise team,” said Marcelino Contreras, Director, Franchise Development for El Pollo Loco. “We look forward to the important role he will play in driving El Pollo Loco’s franchise expansion further up the coast,” said Contreras, who noted that Mr. Gantes is currently a franchisee for Burger King, Applebee’s, Famous Dave’s, Haagen Dazs, Arby’s, On the Border, CoCo’s, Ruby’s Dinner, Johnny Carino’s and Bruegger’s.

Mr. Gantes has agreed to develop 14 El Pollo Loco locations in the Oakland and East San Francisco Bay area of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and four separate locations in Clark County in the southern section of Washington State bordering Oregon.

“El Pollo Loco’s passion for excellence, great food, quality customer service and top-notch corporate staff fits well with the portfolio of restaurants we have developed,” Gantes said. “We are also excited to be a part of El Pollo Loco’s nationwide expansion and continued growth into untapped markets.”

All 18 of Mr. Gantes’ El Pollo Loco locations are slated to conform with El Pollo Loco’s ‘Next Generation’ prototype, which was recently rolled-out at a new location in the Los Angeles market and designed to have broad demographic appeal in new markets, design flexibility to deliver maximum returns in end cap, in-line, drive-thru and freestanding formats and to drive continued national growth of the 25-year-old proven concept. The new design highlights El Pollo Loco’s fresh, citrus-marinated chicken being cooked on the grill and creates an open atmosphere that encourages customers to relax, stay longer and enjoy the unique El Pollo Loco dining experience.

“The ‘Next Generation’ El Pollo Loco restaurant was strategically designed to maximize operational efficiency and support the growth of franchisees across the entire range of available real estate formats as we grow the El Pollo Loco brand nationally,” said Stephen Carley, CEO of El Pollo Loco. “It was 25 years ago that we introduced our signature flame-grilled chicken to U.S. consumers. Through our new prototype, we’re able take our legendary product into the next century with a contemporary look and feel that brings to life the coveted ‘sweet spot’ that El Pollo Loco owns- fast-casual food quality with quick-service convenience.”

About El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco currently operates 323 restaurants (186 franchised locations and 137 company-owned restaurants), located principally in California, with additional restaurants in Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Headquartered in Irvine, California, El Pollo Loco, Inc. is a privately held company owned by affiliates of New York-based equity investment firm American Securities Capital Partners, L.P. and company management. The chain offers a wide variety of contemporary Mexican-influenced entrees Bowls (Pollo , Pollo Salads, specialty chicken burritos and more) in addition to individual and family size meals of its famous citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken. The chicken is served with warm tortillas, freshly prepared salsas and a wide assortment of side dishes.

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