El Pollo Loco Signs 11-Restaurant Northern California Agreement with Restaurant Industry Veteran

Posted on May 24, 2007 by

Sunnyvale Santa Clara El Pollo Loco LLC Introduces San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo Counties to Leading Mexican Fast-Casual Concept

IRVINE, CA – El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leader in citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken, announced today it has signed a multi-unit agreement with Sunnyvale Santa Clara El Pollo Loco LLC led by Dave Barrows to open 11 El Pollo Loco locations throughout San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties.  The new agreement is in addition to his current agreement to develop eight locations in Santa Clara County.

“We are pleased to have seasoned restaurant developers and talented El Pollo Loco franchise partners like Dave Barrows with our brand,” said Scott Gillie, Director of Franchise Development for El Pollo Loco. “We look forward to the important role he and his group will play in driving El Pollo Loco’s franchise expansion throughout San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties and raising awareness of the brand in Northern California.”

Barrows’ impressive career includes broad experience spanning brand management, marketing, merchandising, and operations with foodservice, restaurant, retail, and technology firms.  He has worked for some of the world’s top global brands including Mattel, Nestle, PepsiCo, Gateway, and Apple computer. In addition, Barrows has developed co-branded concepts with Disney and Macy’s and served as the chief executive in three ground-up, entrepreneurial ventures:  World Wrapps, Boudin’s Bakery, and Shop-Eaze Systems.

The agreement calls for Sunnyvale Santa Clara El Pollo Loco LLC to develop 11 El Pollo Loco locations in San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties.  Barrows joined the El Pollo Loco system in September of 2004 when Sunnyvale Santa Clara El Pollo Loco LLC purchased two El Pollo Loco restaurants in Northern California and signed an agreement to develop eight additional locations in Santa Clara County.

“Simply put, El Pollo Loco has the best tasting food in its category; nothing comes close in terms of flavor and food quality,” said Barrows.  “El Pollo Loco truly has the whole package – a healthy dining option with the freshest ingredients and excellent customer service.” 

El Pollo Loco earlier announced significant franchise expansion plans, introducing a ‘Next Generation’ prototype for future franchises with broad demographic appeal and design flexibility to drive continued national growth of the 25-year-old proven concept. The new Northern California locations will incorporate the new prototype elements including flexible seating, upbeat colors and open grill area.  In addition to Northern California, the company has a pipeline of franchise restaurant commitments in Arizona, Washington, Utah, Georgia, Illinois, Virginia, Missouri, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

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 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, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas, freshly prepared salsas, and a wide assortment of side dishes.  Rounding out the menu are fresh flavorful entrées inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including signature grilled burritos, The Original Pollo BowlÒ, Pollo Salads, Tacos al Carbon, quesadillas, and more. 

About El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco currently operates 366 restaurants (211 franchised locations and 155 company-owned restaurants), located principally in California, with additional restaurants in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Illinois and Connecticut.  Headquartered in Irvine, California, El Pollo Loco, Inc. is a privately held company owned by Trimaran Capital Partners and company management.