COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today announced a new lineup of limited-time offerings designed to bring bold, seasonal flavor to menu categories old and new. The lineup spans beverages, desserts and entrées, giving guests fresh reasons to visit any time of day.

The new LTO items include:

Caramel Apple ChataCoffee™ — El Pollo Loco's classic Mexican-style horchata and iced coffee, layered with seasonal sweet and buttery caramel apple syrup, with the option to top it with a layer of creamy cold foam.
Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros — Perfectly crispy on the outside with a creamy pumpkin pie filling inside, finished with a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Cheesy Enchilada Double Chicken Bowl — A double portion of fire-grilled chopped chicken, seasoned rice, savory pinto beans and a double portion of shredded Jack cheese, topped with handmade guacamole, cool sour cream and freshly prepared salsa fresca, and served with guests' choice of red or green chile enchilada sauce.

New items are available for a limited-time at participating locations, beginning September 24. Loco Rewards Members will get early access to the Cheesy Enchilada Double Chicken Bowls and Caramel Apple ChataCoffee™ on September 22. Not a Loco Rewards Member? Sign up today!

"We're always looking to layer bold, craveable flavor into every part of our menu, in a way that’s uniquely El Pollo Loco," said Rene Pisciotti, Sr. Director of Culinary Innovation, El Pollo Loco. "These new menu items showcase the flavors our guests love in unexpected ways, from the warmth of cinnamon and pumpkin to the richness of caramel apple, all built on the same quality we're known for."

The new items also reflect El Pollo Loco's broader strategy of expanding into new dayparts and menu categories to attract new guests.

"Introducing menu items like our ChataCoffee line and indulgent desserts allow us to broaden our appeal with existing and new customers," said Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco. "By innovating across categories, from beverages and desserts to bigger, craveable bowls, we're delighting guests beyond a traditional lunch or dinner visit."

The Caramel Apple ChataCoffee™, Pumpkin Pie Mini Churros and Cheesy Enchilada Double Chicken Bowl are available for a limited time at participating El Pollo Loco locations nationwide, in restaurants and via the El Pollo Loco app and website for pickup and delivery.

About El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ:LOCO) is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant known for its craveable, flavorful, and better-for-you offerings. Named by USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards as a "Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food" three years in a row, our menu features innovative meals with Mexican-inspired flavors made daily in our restaurants using quality ingredients. At El Pollo Loco, inclusivity is at the heart of our culture. Our community of over 4,000 employees reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone has a seat at our table. Since 1980, El Pollo Loco has successfully expanded its presence, operating more than 500 company-owned and franchised restaurants across ten U.S. states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The company has also extended its footprint internationally, with licensed restaurant locations in the Philippines. For more information or to place an order, visit the Loco Rewards app or ElPolloLoco.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X.

CONTACT:

media@elpolloloco.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0e84a08-310d-43c6-8c13-716a61bd9794