El Pollo Loco Unveils Improved Eco-Conscious Packaging System-Wide

Rhea-AI Summary

El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is launching its new Thermo-To-Go containers, replacing Styrofoam to enhance off-premises dining while supporting environmental sustainability. The new packaging, made from partially recycled materials, aims to keep food hotter and fresher, aligning with the increasing demand for takeout services, which surged 250% in delivery sales since 2019. This change is part of a broader digital transformation strategy, which also includes enhancements like GPS-enabled curbside pickup. The full rollout of these containers is expected by the end of May 2021.

Positive

• Introduction of Thermo-To-Go packaging promotes sustainability by eliminating 1.9 million cubic feet of Styrofoam from waste annually.
• Delivery sales surged 250% and drive-thru business grew by 43% since 2019, indicating strong off-premises dining demand.
• Packaging is designed to keep food hotter, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.

Negative

• None.

New Thermo-To-Go™ containers reduce waste while keeping food hotter and more secure

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, Inc. (“El Pollo Loco” or “Company) (Nasdaq: LOCO), the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, is eliminating its use of Styrofoam and continuing its improvements to customers’ off-premises dining experience with a system-wide rollout of clear, eco-conscious Thermo-To-Go packaging that keeps food hotter for a fresh-from-the-grill taste in every bite.

“El Pollo Loco is committed to enhancing the convenience and overall experience of off-premises dining, which continues to grow exponentially and currently comprises the bulk of our business,” El Pollo Loco President and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Acoca said. “Not only is our new Thermo-To-Go packaging better for the environment, but it’s also sturdier and has an appealing aesthetic that showcases our delicious food while preserving heat and quality.”

The transition to the Thermo-To-Go containers, which are made from partially recycled materials, will remove 1.9 million cubic feet of Styrofoam — the equivalent of 21 Olympic-size swimming pools — from the national waste stream annually.

El Pollo Loco’s off-premises business has burgeoned since 2019, with delivery sales jumping by 250% and its already robust drive-thru business growing by 43%. In the last year, El Pollo Loco has introduced GPS-enabled curbside pickup, drive-thru enhancements and other improvements to its off-premises offerings as part of its ongoing digital transformation strategy; however, the pandemic-induced growth in off-premises business served as further incentive to accelerate the rollout of additional upgrades, including the move to better packaging.

The new Thermo-To-Go packaging is a continuation of El Pollo Loco’s commitment to being an industry leader in safe and reliable off-premises dining, which it kicked off with its switch to tamper-free, sealable delivery bags at the start of the pandemic. It also aligns with El Pollo Loco’s recent adoption of a modern, design-forward approach that complements its high-quality food and offers customers an exceptional and enjoyable experience at every touchpoint.

El Pollo Loco’s Tostadas switched to Thermo-To-Go packaging in late April and the restaurant’s famous Fire-grilled Chicken will be sold in the new containers system-wide by the end of May.

For additional information, visit ElPolloLoco.com.

About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq:LOCO) is the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant with a mission to bring people together around food, family, and culture in the communities it serves. El Pollo Loco is renowned for its handcrafted L.A. Mex food, an innovative blend of traditional Mexican cuisine and better-for-you eating, that Los Angeles is known for. Since 1980, El Pollo Loco has successfully opened and maintained more than 480 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Louisiana while remaining true to its Mexican-American heritage. El Pollo Loco continues to grow and evolve, nourishing connections to tradition, culture, and one another through fire-grilled goodness that makes us feel like familia. For more information, visit us at ElPolloLoco.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Rosie Herzog
Edible
213-878-7867
rosie.herzog@edible-inc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/661e8d4d-d65c-4320-bbd4-526b301fc2dc

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a635fdaf-76ae-467e-84e6-8fddf800fe4b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d95f60b-3c8d-4e17-8bc8-7c4b3c2c8d7a

FAQ

What is the significance of El Pollo Loco's Thermo-To-Go packaging?

The Thermo-To-Go packaging eliminates Styrofoam waste, enhances food freshness, and supports the growing demand for off-premises dining.

How much Styrofoam will El Pollo Loco's new packaging eliminate?

The new packaging will remove 1.9 million cubic feet of Styrofoam from the national waste stream annually.

When will the Thermo-To-Go packaging be available at El Pollo Loco?

The full rollout of the Thermo-To-Go packaging is expected by the end of May 2021.

What recent trends have influenced El Pollo Loco's off-premises business?

Since 2019, delivery sales have increased by 250%, and drive-thru sales have grown by 43%, indicating a significant shift towards off-premises dining.