Irvine-based El Pollo Loco, creator of the Pollo
Bowl®, announced today the debut of a tasty new addition to its bowl line-up — the Nacho Pollo
Bowl(TM).
Featuring all the flavor and appeal of nachos in the convenience of a bowl, El Pollo Loco’s new Nacho
Pollo Bowl(TM) piles plenty of the chain’s famous hand-marinated, flame-broiled chicken over a
generous helping of Spanish rice, tortilla chips and spicy pinto beans. Two kinds of cheese (Jack and
Cheddar) are melted on top, and the bowl is served with onions and cilantro, sour cream and
guacamole, delivering a satisfying meal for one or a delicious appetizer for several. Guests can
choose to “combo” their Nacho Pollo Bowl(TM), adding corn or flour tortillas and a 20-ounce
beverage.
The Nacho Pollo Bowl(TM) offers a fun new way to enjoy El Pollo Loco’s signature flame-broiled
chicken. “Nachos have become a popular part of Southwestern cuisine, and our Nacho Pollo
Bowl(TM) embraces the growing demand for these products,” said Margaret Jenkins, vice president
of marketing for El Pollo Loco.
“It’s a convenient way to enjoy a favorite meal that’s often difficult to manage. Plus, guests can
personalize their Nacho Pollo Bowl(TM) with any combination of salsas from our salsa bar.” El Pollo
Loco offers four different salsas: Pico de Gallo, Avocado Salsa, Spicy Chipotle and El Pollo Loco’s
famous house salsa. All are prepared fresh every day.
Famous for chicken marinated in a secret blend of herbs, spices and fruit juices and then
flame-broiled to perfection, El Pollo Loco has provided a fresh, wholesome alternative to traditional
fast food since 1975, serving its chicken hot off the grill with warm tortillas, a wide variety of delicious
side dishes and freshly prepared salsas.
In recent years, the chain has broadened its menu and created new and more portable ways to bring
its flame-broiled chicken to consumers on the go. Pollo Bowls® have emerged as a popular choice.
Bowls now account for approximately 14% of El Pollo Loco’s meal purchases.
El Pollo Loco introduced its first bowl creation, the Pollo Bowl®, in 1996. A full 20 ounces, it quickly
became a hit. This signature bowl combines El Pollo Loco’s flame-broiled chicken with Spanish rice
and pinto beans, topped with onions, cilantro and salsa. The Smokey Black Bean Pollo Bowl, a twist
on the original Pollo Bowl®, followed. Inspired by the success of its Pollo Bowls®, and looking for
new ways to meet the growing demand for entree-size salads, El Pollo Loco introduced three Salad
Bowls in 1999—the Flame-Broiled Chicken Salad Bowl, Southwest Chicken Salad Bowl and Mexican
Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl.
El Pollo Loco’s new Nacho Pollo Bowl(TM) will be communicated to consumers through a mix of
point-of-purchase vehicles including translites and counter cards.