El Pollo Loco Wraps Up Women's History Month with a Special Event Recognizing Women Who Lead, Inspire, and Empower

LOS ANGELES, April 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, Inc. ("El Pollo Loco" or "Company") (Nasdaq: LOCO), the nation's leading restaurant chain specializing in fire-grilled chicken, joined forces with creative visionary and entrepreneur LaLa Romero to host an exclusive event on April 4^th in honor of Women's History Month. The event celebrated the achievements of a select group of women within the organization and its broader communities who have relentlessly pursued their passions. The honorees included:

• Rosa Fuentes embodies the American Dream. She immigrated to the United States from El Salvador and joined the El Pollo Loco team at 17, nurturing a dream of becoming a franchisee. Today, she is a beacon of success, a multi-unit owner/franchisee, and one of the brand's most esteemed operators.
• Yvonne Guidry is a multicultural influencer and entrepreneur behind spoiledlatina.com. She’s been in Forbes, People en Español, and BeLatina for creating a brand that celebrates Latina culture, fashion, and beauty and encourages women to spoil themselves.
• Amanda Castillo, a true entrepreneur, transformed her homemade candy into a viral snack sensation among the LatinX community. Her brand, Pica Pica Candy, is not just a business success story but a symbol of cultural pride and community connection. Today, she is the founder and CEO, selling her brand's delicious spicy candy online and in two successful brick-and-mortar stores in Texas.
• Carmelita Ramírez-Sánchez is a broadcasting and entertainment industry veteran with a long list of firsts, including being the first female vice president at a hip-hop record label and the first female DJ to reach over 10 million listeners. She is now the executive director of the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory, which trains students through specialized curricula, emphasizing economic and cultural equity toward careers in the arts and entertainment industries.

“By hosting events that empower and inspire women, El Pollo Loco recognizes and appreciates the remarkable contributions made by women to its business and fosters a sense of unity and support within the community,” said Jill Adams, El Pollo Loco's Chief Marketing Officer. “These events serve as a platform for women to pursue their passions and make a positive impact while encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and personal growth.”