Founded in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico in 1974 by Juan Francisco Ochoa also known as Don Pancho. ​

In 1980, El Pollo Loco opened its first branch in Alvarado Street in Los Angeles California.

1983: Denny's Inc. acquired Ochoa's restaurants in Los Angeles.

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1987: TW Services, Inc. acquired Denny's and El Pollo Loco.

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1994: El Pollo Loco adds self-serve salsa bars in all restaurants.

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1995: On July 31, El Pollo Loco earns a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for building the world's largest burrito in Anaheim, California. The burrito is 3,112 feet long and weighs two tons.

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2005: In April, El Pollo Loco celebrates its 25th anniversary, introducing its first-ever Loco Value Menu.

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The first El Pollo Loco in the Philipines was opened on

December 14, 1991 at SM Megamall.