Exhibit
99.1




EPL
Intermediate, Inc. Announces Results for the


13
Weeks and 26 Weeks Ended June 30, 2010





COSTA
MESA, CA-- (BUSINESS WIRE) – August 12, 2010 - EPL Intermediate, Inc. (“El Pollo
Loco” or the “Company”), parent company of El Pollo Loco, Inc., today reported
results for the 13-week second quarter and 26 weeks ended June 30,
2010.





El Pollo
Loco reported total operating revenue for the 13-week period ended June 30, 2010
of $71.2 million, which is a decrease of $1.4 million, or 2.0%, compared to
total operating revenue for the 13-week period ended July 1, 2009 of $72.7
million.  Total operating revenue includes restaurant sales from
company-operated stores and franchise revenue.





The
decrease in total operating revenue was primarily attributed to a 4.9% decrease
in system-wide same-store sales for the 13-week second quarter of 2010 compared
to the 13-week second quarter of 2009.  Restaurants enter the
comparable restaurant base for same-store sales the first full week after that
restaurant’s 15-month anniversary.





Commenting
on results for the second quarter of 2010, Stephen E. Carley, president and CEO
of El Pollo Loco, Inc. said, “Our sales continue to be negatively
impacted by the high rate of unemployment in our core markets and the increased
frugality we continue to observe among consumers dining out.  We
expect the adverse economic conditions to continue through the second
halfof 2010 and possibly into
2011.”





“Our marketing initiatives during the
second quarter included our‘Free $5.00 Loco Cash Card with the
Purchase of Any Family Meal’promotion which began in mid-March and
helped to drive more families into our restaurants.  In May, we continued our
commitment to bold flavor and flame-grilling with the introduction of two
premium flame-grilled chicken sandwiches, our Guacamole Chicken Sandwich and a
Jalapeno Chicken Sandwich.  Together, these quality whole muscle
breast fillet sandwiches exceeded our sales mix
expectations.”





Operating income increased $3.1 million,
or 74.9%, to $7.2 million for the 13 weeks ended June 30, 2010 from $4.1 million
for the same period of 2009.  This increase in operating income was
mainly dueto a decrease in
legal settlements of $3.0 million and a decrease in product cost of $1.4
million, which were partially offset by the lower revenue mentioned above and a
$1.3 million asset impairment charge for one underperforming restaurant that
will continue to operate.





Interest
expense, net of interest income, increased $0.8 million, or 10.3%, to $9.2
million for the second quarter of 2010 from $8.4 million for the second quarter
of 2009.  This increase was mainly due to the May of 2009 issuance of
$132.5 million aggregate principal amount of 113⁄4% senior secured
notes.





Despite
having a loss for the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2010, we had an income
tax provision of $0.03 million primarily related to the effect of changes in our
deferred taxes and the related effect of maintaining a full valuation allowance
against certain of our deferred tax assets as of June 30,
2010.   For the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2009, we had an
income tax provision of $19.6 million as we recorded a valuation allowance
against our deferred tax assets.





As a
result of the factors cited above, there was a net loss for the 13 weeks ended
June 30, 2010 of $2.0 million compared to a net loss of $24.5 million for the
same 13 weeks of 2009.





Total
operating revenue for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 2010 was $139.2million, which was a
decrease of $4.1 million, or 2.8%, from total operating revenue for the 26 weeks
ended July 1, 2009 of $143.3 million.   The decrease was
primarily due to a decrease in same-store sales for the system of 5.7% for the
26 weeks ended June 30, 2010 compared to the corresponding period of
2009.




Operating
income increased $3.4 million, or 41.7%, to $11.6 million for the 26 weeks ended
June 30, 2010 from $8.2 million for the same period of 2009.  This
increase in operating income was primarily due to a decrease in legal
settlements of $2.9 million and a decrease in product cost of $2.6 million,
which was partially offset by the lower revenue discussed above.




Despite
having a loss for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 2010, we had an income tax
provision of $0.8 million, primarily related to the effect of changes in our
deferred taxes and the related effect of maintaining a full valuation allowance
against certain of our deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2010.  For
the 26 weeks ended July 1, 2009, we had an income tax provision of $19.5 million
as we recorded a valuation allowance against our deferred tax
assets.







As a
result of the factors noted above, the company had a net loss for the 26 weeks
ended June 30, 2010 of $7.7 million compared to a net loss of $25.8 million for
the 26 weeks ended July 1, 2009.




Commenting on the remainder of 2010,
Carley said, “While the
economy continues to pose challenges, we are not standing by waiting for
conditions to improve.  We are aligning our entire team around
our grills as our point of differentiation and sharpening our focus on
providing value to our guests while protecting profitabilitywith: new menu items
that leverage our flame-grilling expertise; greater choice now that we serve
both chicken and steak; our Loco Value Menu; and compelling family meal
offers.”





El Pollo
Loco’s restaurant count changes for the 13 weeks ended June 30, 2010 are as
follows:





Company
                
                
                Franchised Stores
                
                
                TotalAt
      March 31, 2010
                
                
                171
                
                
                
                241
                
                
                
                412Opened
                
                
                -
                
                
                
                1
                
                
                
                1Closed
                
                
                -
                
                
                
                (1
                )
                
                
                (1
                )At
      June 30, 2010
                
                
                171
                
                
                
                241
                
                
                
                412





Addressing
the Company’s plans, Mr. Carley said, “As we shared earlier this year, we expect
to open fewer restaurants this year than last, due in part to the continued
difficulty franchisees are having securing financing in this tough environment
and the impact that the challenging economy has had on our franchisees, several
of whom have delayed or reduced the number of new restaurants they plan to
open.  One new franchise restaurant opened in Big Bear, CA during the
second quarter of 2010 and one franchise restaurant in Santa Cruz, CA closed
during this timeframe.  Since the close of the second quarter, one
additional new franchise restaurant opened in San Diego, CA.





“We plan
to open two company stores later this and expect our franchisees to open one
more restaurant before the end of the year.  These restaurants will be
located in areas where El Pollo Loco already has a presence.”




System-wide
Sales




Included
above is system-wide same-store sales information. System-wide sales are a
financial measure that includes sales at all company-owned stores and
franchise-owned stores, as reported by franchisees. Management uses system-wide
sales information internally in connection with store development decisions,
planning and budgeting analyses. Management believes system-wide sales
information is useful in assessing consumer acceptance of the Company’s brand
and facilitates an understanding of financial performance as the Company’s
franchisees pay royalties and contribute to advertising pools based on a
percentage of their sales.




Safe Harbor
Statement




This news
release may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.  The Company intends that all such statements be
subject to the safe harbor provisions contained in those
sections.  Forward-looking statements are statements that do not
relate solely to historical fact.  They include, but are not limited
to, statements such as “we expect
the adverse economic
conditions to continue through the second half of 2010 and possibly into
2011,”“we expect to
open fewer restaurants this year than last,” and “we plan to open two company
stores later this year and expect our franchisees to open one more restaurant
before the end of the year,” and any other statements that may predict,
forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, achievements or
events.  Forward-looking statements generally contain words such as
“believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,”
“will,” “should,” “may,” “could” or words or phrases of similar
meaning.  Forward-looking statements reflect management's current
expectations regarding future results, performance, achievements or events that
involve risks and uncertainties.  Readers are cautioned that these
forward-looking statements are only predictions and many important factors,
including factors outside of the control of the Company, could cause actual
results, performance, achievements or events to differ materially from those
discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements include but are not limited to: the adverse impact of
economic conditions on our
operating results and financial condition, on our ability to comply with the
terms and covenants of our debt agreements, and on our ability to pay or to
refinance our existing debt or to obtain additional financing; our substantial
level of indebtedness; food-borne-illness
incidents; negative publicity, whether or not valid; increases in the cost of
chicken; our dependence upon frequent deliveries of food and other
supplies; our vulnerability to changes in consumer preferences and
economic conditions; our sensitivity to
events and conditions in the Southern California area, our largest market; our
ability to compete successfully with other quick service and fast casual
restaurants; our ability to expand into new markets; our reliance onour franchisees, who have also been
adversely impacted by the recession; matters relating to labor laws and the
adverse impact of related litigation, including wage and hour class actions; our
ability to support our  franchise system; our ability to
renewleases at the end of their term; the
impact of applicable federal, state or local government regulations; our ability
to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information;litigation we face in connection with our operations; and other risk
factors listed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  Although the Company believes
that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable,
any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, the Company cannot
assure the reader that the results, performance, achievements or events
contemplated by the forward-looking statements will be realized in the timeframe
anticipated or at all.  In light of the significant uncertainties
inherent in forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such
information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any
other person that the Company’s objectives or plans will be
achieved.  Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on such forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes
no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement,
whether as the result of new information, future events or
otherwise.  The financial information contained in this release should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and
subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as each may be amended from time to
time.  Statements about the Company’s past performance are not
necessarily indicative of its future results.







About the
Company





El Pollo
Loco® is the nation’s leading restaurant concept specializing in flame-grilled
chicken.  Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, El Pollo Loco, Inc.
operates a restaurant system comprised of 171 company-operated and 241
franchised restaurants (as of June 30, 2010) located primarily in California,
with additional restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia,
Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Utah and
Virginia.  El Pollo Loco’s menu features the Company’s signature
citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken in individual and family-size meals
served with a choice of corn or flour tortillas, freshly-prepared salsas and an
assortment of side orders.  El Pollo Loco also serves a variety of
contemporary, Mexican-inspired entrees featuring the chain’s citrus-marinated,
flame-grilled chicken and Carne Asada-style Sirloin steak, including Pollo Bowl®
entrees, pollo salads, grilled burritos, tacos, quesadillas and
more.  For more information about the Company, visit www.elpolloloco.com.





Contacts:
                                  Gary
      Campanaro
                                  Julie
      WeeksChief
      Financial Officer
                                  Vice
      President of CommunicationsEl
      Pollo Loco, Inc.
                                  El
      Pollo Loco, Inc.714.599.5155
                                  714.599.5150gcampanaro@elpolloloco.com
                                  jweeks@elpolloloco.com


Summary Financial
Information




EPL
INTERMEDIATE, INC.


(A
Wholly Owned Subsidiary of El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.)





CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)


(Amounts
      in thousands)





13 Weeks Ended
                              
                              
                              26 Weeks EndedJuly
      1,
                              
                              
                              June
      30,
                              
                              
                              July
      1,
                              
                              
                              June
      30,2009
                              
                              
                              2010
                              
                              
                              2009
                              
                              
                              2010OPERATING
      REVENUE:Restaurant
      revenue
                              
                              $
                              67,779
                              
                              
                              $
                              66,512
                              
                              
                              $
                              133,704
                              
                              
                              $
                              129,930Franchise
      revenue
                              
                              
                              4,885
                              
                              
                              
                              4,723
                              
                              
                              
                              9,593
                              
                              
                              
                              9,297Total
      operating revenue
                              
                              
                              72,664
                              
                              
                              
                              71,235
                              
                              
                              
                              143,297
                              
                              
                              
                              139,227OPERATING
      EXPENSES:Product
      cost
                              
                              
                              22,199
                              
                              
                              
                              20,769
                              
                              
                              
                              43,160
                              
                              
                              
                              40,546Payroll
      and benefits
                              
                              
                              18,082
                              
                              
                              
                              17,378
                              
                              
                              
                              35,770
                              
                              
                              
                              34,907Depreciation
      and amortization
                              
                              
                              2,806
                              
                              
                              
                              2,612
                              
                              
                              
                              5,636
                              
                              
                              
                              5,194Other
      operating expenses
                              
                              
                              25,437
                              
                              
                              
                              23,235
                              
                              
                              
                              50,546
                              
                              
                              
                              46,986Total
      operating expenses
                              
                              
                              68,524
                              
                              
                              
                              63,994
                              
                              
                              
                              135,112
                              
                              
                              
                              127,633OPERATING
      INCOME
                              
                              
                              4,140
                              
                              
                              
                              7,241
                              
                              
                              
                              8,185
                              
                              
                              
                              11,594INTEREST
      EXPENSE—Net
                              
                              
                              8,382
                              
                              
                              
                              9,243
                              
                              
                              
                              14,426
                              
                              
                              
                              18,475OTHER
      EXPENSE
                              
                              
                              646
                              
                              
                              
                              -
                              
                              
                              
                              443
                              
                              
                              
                              -OTHER
      INCOME
                              
                              
                              -
                              
                              
                              
                              -
                              
                              
                              
                              (452
                              )
                              
                              
                              -LOSS
      BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
                              
                              
                              (4,888
                              )
                              
                              
                              (2,002
                              )
                              
                              
                              (6,232
                              )
                              
                              
                              (6,881
                              )PROVISION
      FOR INCOME TAXES
                              
                              
                              19,609
                              
                              
                              
                              29
                              
                              
                              
                              19,542
                              
                              
                              
                              773NET
      LOSS
                              
                              $
                              (24,497
                              )
                              
                              $
                              (2,031
                              )
                              
                              $
                              (25,774
                              )
                              
                              $
                              (7,654
                              )









13 Weeks
    Ended
                          
                          
                          26 Weeks
    EndedJuly 1,
                          
                          
                          June 30,
                          
                          
                          July 1,
                          
                          
                          June 30,2009
                          
                          
                          2010
                          
                          
                          2009
                          
                          
                          2010Operating Statement
      Data:Restaurant
      revenue
                          
                          
                          100.0
                          %
                          
                          
                          100.0
                          %
                          
                          
                          100.0
                          %
                          
                          
                          100.0
                          %Product
cost
                          
                          
                          32.8
                          
                          
                          
                          31.2
                          
                          
                          
                          32.3
                          
                          
                          
                          31.2Payroll and
      benefits
                          
                          
                          26.7
                          
                          
                          
                          26.1
                          
                          
                          
                          26.8
                          
                          
                          
                          26.9Depreciation and
      amortization
                          
                          
                          4.1
                          
                          
                          
                          3.9
                          
                          
                          
                          4.2
                          
                          
                          
                          4.0Other operating
      expenses
                          
                          
                          37.5
                          
                          
                          
                          34.9
                          
                          
                          
                          37.8
                          
                          
                          
                          36.2Operating
      income
                          
                          
                          6.1
                          
                          
                          
                          10.9
                          
                          
                          
                          6.1
                          
                          
                          
                          8.9Interest
      expense-net
                          
                          
                          12.4
                          
                          
                          
                          13.9
                          
                          
                          
                          10.8
                          
                          
                          
                          14.2Other
    expense
                          
                          
                          1.0
                          
                          
                          
                          0.0
                          
                          
                          
                          0.3
                          
                          
                          
                          0.0Other
income
                          
                          
                          0.0
                          
                          
                          
                          0.0
                          
                          
                          
                          (0.3
                          )
                          
                          
                          0.0Loss before provision for income
      taxes
                          
                          
                          (7.2
                          )
                          
                          
                          (3.0
                          )
                          
                          
                          (4.7
                          )
                          
                          
                          (5.3
                          )Provision for income
      taxes
                          
                          
                          28.9
                          
                          
                          
                          0.0
                          
                          
                          
                          14.6
                          
                          
                          
                          0.6Net loss
                          
                          
                          (36.1
                          )
                          
                          
                          (3.1
                          )
                          
                          
                          (19.3
                          )
                          
                          
                          (5.9
                          )Supplementary Operating Statement
      Data:Restaurant other operating
      expense
                          
                          
                          23.5
                          
                          
                          
                          22.9
                          
                          
                          
                          23.1
                          
                          
                          
                          23.8Franchise
      expense
                          
                          
                          1.4
                          
                          
                          
                          1.4
                          
                          
                          
                          1.5
                          
                          
                          
                          1.5General and administrative expense
      (1) (2)
                          
                          
                          12.6
                          
                          
                          
                          10.6
                          
                          
                          
                          13.2
                          
                          
                          
                          10.9Total other operating
      expenses
                          
                          
                          37.5
                          
                          
                          
                          34.9
                          
                          
                          
                          37.8
                          
                          
                          
                          36.2





(1)
            General
      and administrative expenses as a percent of total operating revenue for
      the 13 weeks ended July 1, 2009 was 11.8% and 9.9% for the 13 weeks
      ended June 30, 2010.




(2)
            General
      and administrative expenses as a percent of total operating revenue for
      the 26 weeks ended July 1, 2009 was 12.3% and 10.1% for the 26 weeks ended
      June 30, 2010.