El Pollo Loco Inc. is making good on its plans to expand throughout the Western United States, recently inking a multi-unit agreement with TWS Restaurant Corporation to develop nine restaurants in Northern California.

The franchise group, which owns and operates 27 El Pollo Loco restaurants in the region, is committed to opening the locations in the Bay Area and Sacramento. Only one is under construction, but all will open by 2031, TWS Restaurant Corporation owner Manuel Perales said in a company press release.

"The Bay Area and Sacramento are amazing communities and an ideal fit for the El Pollo Loco brand as we continue to strengthen our roots and expand in Northern California," he said. "We're thrilled to open more restaurant doors in the community and are proud to have the opportunity to provide a fun, family-friendly dining experience where locals can enjoy El Pollo Loco's signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and fresh, authentic menu offerings."

The restaurants will feature El Pollo Loco's new prototype designs geared toward meeting the demands of the company's off-premise business.

Over the next few years, the chain will remodel more than 300 of its 478 restaurants with the new prototype designs and open 140 restaurants in select DMAs throughout California, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas and Washington.

The initial investment to own and operate a single unit is estimated between $770,000 and $2,097,000, which includes a franchise fee of $40,000, according to the release.

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