El Pollo Loco Inc. is eyeing Oklahoma City as part of its next wave of expansion. Company plans call for as many as five restaurants in the metro area over the next few years, with each restaurant occupying approximately 2,400 square feet of real estate and employing as many as 50 people, Chief Development Officer Brian Carmichall said in a company press release.

The expansion is part of a broader growth initiative that expects to see the 480-unit chain open 140 franchisee-owned restaurants in select DMAs throughout the Western United States by 2026.

"We are excited to grow our footprint and bring El Pollo Loco's signature chicken, handcrafted Mexican entrees and assortment of healthy offerings to new communities," Carmichall said in the release. "The expansion announcement and impending unit growth is sure to appeal to the growing number of consumers looking for healthier options, consumers' growing demand for bolder, spicier flavors and experienced franchise owners with the desire to be part of a strong franchisee family."

The chain has also unveiled two prototype designs geared to meet the demands of today's growing off-premise business.

One caters to off-premise sales with a dual drive-thru, walkup take-out window and convenient parking for curbside pick-up. To maximize sales per square foot, it boosts only patio seating and has no indoor dining room. The second prototype will have a smaller-than-typical dining room that opens up to an expansive patio. This format will also feature a dual drive-thru and designated curbside pick-up parking, according to the release.

Both prototypes share an enhanced digitized experience, including "Pollo To Go" cubbies for mobile to-go and delivery orders, digital menu boards and GPS-enabled curbside pick-up — each integrated with the company's dynamic and versatile mobile app.

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