News

El Pollo Loco honors franchisees with Heritage Award

March 11, 2014

El Pollo Loco has presented Lee Alvarez Sr., Rafael Armenta, Bill Engel, Chris Pingel and Roland Spongberg with the company's Heritage Award, an honor given to select franchisees who contribute to the success of the restaurant chain in meaningful ways, according to a company news release. The award was presented by El Pollo Loco President and CEO Steve Sather during a company conference in Indian Wells, Calif.

Lee Alvarez started his journey with El Pollo Loco in 1982 as a store manager; today, he is the franchisee of eight El Pollo Loco restaurants in Southern California which he operates alongside three of his children.

Rafael Armenta started his career with the chain as a cook, dishwasher and busboy at the first El Pollo Loco restaurant in Los Angeles, and purchased his first franchise in 1994.

Business partners Bill Engel and Chris Pingel became franchisees in 1986. They now operate 24 restaurants together.

"These Heritage Award winners are among the most accomplished, longest tenured franchisees in the El Pollo Loco system," Sather said. "Each is an exemplary representative of the brand, always striving for excellence in every part of our business and pushing everyone around them to be better. On behalf of the entire executive management team, we celebrate their legacy of accomplishments and thank each of them for their partnership, leadership, and continued contributions to the brand."