"Heather is a results-oriented, passionate executive who possesses the perfect blend of strategic insight, initiative and focus to take our culinary team to the next level," said Steve Sather, President and CEO of El Pollo Loco, Inc. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Gardea makes her home in Laguna Beach. She is based at El Pollo Loco's headquarters in Costa Mesa, California. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, El Pollo Loco, Inc. currently operates nearly 400 restaurants located primarily in California, with additional restaurants in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Utah.