The fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain El Pollo Loco is planning multiple locations for the Denver area with more possible across Colorado in the next five years. The first is set to open at a spot previously occupied by Del Taco at 4698 Peoria St., Denver, CO 80239 sometime in 2022.
El Pollo Loco partnered with LMU Investments, LLC to open the first location, as well as three others on the east side of Denver. Pikes Pollo Inc. will open four other locations in West Denver.
“This exciting franchise development is a reflection of our Acceleration Agenda, our strategic plan for ongoing national expansion through franchising,” El Pollo Loco Chief Development Officer Brian Carmichall said in a press release. “The success of our better-for-you menu combined with our new L.A. Mex restaurant design has continued to attract experienced multi-unit operators interested in our growing brand.”
The new design includes two prototypes. One version has no indoor dining room and primarily caters to customers with a take-out window, a dual drive-thru, curbside pick-up, and patio seating.
The second prototype will have a smaller indoor dining area, an expansive patio, and will feature a dual drive-thru and curbside pick-up. Both designs will also offer customers digital menu boards and GPS-enabled curbside pick-up through the El Pollo Loco mobile app.
El Pollo Loco’s grilled chicken, which is first marinated in a mixture of citrus, garlic, and spice, is included in a selection of menu items including tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads. Vegan menu options are also available.
Since opening its first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1980, El Pollo Loco has operated nearly 500 company-owned and franchised locations in six U.S. states.
El Pollo Loco is looking to remodel more than 300 of its existing restaurants with the new prototype designs. The restaurant plans to continue its expansion in Kansas, Oregon, New Mexico, and several other states including as many as seven more locations in Colorado over the next five years.
