Chicken Dinner
Long-awaited chicken chain finally feeds Dallas-Fort Worth with multiple locations
People go crazy for the flame-grilled chicken at the El Pollo Loco chain, hailing from the West Coast. It finally arrives in Dallas-Fort Worth in September, with the first two stores opening in Allen and Bedford.
El Pollo Loco is noted for its Mexican-style chicken with a citrus marinade, and for entrées using fresh ingredients inspired by Mexican recipes. With more than 435 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and Utah, El Pollo Loco is now expanding its presence in Houston and Dallas.
Located at 386 E. Stacy Rd., the Allen spot marks the first company-owned restaurant in DFW. The Bedford store is at 1900 Central Dr. and marks the first franchised restaurant, from Chicken Time Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Dallas-based Henry Investment Group.
"We have been very vocal about our attraction to Texas and are thrilled to expand our presence into Dallas-Fort Worth," says El Pollo Loco president and CEO Steve Sather.
The menu includes family chicken meals, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, prepared with the speed and convenience of a quick-serve restaurant. The chicken is marinated fresh daily in a recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic before being fire-grilled and hand-cut. Guacamole, salsas, and dressings are prepared fresh daily.
The Allen and Bedford stores will be followed by five more branches around DFW:
- 1245 W. Pipeline Rd., Hurst
- 2125 N. Highway 360, Grand Prairie
- 2834 W. University Dr., Denton
- 9544 Forest Ln., Dallas
- 8817 North Freeway, Fort Worth
The company will also be featuring a new design at all locations, highlighting an authentic, Mexican-inspired atmosphere with warm textures, rustic elements, and a focus on freshness. The restaurants will incorporate brick, raw metals, concrete flooring, and street art, as well as fun posters, pops of color, and graphic tiles that reflect the company's roots.
The Dallas expansion comes on the heels of Pollo Loco's entrance into the Houston area, where it currently has 12 restaurants and continues to grow. The Allen and Bedford restaurants are scheduled to open on September 10.