El Pollo Loco Signs Experienced Burger King Operator to Expand in Northern California and Develop First Oregon Locations

The deal has been signed with Bunch of Pollo, Inc., an experienced franchise group whose partners already own and operate QSR West, a franchisee of more than 70 Burger King restaurants across the region.

According to Bunch of Pollo, Inc. president Amir Sahebalzamany, leases have yet to be signed, but expects the group’s first El Pollo Loco to open in early 2023.

The restaurants will feature a new El Pollo Loco prototype design geared to meet the demands of the company’s off- premise business. Included in the design will be a dining room that potentially opens up to a patio area, as well as a dual drive-thru and designated curbside pick-up parking.

The restaurants will also feature 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, all integrated with the company’s dynamic and versatile mobile app.

At El Pollo Loco, the chicken is marinated in-house daily with a proprietary recipe of citrus, garlic and spice, fire-grilled over an open flame and hand-cut to order. The freshly grilled chicken serves as the base for an authentic selection of dishes, including individual or family chicken meals, bowls, burritos and salads. The brand is well-known for a range of flavorful menu items that customers feel better about eating because they are healthier than typical fast food and fit into a host of dietary regimes ranging from calorie counting to keto.

“We look forward to the positive impact their new locations will have on the communities they’ll serve and can't wait for them to open their doors. The next few years are going to be extremely exciting,” said Brian Carmichall, El Pollo Loco’s Chief Development Officer.