El Pollo Loco to open first New York restaurant as it aims to become national chicken chain

El Pollo Loco will open its first New York City restaurant next year as the California chain looks to become a national player. El Pollo Loco has closed three development agreements for a total of 15 restaurants in the New York area over the next five years, the company announced on Tuesday. The first location will open in Queens in mid-2027. Founded in Mexico in 1975, El Pollo Loco opened its first U.S. restaurant in Los Angeles. The majority of its locations are still concentrated in California, but its footprint has grown to more than 500 restaurants across 10 states. It is best known for its bone-in grilled chicken, although its menu has grown. CEO Liz Williams wants to make El Pollo Loco into a national chain.