El Pollo Loco began in 1974 when our founder, Pancho Ochoa, took a bold leap from running a shoe store to pursuing his passion for food. Inspired by his family's signature citrus-marinated chicken recipe and fueled by a vision for something better, Pancho opened his first restaurant in Mexico. The flavor quickly caught on, and within five years, 85 locations were serving up his fire-grilled chicken. In 1980, he brought his now-famous recipe to Los Angeles, where our very first U.S. location still proudly stands today.

More than 50 years later, El Pollo Loco continues to serve flame-grilled chicken made with the same dedication, flavor, and unmistakable touch of "Loco" that started it all. From our kitchens to your plate, every meal is a celebration of bold ingredients, real fire, and a commitment to quality that sets us apart. We’re more than just a restaurant; we’re a legacy of flavor with a passion that never burns out.