Things on the Dallas #foodie scene is definitely heating up, and adding a little more fuel to the flame is the announcement of two El Pollo Loco locations opening in the DFW metroplex this month. El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken chain, is headed to Dallas Fort Worth and has no plans of slowing down expansion efforts any time soon.
With two new locations opening in Allen and Bedford this August, it’s only a matter of time that Dallas Fort Worth residents can finally experience the taste of what has driven the West Coast “loco” for over 35 years. But the craze doesn’t stop there. DFW can expect a total of 20-30 El Pollo Loco restaurants to open across the metroplex by the end of 2019.
“We have been very vocal about our attraction to Texas and are thrilled to expand our presence into Dallas/Fort Worth with our partner Chicken Time Holdings to bring our famous fire-grilled chicken to the market for the first time,” said Steve Sather, President & Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco.
“From family chicken meals to burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, El Pollo Loco is a destination for high quality Mexican offerings served with the speed and convenience of a quick serve restaurant. We are excited to also unveil our new Vision restaurant design and can’t wait to share our delicious Fresh From the Grill menu with the Dallas/Fort Worth community.”
While El Pollo Loco’s signature marinated chicken is sure to send mouths a-runnin’, it’s these Inspire N Style favorites that will make you — well — loco:
Bone-In Chicken
It has El Pollo Loco written all over it, and the secret recipe that’s made the West Coast staple famous. The bone-in chicken is marinated with a proprietary blend of citrus, garlic and spices — fire-grilled over an open flame by El Pollo Loco Grill Masters for about an hour. Served with tortillas, charro beans, rice, and fresh broccoli.
Chicken Avocado Stuffed Quesadilla
This is one quesadilla that has us California dreamin’. One bite into this multi-layered creation, and it was immediately coined as the ultimate Inspire N Style fave.
Noted as an overstuffed flour tortilla full of seasoned chicken, jack cheese, cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, and a signature creamy cilantro dressing — the explosion of flavor was powerful and deliciously sinful at the same time.
Shrimp Avocado Taco
Appealing to the lighter side of cuisine, El Pollo Loco’s shrimp avocado taco is tasty and light, all the while bursting with a prism of flavors.
Try this artisan yellow corn tortilla, filled with flame-grilled and chipotle seasoned shrimp, cabbage, jack cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, and signature creamy cilantro dressing as an alternative to the other white meat.
If all of these mouthwatering pics still don’t have you anticipating the El Pollo Loco arrivals, then maybe winning “Chicken for a Year” will?
Put a gold star on your calendars for September 10 and September 24. El Pollo Loco plans to party it up DFW-style at its Bedford location September 10 and at its Allen location September 24 for grand opening festivities including family fun activities, entertainment, and a #LocoChicken scavenger hunt which will reward winners with a grand giveaway of “Chicken for a Year.” Now that’s loco!
For more information visit El Pollo Loco online. The first two restaurants will open in Allen and Bedford at the following locations: 386 E. Stacy Road, Allen, TX and 1900 Central Drive, Bedford, TX. All photos credit: Jerry McClure
