El Pollo Loco Plans El Paso Return with 7 Locations, New Mexico Expansion

In a couple of years El Pasoans hungering for more pollo asado choices will be able to pull into an El Pollo Loco and satisfy their cravings.

The nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant announced that it plans to spread its wings and take flight in El Paso and New Mexico with numerous locations in the works for the Sun City and the Land of Enchantment.

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Didn't We Use to Have One Back in the Day?

It will be more of a return than a debut for El Pollo Loco in El Paso.

There was a Pollo Loco that opened on Hawkins across from Cielo Vista Mall in 2005 in the building now occupied by Panda Express, and a second location that opened later on N. Mesa where a McAlister’s Deli will soon open. Both Pollo’s flew the coop by 2008.

El Pollo Loco Plots Expansion in Texas and New Mexico

The developmental agreements with the new franchisee is for nine units in New Mexico and seven for El Paso.

The restaurants will feature the newest El Pollo Loco design offering options for dining rooms that open to a patio area, and include an enhanced digitized experience with digital menu boards, self-ordering kiosks and mobile to-go and delivery pick-up areas, according to the company press release.

When Will They Open?

The first El Pollo Loco in New Mexico is expected to open in November 2024. The anticipated opening of El Paso’s first of seven restaurants is May 2025.

The franchise is known and loved for its freshly marinated, fire-grilled chicken and bomb salsas made from scratch daily. Buk buk buk ba-gawk! (That’s chicken for, nom nom nom.)