go loco

California chicken restaurant goes 'crazy' with 15 new Houston locations

El Pollo Loco will soon unveil its new store designs.

Courtesy of El Pollo Loco

A California-based chicken chain sees Houston as its next growth market. El Pollo Loco plans to open 15 new locations across the Houston area in the next few years, which would more than double the chain's presence in the Bayou City.

Known for its Mexican-style chicken that uses a citrus marinade and is grilled over an open flame, El Pollo Loco also serves a range of other Mexican-inspired dishes that are made with fresh ingredients. The chicken gets utilized in tacos, quesadillas, burritos, bowls, and more. A section of the menu offers options for those following keto and other low-carb diets.

“We are thrilled to continue developing our presence in Houston and bring El Pollo Loco’s signature chicken, handcrafted Mexican entrees, and assortment of healthy offerings to even more local communities,” chief development officer Brian Carmichall said in a statement. “The expansion announcement and impending unit growth is sure to appeal to the growing number of consumers looking for healthier options; consumers’ growing demand for bolder, spicier flavors; and experienced franchise owners with the desire to be part of a strong franchisee family.”

Part of the restaurant's growth will be fueled by two prototype designs that have been created to meet the growth in off-premise dining. The first doesn't offer any indoor seating; instead, it features a take-out window, a dual drive-thru, parking for curbside pick-up, and patio seating. The second has a small indoor dining area with a larger outdoor patio, dual drive-thru, and curbside pickup spaces. Both build-outs aim to take advantage of the growth in ordering via the company's app.

Expanding its presence in Houston is just one aspect of the company's growth strategy. Currently at approximately 500 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Louisiana, El Pollo Loco plans to add 140 new stores by 2026, according to a press release.

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Teresa Gubbins contributed to this article.

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Montrose restaurant switcheroo

Soon-to-shutter Houston margarita bar will transform into new Latin eatery

Photo by Joel Ramirez

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The owners of Bari Ristorante are opening a new restaurant in Montrose’s dining-oriented Harlow District. Exilio Latin Flair will be the latest project from the trio of Pedro Teyuca, Tommy Nally, and Renato De Pirro, who also acquired Houston steakhouse Georgia James in 2024.

Coming later this year to the Verde Garden space, Exilio will serve dishes inspired by the cuisines of Central America, Latin America, South America, and Spain. That could include everything from Peruvian ceviches to Argentinian steaks and Spanish-style tapas. It will pair those dishes with New World wines from South America as well as select vintages from Spain.

"Our food 'language' is romance and having a restaurant that serves Latin food is a good marriage," Teyuca and Nally write in an email. "Latin food comes with rich back stories, heritage ingredients, and a passionate soul. It's easy to see why we are excited to bring Exilio to Houston diners."

Exilio will be open daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Exilio Latin Flair restaurant rendering A rendering previews Exilio Latin Flair.Rendering courtesy of Castroparedes International, Inc.

Designer Carlos Castroparedes, who also created the distinctive look of Bari Ristorante, will take the lead in transforming Verde Garden into Exilio.

Prior to opening Exilio, the partners will unveil a second location of Bari in the former Tris space in The Woodlands Waterway district. In addition to the Italian cuisine served at Bari’s original location in River Oaks District, The Woodlands’ location will offer an expanded menu of steaks.

The Kirby Group (Heights Bier Garten, Pitch 25) opened Verde Garden in 2023. Scheduled to close this Saturday, January 17, the Mexican-inspired concept featured a menu of Tex-Mex favorites and blended-to-order frozen cocktails.

“Verde was a special place for us, and we’re proud of what it became and the community around it,” Kirby Group co-owner Andy Aweida said in a statement. “While this location is closing, the brand isn’t going away. This decision allows us to focus on what’s next, and we’re excited about the future of Verde. We’re also pleased that another concept will be taking over the space, further adding to the energy and making Harlow District an even more desirable destination.”

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