El Pollo Loco Demonstrates 'Theater Of Chicken' In New York City (But Won't Open On The East Coast Any Time Soon)

El Pollo Loco Demonstrates ‘Theater of Chicken’ in New York City

This week, a few lucky New Yorkers had the chance to taste the menu at El Pollo Loco, the West Coast chain that began as a single restaurant in Los Angeles in 1980. The chain has since expanded to more than 400 locations.

 

A preview of the event space

For one evening, a few East Coasters had the chance to taste the menu of El Pollo Loco at the Astor Center in New York City. 

Two menu favorites for the evening

El Pollo Loco's Churros and Chocolate Sauce and the new Baja Shrimp Avocado Tacos were both a hit. 

CEO Steve Sather welcomes guests

CEO and President Steve Sather welcomes guests, many of whom will be trying El Pollo Loco for the first time. 

Romanie Chicken Mexican Cobb Salad

Hand-cut lettuce, bacon, jack cheese, pico de gallo, avocado, our El Pollo Loco's signature creamy cilantro dressing. 

Chef Heather Gardea makes chicken quesadillas

Heather Gardea, Executive chef and vice president of research and development, makes the Under 500 Skinny Chicken Quesadilla. 

The Loco Cocktail

A specially created, signature citrus hibiscus margarita with hibiscsus syrup, citrus juice, silver tequila, and Grand Marnier. 

Media guests join El Pollo Loco

Journalists and media guests came out for El Pollo Loco's "Crazy You Can Taste-ing."

CFO Larry Roberts speaks with guests

El Pollo Loco CFO Larry Roberts and media guests talk about the restaurant's newest locations. 

Chef Heather Gardea with a member of the culinary team

In order to deliver their signature chicken all the way in New York, the El Pollo Loco team had to recreate their custom-made grills as accurately as possible. 

Guests enjoy cocktails and quesadillas

Guests enjoyed an assortment of menu items before the big event, the signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. 

Executive chef Heather Gardea takes questions

In between courses, executive chef Heather Gardea answered questions from guests. 

Carne Asada Taco

One of the newest menu items, a Carne Asada Taco with frilled steak, avocado, cabbage, cilantro, and chipotle salsa. 

Executive chef Heather Gardea with the Signature Bone-In Chicken

El Pollo Loco's signature Bone-In Chicken, marinated with a proprietary recipe of citrus, garlic, and spices, and fire-grilled over an open flame for an hour. 

CEO Steve Sather with CNBC staff writer

CEO Steve Sather speaks with Laura Little, a staff writer for CNBC.