El Pollo Loco to open first New York restaurant as it aims to become national chicken chain

El Pollo Loco has announced plans to open its first restaurant in New York, with the opening scheduled for 2027. This strategic move is part of a broader corporate ambition to establish the company as a national chicken chain. The expansion into the New York market represents a significant geographical milestone for the brand as it seeks to increase its footprint across the United States. According to reports from Pluang, the specific timeline for the New York City restaurant opening is targeted for a particular quarter, though the exact quarter was not fully detailed in all summaries. Multiple outlets are tracking these developments, including CNBC, which highlights the brand's goal of becoming a national entity. GlobeNewswire reports that the New York expansion is happening alongside a strengthening of the company's leadership team to accelerate overall growth.

Additionally, UA.NEWS has confirmed the 2027 timeframe for the initial New York entry. The coverage emphasizes that this expansion is not an isolated event but a coordinated effort to scale the business through both physical growth and executive restructuring. To support this growth phase, El Pollo Loco is making significant changes to its management. TradingView reports that the company has appointed Damon Thomas as the new Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Thomas will report directly to CEO Elizabeth “Liz” Williams. Stocktitan.net notes that Thomas is a former executive from Shake Shack, bringing experience from another well-known chain to the leadership team.

This appointment includes a new pay package designed to incentivize the operational leadership required for the brand's expansion efforts. Future developments will center on the execution of the New York market entry and the operational impact of the new leadership. Stakeholders will be watching how Damon Thomas implements his operations strategy under the direction of CEO Elizabeth Williams. The company's ability to scale into a national chain will depend on the success of this New York expansion and the effectiveness of the newly strengthened leadership team. Coverage does not yet specify the exact number of New York locations planned beyond the first restaurant.