El Pollo Loco, a California-based chicken chain founded in Mexico in 1975, will open its first New York City restaurant in Queens in mid-2027 as part of an expansion strategy to become a national player. Under CEO Liz Williams, the chain has grown to over 500 locations across 10 states and is projecting 18-20 new restaurants by end of 2026, with three consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth.