What popular chain do Kentuckians want the most? Hint: It serves marinated chicken
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- MarketBeat survey of 3,011 finds Kentuckians most want El Pollo Loco.
- El Pollo Loco operates across western states but has no Kentucky locations.
- Brand emphasizes citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and Mexican recipes.
Long John Silver’s. Fazoli’s. KFC. Many popular restaurant chains opened their first locations in Kentucky, but according to a recent consumer survey from media company MarketBeat, there’s one brand residents here say they crave the most.
In a recent survey of more than 3,000 respondents, MarketBeat found Kentuckians have the biggest appetite for the citrus-marinated and fire-grilled chicken entrees of El Pollo Loco, inspired by Mexican recipes.
El Pollo Loco has locations in several western states, including 393 in California. It also has a presence in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana and Utah, but none in Kentucky or anywhere nearby. The Herald-Leader has contacted El Pollo Loco for comment about the survey and possible expansion.
Here’s what to know about the chain, including how it was started by a Mexican entrepreneur who first brought his family’s chicken recipe to the U.S. more than 40 years ago.
What is El Pollo Loco known for?
El Pollo Loco was founded by an enterprising Mexican businessman, Pancho Ochoa, who in 1974 was running a shoe store when he sensed better opportunity in the restaurant industry.
Over the next several years, Ochoa opened 85 restaurants across Mexico. His secret to success: a family chicken recipe marinated in citrus and cooked over a fiery grill. In 1980, Ochoa opened his first location in the U.S. with a Los Angeles restaurant that’s still open today, according to El Pollo Loco’s website.
El Pollo Loco doesn’t think of itself as a fast food restaurant.
“Every piece of our chicken is marinated using citrus and spices, then fire-grilled over a low flame for 60 minutes. Our guacamole is hand-smashed, every single day. We slice avocados for our tostadas and salads. And our mouth-watering salsa fresca and avocado salsa use real tomatoes, cilantro and onion,” the restaurant states in promotional material on its website.
Grilled chicken is a staple of the menu, which includes two-, three- and four-piece meals. There are also tacos, nachos and quesadillas, burritos and burrito bowls. Other options include chicken and avocado salads and tostadas, several sides and desserts include flan and churros.
What was MarketBeat’s methodology?
MarketBeat used an online panel survey of 3,011 respondents. According to the financial media company, its survey sample was designed to reflect a balanced mix across age, gender and geography. The survey was conducted in September.
The full results are visible in the interactive map below.
This story was originally published October 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM.