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The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

Review: New chicken restaurant offers large portions of OK food

El+Pollo+Loco+offers+a+wide+variety+of+Tex+Mex+fast+food+options+in+a+friendly+and+relaxed+environment.+
Parker Nolan
El Pollo Loco offers a wide variety of Tex Mex fast food options in a friendly and relaxed environment.

The first impression you get when walking into Allen’s newest restaurant addition, El Pollo Loco, is “Wow. That’s a lot of chicken,” as entire chickens sit on an open grill right behind the counter. 

While the outside of the fast food restaurant is a little underwhelming (a solid grey building with a few tiles adding color), the inside was full of lively colors and what my friend described as “modern rustic” decor. 

From the moment we entered, the staff was very welcoming and friendly. They were still learning how to use the computers, unsure of what was in their food, and they were a bit forgetful, but what they lacked in experience, they made up for in kindness and hard work.

The service was incredibly fast. From the moment I placed my order to receiving my food, it took less than five minutes, and probably closer to three. The wait was just long enough for my friend Parker and I to get our drinks and claim a table. 

The food was also very well-priced. For a meal that included a large burrito, a side of chips, and a drink, as well as access to a free salsa bar, it only cost $5.

El Pollo Loco opened a new location on 386 E. Stacy Rd., which is one of 20 new locations the chain plans to open in North Texas.
Parker Nolan
El Pollo Loco opened a new location on 386 E. Stacy Rd., which is one of 20 new locations the chain plans to open in North Texas.

Parker’s salad was beautifully colorful. Unfortunately, he didn’t enjoy the taste as much as I enjoyed the presentation. The dressing was almost flavorless and there was little-to-no seasoning, leaving essentially a pretty bowl of lettuce. 

I ordered the classic chicken burrito because I figured, if it’s a chicken restaurant, they should be able to make a burrito. The chicken was amazing. It was grilled and pulled to perfection. This was not only a safe choice, but a really appetizing one as well. It was also a big burrito. This place in no way cheats you in portion size; I couldn’t even finish it.

The restaurant had a really open, relaxed environment. It was loud enough to know it was a popular place, but still quiet enough to be able to have a good conversation.
I’m no food connoisseur, but I’d say the restaurant accomplishes exactly what you’d expect. It was a solid choice for fast food Tex-Mex. Not the best, but definitely not the worst. If you’re in a rush, I’d say this place is great. But if not, I’d just go down the street to Taco Bueno.

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About the Contributors
Mandy Halbert, Staff Reporter
Mandy is a senior this year, but she’s still just as afraid of high school hallways as she was as a freshman. But aside from that, she looks forward to all that comes with her last year. When she’s not stressed about applying to college, AP and dual credit classes, and All Region band tryouts, Mandy enjoys singing along to Shawn Mendes songs in her car, volunteering with her church, and being a part of the marching band. Despite all of the school-related chaos, she works to show her faith in Jesus in all that she does. She is excited to start her second and final year on The Red Ledger, and she can't wait to see all of the amazing things that are yet to come.
Parker Nolan, Section Editor
Senior Parker Nolan joined The Red Ledger in ninth grade and is now the paper’s Multimedia Editor. His hobbies include making music, photography, and borderline dangerous escapades (some consider him an adrenaline junkie). Parker is currently dual enrolled at Collin College for Emergency Medical Services education to become an EMT. His favorite movie is “The Italian Job,” and his favorite genres of music are alternative rock and rap. "Be the change you want to see in the world,” a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, is a phrase that Parker tries to live his life by. In his spare time, Parker enjoys working out, hanging with friends, and exploding fireworks. Parker can be described as sometimes chill, sometimes adrenaline filled, and a little too confident in his abilities.

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