El Pollo Loco — Restaurant in Salinas

I have so much to say about my experience here. I really learned a lot this holiday season and all thanks to the staff of Pollo Loco on N Davis. I am grateful for the lesson learned and I have to say that we need more of that in our community. Here it is:

On Saturday November 30, 2019 around 2:50pm, I walked in and order. Behind me was an older gentleman that had come in dripping wet and had asked for pozole verde. He had been begging for money and what little he picked up he went to spend it on food. It was 48* outside and winds that were super fast. The young man behind the counter asked if that was all for his order and he replied yes. He extended his hand and gave him the money, but the young man hadn’t put it on the computer and denied the man from giving him the money, saying, “it’s ok. I got you.” The manager saw and told the young man to serve him some hot chocolate and something else because he could be cold and starving for a while. He did and she helped. The man picked up his food and they all smiled. As he walked to his table he cried. And I thought to myself, wow. I usually don’t walk into a fast food restaurant and expect to see what the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas really is. To share the thanks you gave to god, by giving back to those in need. I guess because I worked at a fast food restaurant and many customers always expected the worst from us, I always thought the worst had to happen. But this is wonderful. I am not the man, but thank you. Aside from good food, your employees have wonderful hearts. 😊

GREAT...

My husband and I went there at 8 pm and thought they were closed. One section of the restaurant was blocked off and trash bags was sitting on a table. Floor was dirty also. We understand if your closing and want to get out..you should make it not look so bad. Still should make things appealing. Chicken was so dry...salsa trays on counter that I had to reach over and get my food. Not appetizing at all. I have never seen a restaurant that bad 2 hours b4 closing. I really should of walked out. We did not enjoy it. I guess thats what you get for going late on a Sat. Franchiser might want to close earlier than 10pm. The employees want to GO home quick. All I can say is ..If you want chicken in the evening than stay away from Pollo cause you will be a Loco! Use to love their chicken.. maybe afternoon is better and cleaner. Sorry I don't complain too much on reviews..but maybe it will help..I use to franchise a pizza place and would always like to know about things...

My family and I went here this past Sunday night and had the most enjoyable and memorable experience ever at El Pollo Loco and we go quite often to different locations. LUIS REYNOSO was the name of the person who took our order and blew us away with his customer service. Super friendly, super polite, and interacted with us with a smile on his face the whole time. In that short time my family and I shared a laugh or 2 with him and the food we ordered was perfect to what we asked for. I hope more El Pollo Loco restaurants hire employees like this, makes people want to come back on a constant. This will now be our only El Pollo we go to. Thank you so much Luis for such a memorable experience, and I hope your company gives you the recognition you deserve for...