El Pollo Loco Comes to Georgia

Chicken Restaurant Franchises Flock to Georgia

Atlanta is home to several major fast-food chicken franchisors. Mrs. Winner's, Popeye's, Church's Chicken and Chick-fil-A. In fact, A-town is a virtual cornucopia of chicken. Says Eric Newman, executive vice president of Bojangles."chicken chains have reported that Georgia is among ... their best markets."

Now El Pollo Loco is attacking the center of chickenville - Atlanta, that is - with its franchise units. The Southern California chain, translated, "the crazy chicken" - plans on having seven stores this year and 50 locations within six years. Its chicken is grilled compared to the Southern fried variety that is prevalent in the area.

Franchisee Chris Elliot, who is the former chief operating officer of Church's Chicken and former president at Cinnabon, took a liking to the chain while he consulted for a private equity group.

• Read full story at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution ($$)