RIPCO Real Estate represents El Pollo Loco in 2,400 s/f lease in Jackson Heights

Queens, NY RIPCO Real Estate represented El Pollo Loco in securing a lease for its first-ever East Coast location in N.Y.C. The new 2,400 s/f restaurant will open at 37-07 82^nd St. in Jackson Heights, marking a milestone in the brand’s continued national expansion.

Expected to open in 2027, the restaurant will introduce El Pollo Loco’s citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and fresh Mexican-inspired menu to N.Y.C. for the first time. The location is one of the city’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, providing an ideal entry point for the brand’s Northeast debut.

RIPCO Real Estate’s Dillon Ross, managing director, and Jon Paul Pirraglia, executive vice president, represented El Pollo Loco in the transaction. Anthony Pastecchi of Kent Realty represented the landlord, Hampton Associates.

“Bringing El Pollo Loco to N.Y.C. marks a defining moment for the brand as it expands into one of the country’s most dynamic retail and restaurant markets,” said Ross. “Jackson Heights offers the exceptional foot traffic, diverse customer base and neighborhood energy that make it an ideal location for El Pollo Loco’s first East Coast restaurant. We are excited to help introduce this iconic brand to New York consumers.”

The lease underscores continued demand from nationally recognized restaurant brands seeking flagship locations in New York City as part of their long-term growth strategies. For El Pollo Loco, the Jackson Heights restaurant represents the first step in establishing a presence throughout the Northeast.

“We’re excited to welcome El Pollo Loco to Jackson Heights for its first East Coast location,” said Anthony Pastecchi of Flushing Kent Realty. “The neighborhood’s strong pedestrian traffic, diverse community and thriving retail environment make it an ideal fit for the brand’s New York City debut.”