The Southern California favorite fast casual chicken restaurant, Koo Koo Roo, is making a comeback after 10 long years. The beloved chain is known for its healthy menu with charbroiled skinless chicken plates, and it was a fixture in the casual dining scene in the 90s and early 2000s in Los Angeles. The announcement of the relaunch of Koo Koo Roo has made a splash among Angelenos who fondly remember the healthy chicken spot.
When will Koo Koo Roo reopen?
Koo Koo Roo has announced that they’ll reopen with a brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles in early 2025. They plan to serve many of their beloved original chicken recipes with some delicious new additions. The restaurant plans to have collaborations and pop-up events to tide us over with tasty chicken until the new store’s grand opening.
Where will Koo Koo Roo chicken be served first?
The very first taste of the new Koo Koo Roo chicken will be served at ChainFEST this October in L.A. ChainFEST is the world’s first gourmet fast food festival. They’re proudly serving up nostalgic yet elevated fast food favorites with a gourmet twist created by Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth.
ChainFEST’s website announced that “the Roo is back! 10 years after the last KKR closed its doors, ChainFEST is proud to help bring back this Southern California classic to jumpstart the tastiest comeback ever.” Koo Koo Roo’s new Instagram account told fans to “Get Cluckin Ready” while declaring that it’s “L.A.’s Tastiest Comeback Story Ever.”
What’s the history of Koo Koo Roo?
The popular restaurant was started in L.A. in 1988 when it opened its first location at a Koreatown strip mall. It was founded by brothers Mike and Ray Badalian. The duo wanted to showcase a healthy alternative to fast food. The food they served was advertised as having “no frying, no breading, no coating, no preservatives or additives.”
Koo Koo Roo quickly became famous for their healthy chicken plates, and multiple chains began springing up mainly across Southern California. At the height of Koo Koo Roo’s popularity, the chain boasted more than 40 locations. After the business changed hands multiple times, the chain’s last Southern California restaurant located in Santa Monica closed its doors in 2014. The relaunch has excited many across SoCal who are eager to once again taste the healthy chicken plates they fondly remember from their childhood.