Pollo Bandido is a quick service Mexican restaurant chain that specializes in tasty and affordable Mexican fare like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. The story of Pollo Bandido begins in the 1990s when the founders were looking to bring delicious and authentic Mexican flavors to the masses in an efficient and cost-effective way.
History and Background
Pollo Bandido was founded in 1991 by two Mexican-American entrepreneurs, Roberto Alvarez and David Cuevas. Alvarez and Cuevas were inspired by the traditional taquerias and street food stalls they grew up with in Mexico. However, they noticed a lack of quick, convenient and affordable Mexican eateries where people could grab a fast meal on the go.
This sparked the idea for Pollo Bandido – a restaurant that would combine the authentic flavors of real Mexican cuisine with the speed and convenience that busy, modern diners desired. Alvarez and Cuevas opened the first Pollo Bandido in Dallas, Texas in 1991. They chose Dallas for the flagship location because of the city’s diverse population and proximity to Mexico.
The concept was a huge hit. Customers loved being able to quickly order favorites like tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas and more at affordable prices. The bold, authentic flavors made customers feel like they were grabbing a bite in Mexico.
Early Expansion
Thanks to the overwhelming success of the first location, Alvarez and Cuevas quickly opened two more Pollo Bandido locations in Dallas over the next couple years. They knew they had struck a chord with their fast casual concept.
In 1995, Pollo Bandido expanded beyond Dallas and opened its first location outside of Texas in Phoenix, Arizona. The Phoenix location saw the same terrific response, confirming that the restaurant had major franchise potential. Over the next decade, Pollo Bandido expanded rapidly throughout Texas and the Southwest United States.
By 2010, there were over 50 Pollo Bandido locations. Major markets like Houston, Austin, Tucson, Albuquerque and more had multiple Pollo Bandido outposts to satisfy demand. Ongoing franchise growth was key to the company’s expansion strategy. Qualified entrepreneurs were given the chance to open their own Pollo Bandidos. Company training and support helped new franchise owners reproduce the successful model.
National Growth
Pollo Bandido debuted in the Midwest in 2012 with locations in major metros like Chicago and Detroit. Northeastern cities like New York and Boston got their first tastes of the brand soon after in 2015. These new markets responded enthusiastically, proven by the still-growing presence Pollo Bandido enjoys today in these regions and beyond.
Today, there are over 200 Pollo Bandido locations spread across 32 states. In addition to classics like burritos and quesadillas, the menu has expanded over the years while staying true to the company’s Mexican roots. New items like nachos, ensaladas, tortilla soup and empanadas have joined customer favorites.
Limited time offerings and specials also keep things interesting. Family meals, catering options and online/mobile ordering bring convenience to another level. But the commitment to quality, authentic ingredients and true Mexican sabor remains unchanged.
The Pollo Bandido Restaurant Experience
So what can customers expect when they walk into a Pollo Bandido? Here’s an overview of the Pollo Bandido restaurant experience:
The Atmosphere
Pollo Bandido locations feature bright, bold colors, lively music and decor inspired by traditional taquerias to create an energetic ambiance. The environment is family-friendly and perfect for a quick meal on the go. Many locations also have outdoor patios for al fresco dining.
The Service
Customers order at the counter then have a seat while their food is freshly prepared. Orders are typically ready within just a few minutes because ingredients are prepped in advance. Staff members provide friendly service whether you’re dining in or taking your meal to go.
The Food
Pollo Bandido’s menu focuses on traditional Mexican favorites made with fresh ingredients. Core items include:
- Tacos – Choice of spiced chicken or steak, served on warm corn tortillas
- Burritos – Large flour tortillas stuffed with meat, beans, rice, cheese and more
- Quesadillas – Grilled tortillas with melted cheese and fillings like chicken
- Ensaladas – Build your own salad with seasoned chicken or steak
- Nachos – Crispy tortilla chips piled high with beans, meat, cheese, pico de gallo and guacamole
Salsas and housemade guacamole add extra flavor. Classic Mexican sides like rice, beans and elote (grilled corn) provide additional options. For drinks, the signature horchata, a sweet rice milk, is a fan favorite.
The Prices
One thing that draws customers to Pollo Bandido is the value-driven prices. Each location has everyday regular pricing but also frequently runs limited time specials and combo deals. This makes it easy to eat high-quality Mexican cuisine on a budget.
Signature Menu Items
While the entire Pollo Bandido menu consistently delivers, a few standout picks have become guest favorites over the years:
Chicken Burrito
The famous chicken burrito is stuffed with perfectly seasoned chicken, tangy pinto beans, cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo salsa, avocado and shredded cheese. It’s wrapped in a soft, oversized flour tortilla grilled to perfection. The balance of tastes and textures in each bite is what makes this a Pollo Bandido signature item.
The O.G. Taco
The “Original Gangster” taco pays homage to the classics with sliced avocado, cilantro, white onion and a wedge of lime nestled into a double corn tortilla along with the protein of your choice. The steak taco with caramelized onions brings exceptional flavor in every bite.
Loaded Nachos
These nachos are loaded down with beans, your choice of chicken, steak or brisket, pico de gallo, smashed avocado and melted cheese over a heaping pile of fresh, crunchy tortilla chips. They’re served with jalapeno slices on the side to amp up the heat.
Queso Burger
This ingenious burger adds queso and crispy bacon atop an all-beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. The creamy queso blanco makes the burger next level. Served with regular fries or upgrade to loaded fries covered in queso for a true treat.
Dietary and Lifestyle Options
One reason Mexican food enjoys so much popularity is its versatility. At Pollo Bandido, they do their best to cater to a variety of dietary needs and lifestyle choices by offering these options:
Vegetarian
Vegetarian customers will find choices like veggie tacos with grilled peppers and onions, cheese quesadillas, bean and rice bowls topped with guacamole and pico de gallo and cilantro lime rice. Many meat dishes can also be made vegetarian by substituting beans, sauteed veggies or potatoes for the protein.
Vegan
For vegan diners, cilantro lime rice, black beans, sauteed peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de gallo and corn tortillas make excellent taco fillings. Some locations also offer vegan cheese and vegan sour cream. Vegan chicken substitutes are used in some dishes.
Gluten-Free
Corn tortillas make an easy gluten-free swap for flour tortillas in most items. Other gluten-free choices include burrito bowls, ensaladas, nachos with corn chips and corn empanadas. Many sauces and salsas are also gluten-friendly.
Low Carb
To make selections lower in carbs, guests can build taco, burrito bowls or ensaladas over lettuce instead of rice. Swapping in corn tortillas provides fiber. Proteins and veggies are filling additions. Sauces can be kept on the side.
Kids
For smaller appetites, the kids menu has bite-sized quesadillas, tacos, empanadas and sides like rice or beans. Adult entrees can also be downsized into kid-friendly portions. Healthier sides like corn, grapes and carrots are available.
Catering
From office meetings to family gatherings, Pollo Bandido has you covered for your next event with its expansive catering offerings.
Choose from catering trays, buffets, taco bars, burrito bars, ensalada stations, and build your own taco kits for large groups. Fan favorites like signature chicken burritos, loaded nachos, empanadas and chips with fresh guacamole make fantastic options.
Pollo Bandido provides online catering menus and ordering for seamless event planning. Just pick your food, quantity, date and location. Premium servings, serviceware and delivery are available for one-stop party planning. Stop stressing and let Pollo Bandido handle the food for your next celebration!
Most Popular Catering Items
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Taco Bar | Build your own tacos with seasoned ground beef and chicken, soft tortillas, lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, rice and beans |
| Burrito Bar | All the fresh ingredients for guests to create custom burritos including rice, beans, chicken, steak, veggies, cheeses and salsas |
| Ensalada Bar | Create your own salad with chopped lettuce, black bean corn salsa, shredded cheese, seasoned chicken, avocado, diced onions, jalapenos, tortilla strips and chipotle ranch dressing |
| Quesadilla Tray | Cheese and chicken quesadillas cut into triangles with sides of sour cream and pico de gallo |
| Nacho Bar | Individual bags of tortilla chips with ground beef, refried beans, queso sauce, pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos and guacamole |
Nutrition Information
As a quick service restaurant, Pollo Bandido aims to balance bold, homemade flavors with reasonable nutrition to fit different lifestyles.
Guests are encouraged to customize orders to meet dietary needs. Lighter choices include soft corn tortillas, ensaladas, veggie fillings like sauteed peppers and onions, fresh salsas and avoiding heavy sauces. Grilled chicken and steak offer lean protein.
Specific nutrition details for menu items are available upon request in the restaurant and online. General guidelines per serving:
- Soft tacos, burritos, quesadillas: 400-800 calories
- Entree bowls: 500-650 calories
- Nachos: 500-1000 calories
- Chips and salsa: 200-300 calories
- Ensaladas: 250-500 calories without dressing
Those watching sodium should limit added sauces and condiments. Low carb eaters can skip rice and beans. Overall, most entrees provide a decent balance of protein, carbs and fat with plenty of fiber from beans.
Healthiest Menu Choices
Some lighter menu picks at Pollo Bandido include:
- Soft corn tortilla tacos or burritos
- Ensaladas with chicken or steak
- Vegetarian burrito with rice, beans, pico de gallo
- Chicken, steak or veggie burrito bowl
- Nachos with extra veggies instead of meat
- Empanadas with chicken and cheese filling
Sustainability Efforts
Environmental responsibility is important to Pollo Bandido. Initiatives include:
Sourcing
Chicken, beef, veggies and other ingredients are sourced locally when possible to reduce the carbon footprint. Seasonal, organic produce is used in recipes.
Packaging
Pollo Bandido aims to minimize packaging waste. Tacos, burritos and bowls use paper that contains recycled material and is also recyclable. Bags are recyclable as well.
Energy and Water
Stores utilize energy efficient lighting, heating and equipment. Low flow water fixtures conserve water. Composting reduces landfill waste.
Green Building
New restaurants follow green building principles with sustainable construction materials, energy saving insulation and recycling infrastructure built in.
These initiatives and more demonstrate Pollo Bandido’s commitment to protecting the planet while serving its flavorful food. The brand continues to seek out new ways to become more eco-friendly over time through innovation and technology.
How Pollo Bandido Stacks Up to Competitors
In the world of quick service Mexican food, Pollo Bandido has some close competitors. How does it compare?
Chipotle
Like Pollo Bandido, Chipotle offers Mexican classics like burritos, tacos and more. But Pollo Bandido has the upper hand when it comes to authenticity. With recipes rooted in family tradition and ties to Mexico, the flavors are hard to beat.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is known for low prices and creative menu innovations. However, Pollo Bandido takes the edge for fresh, homemade taste. Real ingredients make a difference you can savor.
Qdoba
Qdoba is another build your own Mexican chain. But customers give Pollo Bandido better reviews for bold flavors, especially on signature menu items you can’t copycat.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s has a wide variety of Mexican dishes mixed with Southwest influences. Pollo Bandido does Mexican flavors right by keeping the focus on authentic recipes.
No other quick service Mexican joint quite matches the combination of real deal homemade cooking and everyday affordability found at Pollo Bandido!
Franchise Opportunities
Pollo Bandido is actively seeking qualified franchisees to help bring its famous Mexican fare to new neighborhoods across the country.
As the brand continues strategic expansion, areas open for development include:
- Southeastern states
- Midwest markets
- West coast metro areas
- New England states
Ideal candidates have restaurant operations or management experience and share a passion for the Pollo Bandido concept and menu. Franchise owners receive comprehensive training and ongoing corporate support to open and operate successful locations.
Financial requirements include:
- Minimum $500,000 in liquid assets
- $100,000 minimum cash to invest
- Net worth of at least $1.5 million
The average startup investment ranges from $400,000-$900,000 for leased spaces or up to $1.4 million for new construction.
Learn more about the profit potential with this proven Mexican brand. Visit pollobandidofranchise.com for franchise fees, requirements and application. Act now to bring Pollo Bandido’s signature flavors to your community!
Conclusion
For almost 30 years, Pollo Bandido has served fresh, affordable Mexican cuisine prepared with authentic flavors and care. Although the brand now has over 200 locations across the country, each Pollo Bandido stays true to the original mission – making real Mexican food conveniently accessible to all.
It all started as an idea between two friends to share their love for the incredible tacos, burritos and street eats they enjoyed in Mexico. Now millions of guests visit Pollo Bandido every year for a fast, delicious taste of Mexico. But the focus on quality ingredients, family recipes and customer service remains the same.
From signature stuffed burritos to loaded nachos and tacos bursting with flavor, Pollo Bandido has become a go-to for Mexican food fans. The fast casual concept means speedy service without compromising homemade cooking. Whether dining in or carrying out, the welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices make Pollo Bandido a find for families, students, professionals and anyone with a craving for sabor authentico.
As Pollo Bandido expands into new markets across the country, its commitment to genuine Mexican cuisine and community stays strong. More neighborhoods now have access to the bold, craveworthy recipes people love. From office lunch catering to backyard barbecues, Pollo Bandido has catering options to feed any size crowd.
Pollo Bandido fills a unique niche in the restaurant world. It brings traditional taqueria fare out of the streets and into local neighborhoods through convenient locations and quick service without losing authenticity. Guests can enjoy true homemade Mexican dishes for everyday meals or special occasions.
Next time the Mexican food craving strikes, skip the bland fast food and visit Pollo Bandido. Let the friendly staff serve up hot, fresh takes on classics like tacos, burritos, nachos and quesadillas bursting with authentic flavor. It’s the quick, affordable way to bring the tastes of Mexico home to your family’s table.