How Koo Koo Roo Plans to Make a Grand Comeback in Los Angeles

The culinary landscape of Los Angeles is about to witness a nostalgic revival as the beloved fast-casual chicken chain, Koo Koo Roo, announces its return. After closing its last location in 2014, the restaurant is set to make a grand reappearance at this year’s ChainFest, a gourmet food festival celebrating chain restaurants. This comeback is not just a fleeting moment; Koo Koo Roo plans to open a new brick-and-mortar location in 2025, marking its first permanent presence in Los Angeles in over a decade.

The History and Legacy of Koo Koo Roo

Founded in the late 1980s by brothers Mike and Ray Badalian, Koo Koo Roo quickly became a staple in the Los Angeles dining scene. The restaurant distinguished itself with its unique approach to fast food, offering charbroiled, skinless chicken devoid of frying, breading, preservatives, or additives. This healthier alternative resonated with Angelenos, leading to rapid expansion. At its peak, Koo Koo Roo operated 52 locations across North America, including 25 in Southern California.

The chain went public in 1991 under the stock ticker KKRO and expanded its portfolio by acquiring the coffee bar chain Arrosto Coffee Co. and the paint-your-own-pottery franchise Color Me Mine. In 1997, Koo Koo Roo further diversified by acquiring the bankrupted Hamburger Hamlet chain. Despite these expansions, the company struggled with frequent menu changes, high real estate leasing costs, and stiff competition, eventually filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2003. The last Southern California restaurant in Santa Monica shuttered in 2014.

The Revival: A Love Letter to Los Angeles

The revival of Koo Koo Roo is spearheaded by real estate developer Daniel Farasat, who describes the relaunch as a “love letter to L.A. families and fans who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s.” Farasat, along with his brother Raphael and his wife Hila, aims to bring Koo Koo Roo back to its origins with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and flavors that honor the original recipes. The company plans to collaborate with local chefs and set up pop-up shops across the city to showcase both new and old favorite menu items before the grand opening of a physical location.

The first official news of the chain’s return was announced on Instagram, declaring “LA’s Tastiest Comeback Story Ever” and urging fans to “Get Cluckin’ Ready.” The revived restaurant will make its first appearance at ChainFest on October 5, 2024, in downtown Los Angeles. Fans can indulge in the revered OG classics, including the signature Koo Koo Roo chicken recipe, sandwiches, salads, and famed sides like Mac & Cheese and Roasted Garlic Potatoes.

ChainFest: A Culinary Extravaganza

ChainFest, the world’s largest gourmet chain food festival, is set to return to Los Angeles with an all-star lineup of America’s favorite food chains. Last year’s sold-out debut attracted 5,000 fans, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better. Under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth, the festival will feature exclusive gourmet collaborations, revival of discontinued fan favorites, and the debut of new menu items from select restaurants.

Highlights include KFC’s fan-favorite menu item with specialty sauces curated by Chef Tim Hollingsworth, Red Robin’s new gourmet burger creation inspired by their Bottomless Steak Fries, and Panda Express’s spiciest menu item, Blazing Bourbon Chicken, in collaboration with Hot OnesTM. VIP ticket holders can enjoy exclusive dishes like Red Lobster’s Butter Poached Lobster Biscuit and Domino’s Bougie Pizza topped with smoked salmon and caviar.

ChainFest attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience popular chain restaurants in new ways, with each chain presenting a unique pop-up restaurant. The festival promises an immersive experience with games, interactive experiences, and a collection of authentic memorabilia and decor from Trader Vic’s, the world’s largest tiki collections.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, we recommend attending ChainFest to experience the unique culinary offerings and the revival of Koo Koo Roo. The festival provides a rare opportunity to taste exclusive dishes and enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane with beloved chain restaurants.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the various pop-up shops that Koo Koo Roo plans to set up across the city in the coming year. These pop-ups will offer a sneak peek into the new and old favorite menu items, allowing you to experience the revival of this iconic chain before the grand opening of its brick-and-mortar location.

In conclusion, the return of Koo Koo Roo is a significant event in the Los Angeles culinary scene, offering a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, this revival promises to bring a taste of the past with a fresh, modern twist. So, get cluckin’ ready and join the celebration of LA’s tastiest comeback story ever!