A decade after closing its last store in Santa Monica, Koo Koo Roo is returning, at least in pop-up form. The L.A.-based rotisserie chicken chain, beloved among Angelenos for its healthier options and cooking methods, announced a comeback via a newly launched Instagram account Tuesday morning. Its first appearance will be at chef Timothy Hollingsworth and actor B.J. Novak’s ChainFEST in early October.
One of the most popular, healthy-ish fast-food chains of the late ‘90s and early aughts, Koo Koo Roo first opened in 1988. Founded by brothers Mike and Ray Badalian, the chain distinguished itself from competitors with its charbroiled skinless chicken, devoid of frying, breading, preservatives or additives. Items like saffron rice and the eponymous flatbread reflected the Badalians’ Middle Eastern heritage, while dishes like “Asian” chicken salad and a California burrito filled with guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream reflected California as a whole.
At its height, the brand boasted 52 locations across North America, including 25 across Southern California. The company went public in 1991, later acquiring franchises like Color Me Mine and Hamburger Hamlet. Koo Koo Roo also attempted to launch its own coffee chain, Arrosto Coffee Co. After various changes in ownership and filing for bankruptcy in 2003, Koo Koo Roo struggled to stay afloat throughout the early aughts. At some point in 2014, the chain’s last outpost in Santa Monica closed.
So who’s behind the new Koo Koo Roo? Another pair of brothers, Daniel and Raphael Farasat, as well as Daniel’s wife Hila, an alumna of the prolific Sprout Restaurant Group. Daniel, a local real estate developer, has previously invested in Sweetgreen. Raphael, a successful creative director, will help out with branding.
“I’m a Koo Koo Roo superfan myself, and as much as this relaunch is about Koo Koo Roo, it is also our love letter to L.A.—the ‘90s, the early 2000s and the families that love and miss the Koo Koo Roo food and experience,” said Daniel, via official press release. “We have so much respect for the brand and what it means to our city. We’re bringing Koo Koo Roo back to its origins with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that pack flavor, while always honoring the original recipes and mission. We want to make L.A. proud.”
While an actual brick-and-mortar location has yet to materialize, Koo Koo Roo will be making some to-be-announced pop-up appearances around town in the coming year.