El Pollo Loco Inc. has announced the return of 23-year culinary veteran Jonathan Rogan to El Pollo Loco as executive chef. Rogan was manager of culinary development for the flame-grilled chicken leader from 2006 to 2007. In his post as executive chef, Rogan will lead culinary innovation at El Pollo Loco and ensure the maximum flavor delivery of all menu items.
Rogan is widely known throughout the restaurant industry as a culinary connoisseur with a passion for infusing freshness and emerging flavors. Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, his culinary expertise benefited numerous food and beverage businesses such as California Pizza Kitchen, Gelson's Markets, Good Earth Restaurants, Square One Restaurant and Moose McGillycuddy's Pub and Café. From 2007-2009, Rogan served as director of Research & Development for Baja Fresh.
The creation of an executive chef post at El Pollo Loco signals the company's commitment to menu innovation that brings together today's active lifestyles and focus on value with consumers' increasingly diverse flavor palates, the company said in a statement.
"Chef Rogan is a gifted culinary professional with a proven track record for creating truly innovative recipes that blend freshness with bold flavors. His culinary strength, combined with a wealth of experience in kitchen staff training, is a perfect fit for our organization. We are thrilled to have him back," said Karen Eadon, chief marketing officer for El Pollo Loco Inc.
Rogan has a degree in culinary arts from Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Ore., and continued his education at The Culinary Institute of America-Greystone Campus in Napa Valley, Calif., and Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.
