The city of El Monte has approved plans for a new drive-thru chicken restaurant, Pollo Campero, to open next year.

Last month, the city’s planning commission unanimously approved the design review and conditional-use permit for a fast casual restaurant to be located at the corner of Valley Boulevard and Mountain View Road.

“This is part of our city’s ongoing economic renaissance,” City Manager Alma Martinez said in a statement. “This new establishment reflects our commitment to attracting vibrant new businesses that create local jobs and stimulate economic growth.”

Pollo Campero will take over a tenant space that has been vacant since 2017, according to members of city staff. The second tenant space on the property is occupied by La Blanquita Market.

The existing vacant structure will be demolished and a new structure will be built for the restaurant. Pollo Campero is expected to be open in the second quarter of 2025.

According to Adan Madrid, with a planning and development company representing Pollo Campero, a new easement agreement between the property owner and La Blanquita was reached leading to La Blanquita withdrawing its opposition to the Pollo Campero project.

An email written by a representative of La Blanquita withdrawing their opposition was read during the planning commission meeting.

The agreement is over how La Blanquita and Pollo Campero will share access to the property.

The 2,598-square-foot restaurant with 400 square feet of outdoor seating will include a single drive-thru lane that accommodates seven vehicles and 20 parking spaces. In addition, 16 new trees are proposed to be planted at the site.

Pollo Campero was founded in Guatemala in 1971 and has expanded internationally with several locations in California.

Its menu consists of chicken meals paired with side dishes that include signature rice and beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, crispy yuca fries and sweet plantains. Beverages include horchata, mango and Jamaica.

According to the city, the restaurant will be hiring about 45 full-time positions.