Meet Idalia Tinoco | Restaurant Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Idalia Tinoco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Idalia, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from a small town in Mexico, and my journey to where I am today is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values I grew up with. In my hometown, family and community were at the heart of everything we did, and we believed that food was one of the purest ways to show love and care. That’s where my passion for cooking was born; I learned that with every dish, I could share a part of myself and my culture.

When I made the decision to come to the U.S., it was to give my children and me a better life and a new start. I began by selling fire-wood grilled chicken from my home kitchen, bringing a piece of Mexico with me. Cooking helped me stay connected to my roots while building something new. Each meal I made was filled with the flavors and traditions of my homeland, and it reminded me of where I came from and why I came here.

Starting La Casa del Pollo Loco felt like a natural step because it allowed me to create a space where I could share that same warmth and community with others. Today, my restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place where people feel at home. My background taught me resilience, the importance of community, and the power of food to bring people together—and those lessons guide me every day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
La Casa del Pollo Loco is my pride and joy. It started as a simple dream of sharing my love for authentic, fire-wood grilled chicken with my community, and it’s grown into a place where people come not just for a meal, but for the warmth, comfort, and flavors of home. What sets us apart is our dedication and authenticity; every dish is made with care and inspired by my own recipes and experiences back in Mexico. From the seasoning to the grilling techniques, everything reflects my heritage and the memories I hold close.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Like many small business owners, I faced a lot of challenges—learning how to navigate a new culture, a new language, and the ins and outs of running a business. But my determination to provide for my family and create something meaningful kept me going. There were times when I wasn’t sure I’d make it, but the support of the community and the joy on my customers’ faces made it all worthwhile.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust my instincts and stay true to who I am. In the beginning, I thought I needed to adapt my menu to fit American tastes, but I quickly realized that people come to La Casa del Pollo Loco for authentic Mexican flavors. Staying authentic to my roots is what has brought me this far, and it’s what I want the world to know about my brand.

I hope that when people come to my restaurant, they feel the love and dedication in every bite. I want La Casa del Pollo Loco to be known as a place where everyone is welcomed like family, where tradition and flavor meet, and where my story and my heart live on through every dish.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the best of the area! Here’s what our week would look like:

Day 1: Welcome & Relax
We’d start with a welcome meal at La Casa del Pollo Loco, of course! I’d make a spread of our best dishes so they get a true taste of home right away. Afterward, we’d head to Rosa Parks Circle, especially if there’s live music or art on display. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the energy of the city and just relax.

Day 2: Exploring Downtown
We’d start with breakfast at Littlebird, where they serve incredible farm-to-table food with unique twists on classic dishes. Then we’d explore downtown’s local shops, like Rebel Reclaimed for beautiful handmade gifts, and Vault of Midnight for comics and collectibles. Lunch would be at Donkey Taqueria to try some different Mexican flavors, and we’d wrap up with craft cocktails at The Sovengard, where the Nordic-inspired atmosphere is unforgettable.

Day 3: Nature Escape
For a change of scenery, I’d take us to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. We’d spend hours wandering through the gardens and admiring the sculptures. For lunch, we’d grab sandwiches at Two Scotts Barbecue. Afterward, we’d head out for a light hike at Provin Trails or a bike ride along Reeds Lake.

Day 4: Art & Culture Day
We’d start with the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) to dive into the city’s creative side, then make our way to UICA (Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts) for an edgier, more modern experience. Dinner would be at San Chez Bistro for tapas and some sangria. If it’s ArtPrize season, we’d stroll around downtown to catch as much art as we could!

Day 5: Breweries & Food Trucks
No visit to Grand Rapids is complete without checking out the beer scene! We’d do a brewery hop, starting at Founders Brewing Co., then onto Brewery Vivant, which is housed in an old church. For dinner, we’d hit up Downtown Market for a variety of food trucks and international food stalls—perfect for trying a little bit of everything.

Day 6: Lake Michigan Adventure
We’d take a day trip to Holland State Park to see Lake Michigan and walk along the pier. We’d pack a picnic, relax on the beach, and enjoy the sunset. On the way back, we’d stop at New Holland Brewing for a cozy dinner and some more Michigan beer.

Day 7: Spa Day & Farewell Dinner
On the last day, we’d unwind with a visit to Amway Grand Plaza’s Spa, treating ourselves to massages and maybe a dip in the pool. To wrap up the trip, I’d make a reservation at Butcher’s Union, where the atmosphere is lively and the food and cocktails are on point.

This itinerary has everything I love about Grand Rapids—great food, natural beauty, culture, and the laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes it feel like home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all my daughter Johanna and my son Carlos, they have been a driving force for me. My family has always been a great part of my life. Lastly, I have a great community of mentors, friends, other business owners and employees. I am luck to form a part of such an amazing community that up;ifts each other

Website: https://lacasadelpolloloco.square.site/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1665823218