Charo's History
A man with very little money, unyielding determination and a dream to make his mark upon this new country is where the Charo Chicken story begins. Moe Bonakdar came to the United States from Iran in 1971. He arrived with only a strong work ethic and the desire to build something spectacular. That something spectacular is known today as Charo Chicken. Charo Chicken was not Moe's first endeavor however. His first business endeavor was a pizza parlor in Seal Beach, called Al Capone's.
Al Capone's quickly grew into a successful five restaurant operation. As Moe's experience and expertise grew, he began to see that there was a large segment of the dining out crowd that no-one was really catering to. He could see that his customers loved his pizza and the convenience of delivery, but believed they would buy more from him and more often if he had healthier, meal type options available and made them as convenient as pizza for delivery and take out.
In 1984 Moe was ready to trust his instincts and opened the first Charo Chicken in Seal Beach. The concept that served healthy, delicious chicken meals quickly became a local favorite. As the added convenience of offering this healthy fare for dine in, take out, or delivery caught on, Charo Chicken took off. Before long seeds of expansion were planted.
In 2002, with 11 successful restaurants now in operation and a desire to continue his expansion efforts, Moe brought on restaurant veteran Ray Perry as the CEO and President. Perry formerly served in a number of executive-level positions at Hardee's, El Pollo Loco, Carl's Jr. and Straw Hat restaurants. He is charged with creating a "New Charo Chicken" and ensuring the company's long-term success. Under Perry's direction, expansion efforts immediately kicked into high gear. The number of new restaurants doubled Perry's first 2 years and this aggressive growth continues by awarding "area development agreements" to select franchise owners.
Charo Chicken's newer restaurants have a fresh look that incorporates an exhibition style kitchen, bright interior design and a welcoming ambience for their guests.
Charo Chicken uses only the freshest chicken. It is prepared with a secret blend of spices and herbs and comes with their signature lemon garlic butter sauce. It is the flavor of the chicken that keeps them ahead of the competition. Charo Chicken offers a variety of menu options ranging from salads, tacos, sandwiches to the famous Moe's Potato. The chicken meals offer a plethora of delicious sides to choose from. Armed with his innovative concept and dynamic management team, Bonakdar continues to live his dream. Charo Chicken is something spectacular to the many, many loyal customers that want only the freshest, restaurant quality food and want it available for delivery as well as for dine-in, take out or catering.