Who we are
At Pollos Asados El Jarocho, we believe that great food is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a story, and a way to bring people together. Our mission has always been simple: to share the authentic flavor of Veracruz-style grilled chicken with our community in Arkansas.
Founded by Inocencio Ortega Martínez, El Jarocho is built on dedication, family, and a passion for cooking. What started as a small grill with just ten chickens on the weekends has grown into one of the most beloved places in town to enjoy fresh, flavorful, and handmade dishes. Every recipe is prepared from scratch, with carefully chosen ingredients, authentic sazón, and a commitment to quality that has kept customers coming back for years.
We are proud to serve a diverse community—from local families to visitors from across the world—who all gather at El Jarocho to enjoy the flavors of Veracruz in every bite.
Our story began nearly two decades ago, when Inocencio drew inspiration from his time working at El Pollo Feliz in Mexico. He saw the potential of grilled chicken, not just as a business, but as a way to share culture and tradition. In 2007, with a small grill and a lot of determination, he began cooking just 10 chickens every Saturday and Sunday.
Word spread quickly. Within a few years, El Jarocho was selling nearly 200 chickens every weekend, with customers lining up for the unmistakable Veracruz flavor. To keep up with demand, Inocencio searched for a permanent space, and after much patience and persistence, secured the location that would become our home. On July 22, 2016, Pollos Asados El Jarocho officially opened its doors.
Today, we serve more than 800 chickens weekly, all prepared fresh and seasoned with our signature marinade. Every dish is made in-house, never pre-processed, honoring the tradition of cooking with care and authenticity. Our family, along with our hardworking team, continues to dedicate ourselves to delivering quality food and warm hospitality.
As we celebrate over eight years in business, we remain deeply grateful to our loyal customers—families from Veracruz, Mexico, Central and South America, and even friends from Puerto Rico, the U.S., and beyond. El Jarocho has become a place where cultures meet, stories are shared, and every guest is welcomed like family.
Looking forward, we’re excited to continue growing, expanding our menu, and bringing even more authentic flavors to our community.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!