Pollo Primo, the rotisserie chicken spot that helped put East Atlanta Village on the map, is aiming for a new perch on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Owner Omar Ferrer has filed neighborhood planning paperwork for a roughly 3,060-square-foot commercial unit at 863 Ponce De Leon Ave NE that would seat about 50 people. If the project clears community review and permitting, it would bring the bird-centric menu closer to the BeltLine and Ponce City Market corridors. No opening timeline has been provided.
Paperwork Points To New Perch On Ponce
According to What Now Atlanta, the filing specifically names 863 Ponce De Leon Ave NE and lists a 3,060-square-foot footprint with seating for roughly 50 guests. The application is light on build-out details and does not include a projected opening date. What Now Atlanta reports it has reached out to the owners for comment.
From East Atlanta Village Staple To Ponce Contender
Pollo Primo got its start in East Atlanta Village and lists 792 Moreland Ave SE as its current address on Pollo Primo, where the menu emphasizes flame-grilled rotisserie chicken served with rice, beans, tortillas and drinks such as agua fresca and horchata. The compact, to-go-friendly format, plus shareable whole and half birds, helped make it a neighborhood favorite. That straightforward concept could translate neatly to a higher-traffic storefront on Ponce.
The Operator Behind The Birds
Owner Omar Ferrer is no stranger to local restaurant projects. Reporting from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes Ferrer’s involvement in concepts including Supremo Taco, Small Fry and Spina Pizza, and that he and partners have discussed expanding Pollo Primo in the past. That mix of quick-service and full-service experience could shape whether the Ponce location leans grab-and-go or adds more dine-in room. His local track record may also help smooth landlord negotiations and permitting conversations.
Why 863 Ponce Keeps Coming Up
The 863 Ponce address has surfaced in neighborhood land-use discussions before. Poncey-Highland meeting minutes reference rezoning and variance applications tied to 863 Ponce that envisioned residential units and retail storefronts, suggesting the building was designed with ground-floor commercial space in mind. That history could make a restaurant fit-out simpler than converting a nonretail property, although community feedback and any Neighborhood Planning Unit conditions will still matter. Neighbors should keep an eye on upcoming NPU and neighborhood meetings for any formal presentation or conditions.
What To Watch Next
The filing is an early public step, and the project still must move through neighborhood planning review and city permitting before an opening is realistic. What Now Atlanta reports it has sought comment from the owners, and we will monitor filings and community agendas for updates.
