El Pollo Bravo: A Fresh Facade, A Stronger Business, A Thriving Community
On the bustling east side of Tulsa, El Pollo Bravo has long been a favorite spot for families looking for hearty, flavorful meals. Owned and operated by Roland Barraza and his family — resilient entrepreneurs with multiple businesses in the area — El Pollo Bravo has become more than just a restaurant; it’s a cornerstone of the local economy and a symbol of hard work and determination.
But like many small businesses, the physical space needed investment to match the energy and quality of what was happening inside. That’s where the Facade Improvement Program, funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) through its Elevate East initiative and administered by Tulsa Global District, made a difference.
A Grant That Transforms More Than a Building
Through this program, El Pollo Bravo received a grant to renovate and improve the exterior of their building — a much-needed and meaningful upgrade that relieved some of the financial burden of such an important project.
The new facade doesn’t just look better — it helps the business attract more customers, increase its capacity, and contribute to making the entire area more inviting and vibrant. Improvements like these signal to the community that this is a place worth visiting, and they create a ripple effect: encouraging more foot traffic, supporting neighboring businesses, and enhancing the overall perception of the district.
"These improvements help us bring in more customers and show pride in our neighborhood," Roland shared.
Strengthening Businesses, Strengthening the District
Investments like the Facade Improvement Program are about more than paint and bricks — they’re about supporting local entrepreneurs, strengthening the local economy, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Business owners like Roland and his family demonstrate how grit, dedication, and the right support can create jobs, serve the community, and inspire others.
The program not only helps businesses succeed but also makes the Global District a more welcoming and attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Looking Forward
At Tulsa Global District, we’re proud to help bring initiatives to life — and we know there’s much more work to be done. Programs like this show what’s possible when the public, private, and philanthropic sectors come together to invest in small businesses and neighborhood revitalization.
We’re always looking for partners, funders, and advocates who believe in the power of local businesses to drive economic and cultural growth. Together, we can make more stories like El Pollo Bravo possible.
If you’d like to learn more about supporting these efforts, we’d love to connect with you.
