Sardi’s Pollo A La Brasa, the beloved fast-casual restaurant known for its Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, will officially open its newest Montgomery County location on Monday, December 15. The restaurant is located at 5290 Randolph Road in Loehmann’s Plaza, taking over a familiar space that previously housed Toosso Pakistani Kitchen and, before that, Boston Market.
Construction on the Rockville restaurant began over the summer. In October, Sardi’s shared that it was aiming for a late 2025 opening and had already begun hiring for all positions, including both front-of-house and back-of-house roles. The company hosted an in-person hiring event at its Gaithersburg location on November 4 to staff the new restaurant.
Founded in 2008 by Montgomery County cousins Phil E. Sardelis and Phil G. Sardelis, Sardi’s has grown from a single Beltsville restaurant to a regional favorite with locations throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The brand already operates Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg, Olney, and Takoma Park, making Rockville its fourth in the county.
Sardi’s built its reputation on pollo a la brasa, the blackened rotisserie chicken that has roots in Lima dating back to the 1950s. To achieve a level of authenticity that matched the dish’s heritage, the founders traveled to Peru to recruit chefs trained in traditional preparation techniques. The menu expanded from there, featuring fresh ingredients, classic Peruvian sides, and the signature sauces that have become a hallmark of the restaurant’s identity.
Despite their Greek heritage, the Sardelis cousins were drawn to the warmth and flavors of Peruvian cuisine, creating a dining experience that reflects that passion. Over nearly two decades, Sardi’s has served millions of customers and built community connections across the region. One of its most notable efforts is the Sardi’s Scholarship, created in honor of co-founder Phil G. Sardelis, which supports students pursuing higher education.