(Image: Chris Wellington)
Two workmates are hoping to turn their growing side hustle into a restaurant.
Todd Hammond and Chris Wellington have launched Otley-based Pollo Fuego, a new chicken venture run alongside their full-time jobs.
The pair came up with the idea after finding themselves with more free time while working together at a paper mill in Pool-in-Wharfedale.
The pair, who previously worked in construction, said they were keen to channel their energy into building something of their own.
Mr Wellington said: "We're just two active lads really.
"With all that time on our hands, we thought, 'Shall we do something?'
"We were both used to working six days a week in construction, so we're quite used to being busy."
Chris Wellington prepares one of Pollo Fuego's rotisserie chicken sandwiches as the pair continue developing the business. (Image: Chris Wellington)
Spotting a gap in the market
The pair decided to create a business centred around rotisserie chicken after noticing there was no dedicated chicken outlet of its kind in the area.
Rather than focusing on fried chicken, they wanted to offer a healthier alternative based around roasted chicken and a range of flavours.
Mr Wellington said: "There's some really nice little food places, but there's nothing based on that chicken. We didn't really want to go down the fried chicken route.
"We wanted to go down the more healthy roasted chicken route and we'd noticed that rotisserie chicken was getting more popular within the UK."
Rotisserie chickens prepared by Pollo Fuego (Image: Chris Wellington)
Building a following before opening
Although Pollo Fuego is not yet trading commercially, the business has already begun attracting attention on social media.
While awaiting approval from the local authority, the pair have been running giveaway events, cooking food and offering it free to followers who respond to posts online.
Mr Wellington said: "We've not been selling it just yet because we've not had that approval from the council.
"We've just been doing giveaways, and the response that we've had from everyone who's tried it has been really positive."
Excitement online
To help grow the brand, the pair enlisted the help of a friend with social media experience to manage their online presence.
According to Mr Wellington, excitement has continued to build as more people discover the venture.
He said: "People are getting quite excited for it and they're really wanting us to get going quickly. That gives us motivation to get open as soon as we can."
Chris Wellington prepares one of Pollo Fuego's rotisserie chicken sandwiches as the pair continue developing the business. (Image: Chris Wellington)
Ambitions for a permanent home
While the business remains in its early stages, the pair have already set their sights on opening a permanent location.
They are currently considering different routes to expansion, including events, pop-ups and catering opportunities, but their long-term ambition is a fixed-site restaurant.
Mr Wellington said: "I'd probably like to have a shop in a fixed location more than anything.
"I'd just like to grow, get a shop and start giving people some nice food."