Former Pollo Tropical CEO now works for community

BY MARISEL A. OTHON

The former CEO of Pollo Tropical, Larry Harris, has been a member of the Kendall Community Council 12 since its inception in 1996.

"I ran the first year the community councils were formed," Harris said. "I felt that I could be effective in the zoning and planning decisions made locally because of my experience working for Pollo Tropical where I dealt with the development, the neighborhoods and trying to understand how the communities worked and felt."

Pollo Tropical restaurants were founded in 1988 specializing in grilled chicken marinated in tropical juices and spices. Today, Pollo Tropical is one of the most successful fast-food chicken franchise located in South and Central Florida, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The company also has branched out into Ecuador and the Netherlands Antilles.

Harris, however, no longer works with the company.

Born and raised in Miami, Harris attended Palmetto High School and graduated from Florida International University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management.

Harris and his wife, Molly, have been married for 13 years and have three children ages 6-12.

"When I first heard about the community councils in 1996 I thought it was a good idea to put the zoning decisions in the hands of the neighborhoods who are familiar with the properties," Harris said.

Harris' four-year term will be over this year and he has not decided if he will run again next year.

"I have seen the council grow in its experience to make better decisions throughout the years," Harris said. "I'm pleased with the zoning roles and the power we hold, however, I would like to see the council just serve in that role unless, of course, we are told to counsel in another role."

Harris believes that the community council has helped make better zoning and land use decisions for the community and has been more responsive to the neighborhoods.

Does Harris believe Kendall will become a city?

"Based on the current status of the county, I think it will happen," Harris said. "And if it can follow the success of Pinecrest, it will be very helpful."