On March 21, 2026, the death of Eduardo Robayo was announced, at the age of 91. He is a key businessman in the transformation of the Colombian gastronomic industry in recent years. Its name is closely linked to the widespread consumption of chicken in the country and the positioning of Kokoriko as one of the most recognized food chains nationwide.
The news was shared by businessmen and public figures. Fernán Martínez, manager of various artists, expressed on social networks: “Businessman Eduardo Robayo Ferro died. A hug for his children Claudia, Eduardo, Carolina, his wife Alba Lucía Gómez and other family members.” In turn, the former mayor of Bogotá, Enrique Peñalosa, remembered him as “creator of Kokoriko, great businessman, builder of the country and best human being.”
So far, the causes of death have not been reported.
The legacy of Robayo, founder of Kokoriko
Robayo’s impact is best understood in context: during the 1960s and 1970s, chicken consumption in Colombia was limited and far from an everyday product. In this scenario, its business commitment contributed to changing the eating habits of millions of people, by turning roast chicken into an accessible and good quality option.
Before entering the poultry sector, Robayo worked as a merchant and jeweler. His entry into the chicken business occurred at the end of the 60s. Together with his partners Noé Cardona and Emilio Jordán, he participated in the creation of Avesco, a company that would serve as a platform for the development of its business model. In 1971, the first Kokoriko restaurant opened in Cali, at a time when the fast food chain format was just beginning to establish itself in the country. That point marked the beginning of an expansion that would take the brand to different cities.
As the years passed, Kokoriko grew up. His proposal was consolidated in parallel with phenomena such as accelerated urbanization, the increase in the middle class and the expansion of consumption outside the home.
In the following decades, The Robayo family diversified its investments into sectors such as housing, pensions and financial services, in line with a common trend among Colombian business groups of the time.
A relevant change occurred in 2017, when control of the company passed into the hands of the Inmaculada Guadalupe y Amigos (IGA) group, which consolidated its participation in several restaurant chains. Although ownership has changed, Kokoriko’s identity—forged over decades under the leadership of its founder—has remained one of the brand’s pillars.
