Pollo Campero Looks to Oklahoma for Franchise Expansion with Capacity for an Additional 8 Units in the State

Pollo Campero, the fast-casual chicken franchise with over 85 locations in the U.S. and another 270 internationally, is taking advantage of the momentum within the $55 billion fast-food chicken franchise segment to broaden its horizons. As it works to have 250 U.S. locations opened by 2026, Pollo Campero is looking to Oklahoma for growth.

“With two restaurants already open in the state and more on the horizon, we have seen the strength of the Pollo Campero model in Oklahoma,” explained Director of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega. “We already have a brand presence with both legacy customers and crossover demographics, and we’ve honed our franchise support structure and capabilities and are ready to grow the Oklahoma franchise network further.”

The Oklahoma Market

In addition to the business friendliness of the state, Oklahoma boasts the third fastest-growing economy in the nation and offers prime real estate availability.

Between the second and third quarters of 2022, the state’s gross domestic product increased at a rate over 5%. Further, Oklahoma’s living costs are far lower than the nationwide average, at times dipping 40% below what is to be expected.

These factors make the state incredibly attractive to both business owners and individuals and families looking to move to a more fiscally welcoming state, which will serve to increase population and drive demand.

The Pollo Campero team has identified an opportunity to bring eight units to the state to supplement the two open restaurants and an additional three in development, which are expected to open in the coming years. The team is targeting Tulsa and the Greater Oklahoma City area for development as it works to meet the untapped demand in local markets.

“People will drive a notable distance to go to our Oklahoma City location, and fried chicken is a favorite throughout the state,” said Escarcega. “There is a proven appetite for Pollo Campero in the state, and we look forward to expanding our unique, home-cooked flavors to even more communities. Everyone loves chicken in Oklahoma, but nobody does chicken like Pollo Campero.”

“There was not a niche in fast casual that catered to Central Americans before Pollo Campero, and they're a large part of our community,” said Mike Woolf, the franchisee behind the existing Pollo Campero restaurants in the state. “We had the opportunity to be first in the market that really catered to that segment of the population. And the growth of that segment is not slowing down. The number of Central Americans in Oklahoma, and certainly the United States, is not slowing down. So why not be able to offer them and provide them what they want? And once anybody you know tries Pollo Campero, they really love the food, the brand and everything about it.”

How Pollo Campero Stands Out

Pollo Campero grew out of a family-owned Guatemalan business that offered a carefully crafted menu and a standout chicken recipe. Having grown to be the world’s largest Central American chicken concept, the brand has established a legacy flavor and long-time fans, meaning new Oklahoma franchisees can enter the market with confidence.

In addition to the brand’s identity and strength, its advanced support infrastructure prepares franchisees to succeed as they launch their new stores. With support throughout the process, covering site selection, marketing, in-depth training and a strong technology platform, new franchisees can count on the team to show them everything they need to know about running a new business.

Better yet, the brand has recently turned a lot of attention toward its Dallas Support Center, the hub for all franchisee support across the U.S.

“We want to make sure franchisees can get the training and tools necessary to make them successful,” said Escarcega. “It’s one thing to say, ‘We want you to do this,’ but it’s another to ensure they have the tools and capabilities to succeed.”

As it looks to further develop in the state of Oklahoma, Pollo Campero is seeking prospective franchisees who are both business savvy and truly passionate about the Pollo Campero legacy, vision and product.

“As we continue to grow and set our brand apart in the booming chicken category, we are eager to welcome new franchisees to the Pollo Campero family and introduce our beloved products to more communities around the country,” said Escarcega. 

Initial investments range from $1,287,250 – $2,491,500*. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/pollocampero/info.

*To see the brand’s full reported financials, please reference Pollo Campero’s Franchise Disclosure Document (updated June 7, 2021).