5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Bringing Pollo Campero to Utah

Pollo Campero, the fast-casual chicken franchise with 85-plus U.S. locations and another 270 around the world, has identified Utah as a prime market for growth, and it’s looking for franchisees to grow with. 

“Utah is one of the states that has shown strong economic growth over the last several years,” said Director of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega. “We’ve had interest over the years, but we’ve never really focused our efforts until now.” 

Utah was named the fastest-growing state in the U.S. from 2010 to 2020, and has continued to grow since. Between 2020 and 2021, Utah’s total population increased by an estimated 56,291, ranking it sixth in overall population growth. Not only that, but the 2022 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index also ranked Utah number one for economic outlook in 2022 and has given the state the top spot since the rankings’ beginnings in 2008.

With that said, here are five reasons to consider bringing a Pollo Campero franchise to the Beehive State.

Fans Line Up Outside the Door

People can’t get enough of Pollo Campero, no matter where it opens. In Raleigh, for example, a new opening saw over 700 guest transactions and 300 cars in the drive-thru per day during opening week alone. 

The people of Utah are expected to be no exception. Escarcega noted that Utah not only features a growing population of Central Americans — legacy customers who may already know the Pollo Campero brand — but also a large number of Americans who may have experienced the brand while on missionary work in the past. 

“Whether it be medical, teaching or construction, many people from Utah leave a lasting impact on their mission work in Central America,” he said. “The Pollo Campero brand is hard to miss in Central America, and many of these travelers greatly enjoyed the brand’s food and the flavors while they were there. They remember the brand, and they would be thrilled to see it come to their state.” 

It’s this brand recognition and legacy flavor profile that ensures Pollo Campero franchisees can enter new markets with ease. In Utah, this crossover appeal will prove to be a strong differentiator. 

The Chance to Compete with Major Chicken Outlets

The chicken category is as popular as ever and Pollo Campero has already established itself as one of the most dominant players in the $40.6 billion fast-food chicken franchise segment.  

“Everyone is trying to get into the chicken category right now,” said Luis Javier Rodas, Managing Director and COO. “We have very dedicated customers with a very high ticket price. Our customers spend a lot more money with us than most other brands.” 

It's Pollo Campero’s high quality products that make it stand out from others in the QSR chicken segment. The unique menu was designed to honor the brands’ origins in Central American cuisine while also creating a top-notch fried chicken. “We’re talking about marinated to the bone, slow-down-and-enjoy-every-bite chicken,” said Rodas. “A deep, rich and unique taste that can only be obtained by uniting the freshest ingredients with the best, complementary spices. It’s about combining generations of family recipes into the perfect, savory bite.”

Best-in-Class Support

The Pollo Campero team has worked hard to make sure franchisees have the best of the best support available to them. Franchisees that open in Utah — and the U.S. — can expect an unmatched support system that spans hundreds of restaurants. In Dallas, a robust franchise structure offers support with everything from marketing to real estate to technology – and more. 

“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.” 

A Growing Number of Franchisees

Pollo Campero aims to have 250 locations established in the U.S. by 2026, and it has continued to attract multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees in markets across the country. And although many other chicken concepts may be sold out, Pollo Campero has identified markets all over the country primed for growth. In addition to Utah, the brand is targeting areas such as Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arizona, North Florida, San Antonio and the Texas border region. 

“Pollo Campero’s operational model has proven successful for hundreds of franchisees in markets around the world,” said Rodas. “Pollo Campero offers an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a brand with a huge international following and proven model of success that’s now moving into the American market. Franchise investors who get on board now will have the opportunity to establish multi-units in key territories.” 

Be a Hero in Your Community

Overall, opening a Pollo Campero in Utah will make franchisees a community hero. After winning over its local community in Guatemala, the beloved chicken franchise was able to grow to hundreds of locations throughout Central America, Italy, Spain and eventually the U.S. For new and legacy customers alike, the franchise’s winning menu and delicious offerings will be sure to keep them coming back time and time again. 

“We have successful partners committed to growing the brand after performing very well,” said Escarcega. “They are working with us to develop more in their markets. I’m also recruiting new franchisees into the system, and the key will be to partner with the right ones who have the attributes we’re looking for, whether it’s capital, attitude, the ability to work collaboratively and the skill set to be able to grow the brand.”

Initial investments range from $1,287,250 – $2,491,500*. For more information, visit https://camperofranchise.com/.

*To see the brand’s full reported financials, please reference Pollo Campero’s Franchise Disclosure Document (updated July 13, 2022). 

ABOUT POLLO CAMPERO:

Pollo Campero is a fast-casual restaurant chain focused on delighting guests with better-chicken offerings. Through its flavor and quality, Pollo Campero offers a unique and convenient feel-good eating experience for individual, group/family and catering occasions. Chicken entrees can be ordered either Campero Fried or Citrus-Grilled, bone-in or boneless and paired with an array of fresh sides, drinks and desserts for a complete meal. Pollo Campero started as a small family-owned restaurant in Guatemala in 1971 and has grown into one of the biggest chicken chains in the world.