The pandemic has been many things to different franchises across the United States. For some, it’s been a setback. For others, a death knell. For Pollo Campero, the fast-casual chicken franchise with 81 U.S. locations and another 270 around the world, it’s been a springboard.
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, the executive team at Pollo Campero was forced to make difficult strategic decisions during the most uncertain time in its more than 50-year history — decisions that would forever change the brand’s trajectory.
“Because of the pandemic, we strategically decided to put a hold on our corporate growth,” said Luis Javier Rodas, Managing Director and COO. “It was a very challenging year for everyone in the industry. Nobody knew what was going to happen, so we decided to stop selling franchising. It was not the right momentum for us.”
Rather than focus on their ambitious U.S. expansion plans and what was happening in the world around them, the executive team decided to turn its attention toward growing the business from within and caring for its people.
“We placed a greater emphasis on taking care of not only our customers but our employees and franchisees as well,” said Blas Escarcega, Director of Franchise Development. “The pandemic affected everyone. Taking care of our people was one of the most important aspects of what we wanted to do.”
Pollo Campero started in Guatemala in 1971, and now, more than 50 years later, its dedication to high-quality and flavorful chicken recipes hasn’t changed. The brand successfully launched in the U.S. in 2002 and has since proven its concept’s international viability.
When the pandemic threatened to derail their progress, the executive team used it as an opportunity to innovate.
Seeking alternative ways to serve more customers, Pollo Campero opened a nationwide call center and implemented digital table service, delivery and curbside pickup. They also introduced their Digital Kitchen concept in 2021 — locations that offer delivery and pickup only with no dine-in — as they saw their online ordering and delivery increase by more than 300% in 2020.
“That was a big gain for us because we had the opportunity to reach different kinds of consumers,” said Rodas. “And now they are coming back as loyal customers because they love our product.”
Because of this, 2020 — which started with a global pandemic and the halting of franchise expansion — ended as a record year for Pollo Campero, followed by another record year in 2021. Since 2019, they have seen same-store growth of more than 50%, according to Rodas.
This is “the right momentum” Rodas and the executive team sought, and it has Pollo Campero poised to dominate not only the chicken franchise sector but the QSR industry at large in 2022.
Pollo Campero is now once again offering franchise opportunities to prospective partners. Their goal is to reach 250 U.S. locations by 2026, and they are ramping up strategic franchise development efforts in markets like Arizona, North Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Las Vegas. The QSR industry remains strong, and according to the National Chicken Council, nine out of 10 consumers purchase chicken regularly and Americans consume more than 65 billion chickens every year.
“It's an industry that is growing significantly,” said Escarcega. “We have a great deal of white space here in the U.S. But in a couple of years, the markets are not going to be as available as they are right now. So I believe this is the right moment for our business and our franchisees to grow together.”
As they look to be dominant players in the $40.6 billion fast-food chicken franchise segment, Pollo Campero is looking for qualified multi-unit franchisees — savvy businesspeople, according to Escargera, who have restaurant experience. They want partners who are not only passionate about the restaurant industry but also about Pollo Campero’s brand, legacy and vision.
Most of all, they want people who are passionate about their product.
“If a qualified franchisee has never tried Pollo Campero, I will challenge them to come try our product,” said Escarcega. “Once you taste it, you’re gonna be sold. That’s the clincher. Then. if they qualify, we’ll welcome them into our family.”
Initial investments range from $887,250 - $2,126,500*. For more information, visit: https://camperofranchise.com/
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 to one of the biggest chicken chains in the world.
Pollo Campero
SPONSORED
The Central American chicken brand saw record sales growth during the pandemic and has become one of the hottest chicken QSR franchise opportunities in the United States.
The pandemic has been many things to different franchises across the United States. For some, it’s been a setback. For others, a death knell. For Pollo Campero, the fast-casual chicken franchise with 81 U.S. locations and another 270 around the world, it’s been a springboard.
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, the executive team at Pollo Campero was forced to make difficult strategic decisions during the most uncertain time in its more than 50-year history — decisions that would forever change the brand’s trajectory.
“Because of the pandemic, we strategically decided to put a hold on our corporate growth,” said Luis Javier Rodas, Managing Director and COO. “It was a very challenging year for everyone in the industry. Nobody knew what was going to happen, so we decided to stop selling franchising. It was not the right momentum for us.”
Rather than focus on their ambitious U.S. expansion plans and what was happening in the world around them, the executive team decided to turn its attention toward growing the business from within and caring for its people.
“We placed a greater emphasis on taking care of not only our customers but our employees and franchisees as well,” said Blas Escarcega, Director of Franchise Development. “The pandemic affected everyone. Taking care of our people was one of the most important aspects of what we wanted to do.”
Pollo Campero started in Guatemala in 1971, and now, more than 50 years later, its dedication to high-quality and flavorful chicken recipes hasn’t changed. The brand successfully launched in the U.S. in 2002 and has since proven its concept’s international viability.
When the pandemic threatened to derail their progress, the executive team used it as an opportunity to innovate.
Seeking alternative ways to serve more customers, Pollo Campero opened a nationwide call center and implemented digital table service, delivery and curbside pickup. They also introduced their Digital Kitchen concept in 2021 — locations that offer delivery and pickup only with no dine-in — as they saw their online ordering and delivery increase by more than 300% in 2020.
“That was a big gain for us because we had the opportunity to reach different kinds of consumers,” said Rodas. “And now they are coming back as loyal customers because they love our product.”
Because of this, 2020 — which started with a global pandemic and the halting of franchise expansion — ended as a record year for Pollo Campero, followed by another record year in 2021. Since 2019, they have seen same-store growth of more than 50%, according to Rodas.
This is “the right momentum” Rodas and the executive team sought, and it has Pollo Campero poised to dominate not only the chicken franchise sector but the QSR industry at large in 2022.
Pollo Campero is now once again offering franchise opportunities to prospective partners. Their goal is to reach 250 U.S. locations by 2026, and they are ramping up strategic franchise development efforts in markets like Arizona, North Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Las Vegas. The QSR industry remains strong, and according to the National Chicken Council, nine out of 10 consumers purchase chicken regularly and Americans consume more than 65 billion chickens every year.
“It's an industry that is growing significantly,” said Escarcega. “We have a great deal of white space here in the U.S. But in a couple of years, the markets are not going to be as available as they are right now. So I believe this is the right moment for our business and our franchisees to grow together.”
As they look to be dominant players in the $40.6 billion fast-food chicken franchise segment, Pollo Campero is looking for qualified multi-unit franchisees — savvy businesspeople, according to Escargera, who have restaurant experience. They want partners who are not only passionate about the restaurant industry but also about Pollo Campero’s brand, legacy and vision.
Most of all, they want people who are passionate about their product.
“If a qualified franchisee has never tried Pollo Campero, I will challenge them to come try our product,” said Escarcega. “Once you taste it, you’re gonna be sold. That’s the clincher. Then. if they qualify, we’ll welcome them into our family.”
Initial investments range from $887,250 - $2,126,500*. For more information, visit: https://camperofranchise.com/
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 to one of the biggest chicken chains in the world.
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