Pollo Campero , the rapidly growing fast-casual franchise serving authentic Latin American fare, wrapped up its biggest growth year to date in 2021, with 80 U.S. locations, 270 worldwide locations, 18 signed leases and the promotion of  Blas Escarcega as the brand’s new Director of Franchise Development. Now, the Guatemalan-born brand is kicking off 2022, accelerating the signing of new franchise deals in markets across the U.S., starting with Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arizona, North Florida and Las Vegas.  Escarcega, who has been with the brand for 14 years, says he is excited to continue leveraging his leadership and management skills, along with his personal passion for the brand, to help grow the brand to the world's  largest Latin American chicken chain . “Pollo Campero has a 20-plus-year track record of bringing smiles to our guests' faces in both Latin America and the U.S.,” said Escarcega. “Now, we are amping up our franchise development across North America and honing in on markets where there is a large Latin American population. Our road map has identified cities and states where there is a major demand for our flavors and quality — we just need to partner with great franchisees to develop these locations.” “We recognize him as a true team player, value all of his dedication and contributions and look forward to seeing him thrive in this new position," said  Luis Javier Rodas , Managing Director and COO of Campero USA.  Escarcega says the brand is already in the process of building out the 18 leases it signed last year and is looking forward to building on that momentum. According to Rodas, the Pollo Campero’s growth strategy looks beyond key economic indicators, such as population growth, consumer spending and market saturation, and evolved its focus to identify best-possible trade areas by leveraging mobility data, consumer psychographics and needs states, as well as robust AI-enabled models. “We plan to open new restaurants where Pollo Campero is well positioned to thrive based on demographics and previously successful stores,” said Rodas.  Pollo Campero’s 2022 growth goals are ambitious, but they are also strategic. Rodas says the brand is adamant about only establishing locations the brand knows can thrive, and the brand remains highly selective in expanding into new markets.  “We’re not going to be hasty — we’re going to grow in a smart way, keeping true to our vision and our strategy by franchising with the right entrepreneurs,” explained Rodas. “In time, there will be 1,000 Pollo Campero locations across the United States, but we have to keep growing strategically and embracing each market we expand into.” Rodas says ideal franchise candidates have multi-unit operational restaurant experience with at least one concept that matches Pollo Campero’s capital investment, as well as the capital to invest in the development of at least three Pollo Campero locations. Prospective candidates should also demonstrate a passion for the Pollo Campero brand and embrace the values it upholds. “There are a lot of new and exciting things we have in the works this year, including opening in new markets and test-driving certain promotions and dishes at our flagship locations,” explained Escarcega. “2022 is looking bright for Pollo Campero, and there has never been a better time to join our growing brand." The initial investment to open a Pollo Campero ranges from $887,250–$2,126,500*. For more information, visit:  https://camperofranchise.com/ . *To see the brand’s full reported financials, please reference Pollo Campero’s Franchise Disclosure Document (updated June 7, 2021).  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.