Pollo Campero, the world’s largest Central American chicken franchise, is steadily expanding within the U.S., aiming to have 250 locations established in the country by 2026. As the brand has established itself as one of the most dominant players in the $40.6 billion fast-food chicken franchise segment, the Pollo Campero team has identified several markets primed for expansion and is set to host a few “Road Show Discovery Days” in various priority markets where prospective franchise owners can meet the team, discuss the opportunity and learn more about the brand. The first of these Road Show Discovery Days will be in Birmingham on Thursday, December 15th.

“We have an opportunity to present the brand to potential franchise partners who have already shown interest in Birmingham and surrounding areas,” said Director of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega. “It allows them to see us, meet us, greet us and ask any questions they have. We will also offer one-and-one interviews for more opportunities to discuss negotiations both ways. Everyone is invited to attend — restaurant investors, real estate people, business owners — anyone who wants to hear our story. It is really exciting to go out to some of these markets and get a better sense of the city.”

The Road Show Discovery Day will be held on Thursday, December 15th, at The Westin Birmingham (2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North) from 9 AM to 2 PM. There will be both a presentation and a lunch, followed by time for one-on-one meetings with Escarcega. 

“We chose Birmingham to host our first Road Show Discovery Day because it is a great area where the brand has shown a good deal of interest,” said Escarcega. “We want to expand our presence in the southeast region given that we have successful restaurants in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.”

The quick-service, grilled and fried chicken restaurant began in Guatemala as a family-owned business with a carefully crafted menu and unique chicken recipe. The Pollo Campero menu was designed to honor the brand’s origins in Latin American cuisine while ensuring the highest quality fried chicken on the market.

Now, the Pollo Campero team is looking to expand its presence all across the U.S., both in existing markets and in new areas. Escarcega says Pollo Campero ended the past year with 81 total restaurant units in the U.S., including 60 corporate stores and 17 franchise units and four ghost kitchens. He says the five-year plan is to reach 180 corporate units and 85 franchise locations. 

As part of this growth strategy, Escarcega says the team plans to host other Road Show Discovery Days soon in cities like Denver, Salt Lake City and New Orleans. 

“We are confident we will improve and optimize the Road Show Discovery Day experience as we bring it to more and more cities,” said Escarcega. “Overall, we are eager to bring Pollo Campero to more communities by partnering with qualified franchisees who can build locally-owned businesses they can be proud of. If these Road Show Discovery Days go well, we will hopefully see some signings and start the process of opening restaurants in cities like Birmingham and beyond.”

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.