As Pollo Campero, the world’s largest Central American chicken franchise, continues to expand around the U.S., it has identified its next target market: Colorado. 

The team at Pollo Campero sees the state’s flourishing economic landscape and an unmet demand among consumers as prime opportunities for new franchisees. And with 85-plus U.S. locations and another 270 worldwide, Pollo Campero has already proven itself as a competitive player in the booming chicken segment. 

“We don’t yet have a strong presence in the rocky mountains, but we have seen great interest in Colorado specifically,” said Director of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega. “People have visited our locations in SoCal and Las Vegas and are anticipating our move to Colorado. The feedback from those in the area familiar with our menu is excellent.”

Here are five reasons to consider bringing a Pollo Campero franchise to the Centennial State.

Fans Line Up Outside the Door

No matter where Pollo Campero opens its doors, it draws a crowd. During 2022, a new location in Raleigh, for example, saw over 700 guest transactions and 300 cars in the drive-thru per day during opening week.

Colorado consumers are expected to be no exception. The brand sees Colorado as a prime area to grow in because many of its residents seek flavors from around the world, Escarcega says.  “We are different, unique, and you can’t get that anywhere else,” said Escarcega. “Not everyone has the variety of seasonings and sides that we offer. These offerings will resonate well with the locals in Colorado.”

Pollo Campero prides itself on its historical heritage, food culture and family-oriented atmosphere, and much of its success in the U.S. can be attributed to its dedicated legacy customer base. 

In Colorado, over 22% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And by the end of this decade, it is expected that one in four Coloradans will be Latino. Additionally, the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and El Paso all have Latino populations of over 100,000.

Compete with Major Chicken Outlets

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.” 

The key to success? Pollo Campero’s menu really speaks for itself. 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.”

Dedicated Support Teams

New franchisees in Colorado and across the U.S. can expect an unmatched support system that spans hundreds of restaurants. A robust franchise structure headquartered in Dallas 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.” 

Franchisees Continue to Expand with the Company

As Pollo Campero aims to have 250 locations established in the U.S. by 2026, it has continued to attract multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees in markets across the country. 

“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.” 

Although many other chicken concepts may be sold out, Pollo Campero has identified markets all over the country primed for growth. In addition to Colorado, the brand is targeting areas such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arizona, North Florida, San Antonio, San Diego and the Texas border region. 

Be Loved by Your Community

Opening a Pollo Campero in Colorado will make franchisees a hero in the community. 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. 

“The past few years have been incredible for Pollo Campero, and our franchise concept is all about allowing new customers to try an incredible product,” said Rodas. “Now, as we move forward with a strategic growth mindset, 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.”

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.