Why Pollo Campero Is Growing in New York City

Pollo Campero, the world’s largest Central American chicken chain with more than 350 restaurants worldwide, has been expanding in Manhattan. Since the first New York City-area Pollo Campero opened in Corona, Queens, in 2004, the brand now has 11 locations in the metropolitan area, with more coming soon. 

The flagship Manhattan location opened in late 2022 near Port Authority, at 601 Eighth Ave, while the second Manhattan location is located in the heart of the city at 966 Sixth Ave in Herald Square. The third unit, which will be located in the Midtown East neighborhood, will be coming later this year, while the brand also has plans for locations in Harlem and Chinatown. 

“We’ve had some fantastic openings with great turnouts in New York City,” said Director of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega. “We’re expanding in the city because we felt that it was a great opportunity to reach a larger presence. New York City has a significant number of tourists, as well as people that live there, making it a great environment for us to succeed in. Additionally, opening in Manhattan will introduce our great brand to franchise prospects who may be visiting New York City either for business or pleasure.” 

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. New York State has the fourth largest Hispanic population in the United States, and in New York City specifically, Latinos number more than 2.4 million strong and account for one-quarter of the city’s population. 

At these new Manhattan restaurants, tourists and New York City residents can enjoy Pollo Campero’s internationally beloved fried and grilled chicken made from family recipes passed down from generation to generation, along with fan-favorites such as chicken sandwiches, empanadas and Camperitos, plus sides like Yuca Fries and Campero Beans. The unique menu was designed to honor the brands’ origins in Central American cuisine while also creating innovative, top-notch products. 

For customers in Manhattan who have that Central American background, Pollo Campero provides a taste of familiarity, Escarcega noted. The brand represents a sense of home in New York City and has a very nostalgic appeal. 

“We have legacy customers in New York that are already familiar with Pollo Campero,” said Escarcega. “Over the years, they've come to visit our restaurants because of their background. It's very nostalgic for them. And by having the stores in Manhattan, we are really in the bullseye of the city. We’ve given customers a more convenient location to be able to have lunch or take it home with them at the end of the day.” 

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. Since starting in Guatemala in 1971 and launching in the U.S. 18 years ago, Pollo Campero has established 80-plus U.S. locations and another 270 worldwide as demand soars for its one-of-a-kind offerings. The brand is making strides on its most ambitious growth strategy yet, aiming to open 250 restaurants across the U.S. within the next four years and solidify its position as a dominant brand in the $55.6 billion chicken franchise segment. 

In 2023, the brand is aiming to open over 20 corporate and franchise units. Pollo Campero’s franchise team is actively seeking new franchise partners in targeted markets across the country to leverage the brand’s proven, scalable model to reach more customers and increase its already-outsized share of the booming chicken market.

“We have been very successful over the last five years,” said Escarcega. “We've had tremendous same-store sales growth, and each one of our locations across the system continues to exceed expectations. Our franchisees are very happy with the brand. And with plenty of whitespace around the country, we can’t wait to partner with new owners.” 

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.