Pollo Campero Opens First Manhattan Location Followed By More in 2023

Pollo Campero, the world’s largest Central American chicken chain with more than 350 restaurants worldwide, opened its flagship Manhattan location on December 7 near Port Authority, at 601 Eighth Ave. The second Manhattan location is located in the heart of the city at 966 Sixth Ave. in Herald Square. The new restaurants will give New Yorkers a chance to find out why the fast-growing chicken chain, which began as a family-owned Guatemalan restaurant, has become so popular in markets across the country.

“We are thrilled to bring the Pollo Campero flavor to Manhattan,” said Director of Marketing Mark Priestland. “New York City holds tremendous opportunity for us as a brand, we look forward to continued development in the area and we believe that our one-of-a-kind product will be loved by New Yorkers.” 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. With 9 restaurants already open in the New York area, Pollo Campero is constantly receiving inquiries for additional locations. In addition to the Herald Square and Port Authority locations, Pollo Campero will open a Midtown location in the bustling city soon to follow.

Since starting in Guatemala in 1971 and launching in the U.S. 18 years ago, the fast-casual franchise has established 80-plus U.S. locations and another 270 worldwide as demand soars for the brand’s unique menu and delicious 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 $40.6 billion chicken franchise segment.

“From individual meals to family meals, whether you are on the go at lunch or during dinner, we have options to suit every occasion,” said Priestland. “In addition, we offer catering solutions to cover a wide range of events, from watching your favorite team to hosting a family reunion, or a business meeting–we’ve got you covered.” In 2023, the brand is aiming to open 25 corporate and 8 franchise unit openings.

Pollo Campero’s development team is actively seeking new franchise partners in 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 segment. Family founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero is a fast-service restaurant specializing in uniquely flavorful chicken and a diverse menu offering individual and family meals made with quality ingredients. Using family recipes passed down from generation to generation and a fried chicken recipe that is considered a national treasure of Guatemala, Pollo Campero offers tender, juicy, hand-breaded fried chicken and slow-marinated, citrus-infused grilled chicken that is always fresh and prepared daily.