Pollo Campero Targets Colorado for Franchise Development

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 Colorado as a prime market for expansion. This determination is due to the flourishing economic landscape and an unmet demand among both legacy consumers and new fans.

“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.”

According to Escarcega, many consumers in Colorado generally seek flavors from around the world, promoting the success of the brand’s unique Latin American cuisine in the area.

“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.”

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.

“We’re talking about marinated to the bone, slow-down-and-enjoy-every-bite chicken,” said Luis Javier Rodas, Managing Director and COO. “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.”

Escarcega says Pollo Campero ended the past year with 81 total restaurant units in the U.S., including 60 corporate stores, 17 franchise units and four ghost kitchens. Now he says the five-year plan is to reach 180 corporate units and 85 franchise locations.

“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* *

*To see the brand’s full reported financials, please reference Pollo Campero’s Franchise Disclosure Document (updated July 13, 2022).

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.