Pollo Campero: A Top of the Line Franchise “Orgullosamente Guatemalteca”
While visiting a client in Houston a couple days ago, I had only one thing on my mind: “There’s Pollo Campero in town”.
Right after taking care of business, I headed straight to the promise land. Actually, I temporarily hijacked one of my client’s PC’s to find directions to the nearest Campero, ending up at the one on Bellaire Blvd., near a TACA office and an Adoc shoe store, as well as several other businesses that screamed Latin America… I was “home” and it felt right.
When I parked outside, I truly felt like a 5-year old kid just about to enter Disney World for the first time. I was in true amazement by watching how Pollo Campero has perfected their franchise.
You really have to come from one of the Latin American countries where Campero is a household name to fully appreciate it. I’m lucky to be from Guatemala, where the company started.
Even though I had been doing a good job at being a vegetarian for more than a couple of years, the “Tierno! Jugoso! y Crujiente!” (Tender! Juicy! Crunchy!) brought out my primal carnivore instincts… I just had to have it.
The restaurant’s infrastructure was as inviting as I remembered it… Could perfectly picture a birthday party going on at the children's area, with piñata and all.
After walking through the front door, I was greeted by a, “Buenas noches, le puedo tomar su orden?” by the cashier. Yes, they immediately address you in Spanish. Awesome.
I instantly called my wife and, as if just having won the lottery, said, “You have no idea where I am… at Pollo Campero and I’m bringing some home!” It must have been hysterical watching me be all exited about being in a fast food joint.
The menu blew my mind. Not only did it had everything that I longed for from the Guatemalan Pollo Camperos, it also included ALL the regional favorite side orders from El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Ecuador. They are so insightful as to offer different fried chicken combinations with or without dark meat; I’ve noticed that generally the white meat is more enticing for Americans, while the darker one is more appreciated by Hispanics.
The icing on the cake was the wristbands they where selling at the cash register, all read “Pollo Campero” on one side and a name of one of the countries where they have restaurants on the other. Took two from Guatemala back home to my kids.
Pollo Campero most certainly hits the bull’s eye while catering to the Hispanic Community; there’s a lot to learn from them.
Go, experience the restaurant, try the chicken, you’ll see what I mean… Buen provecho.
How can I get a Franchise in North Carolina for pollo camperos?
Where is the nearest store to Southern Pines North Carolina?
Thanks Tom Peters
Posted by: Tom Peters | December 03, 2005 at 03:00 PM
Pongan comida guatemalteca en Seattle!
Posted by: lilprincesa818 | January 24, 2006 at 02:13 PM
How can I get a franchise in la Vegas for Pollo Campero.
Posted by: Blecing Nolasco | March 03, 2006 at 04:42 PM
I am from guatemala. I am interested in franchise.
Posted by: ligia romero | May 17, 2006 at 02:59 PM
How can I get a franchise in Chicago? Please when you have time send me Info, Thank You.
Posted by: PABLO TEJADA | June 18, 2006 at 03:21 AM
How can I get a franshise in New York. Please send me information. I live in place filled with potential consumers.
Posted by: Rosemary Bermudez | July 02, 2006 at 12:42 PM
I am interested to open a Pollo Campero Restaurant, how can I get information? I want to bring Home to the United States.
----Please give me the scoop.----
Posted by: Jose Miguel Concul | August 28, 2006 at 07:06 PM
I'd like to be part of Pollo Campero expansion in Washinton, DC. How can I do it.
Posted by: Alexander Umana | October 16, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Please send me information about pollo camoero franchise.
Posted by: Christian Cortez | October 24, 2006 at 09:20 PM
how can i buy a pollo campero franchaice please contac me and let me know
Posted by: ruben duarte | November 20, 2006 at 07:11 PM
please contact me about starting a franchise in Miami.
Posted by: daniel kalbac | January 23, 2007 at 02:33 PM
As a "gringa" who lived in Guatemala as a Peace Corps volunteer in 00-02, I (and i know I speak for other volunteers as well) can appreciate what you have described above of Pollo Campero! The attraction to us, was a combination of the chaotic, yet lively, ambiance and flavorful cuisine.
Pollo Campero boxes traveled to and fro on TACA's Guate to US flights. Their boxes filled up overhead space, as well as the aroma filled the noses of all of the passengers.
We had heard chisme upon our return to the US that Pollo Campero had already migrated north. I haven't had the opportunity to be in a state where there is one, but it sounds like that time is not far away...I am looking forward to it!
This is a great site! Saludos!
Sara
Posted by: canchita72 | October 30, 2007 at 01:45 PM