Pollo Campero

Pollo Campero

Information based on 2024 FDD

Food & Beverage · Other Food & Beverage

Investment min
$2M
Total: $2M–$4M
Avg gross revenue
$4M
Unit-level, 2024
Franchise fee
$30K–$40K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
5%
of gross revenue
Locations
15
Franchising since 2003

Description

What is Pollo Campero?

Pollo Campero is a beloved Latin American-inspired quick-service restaurant chain that has captured the hearts and taste buds of customers across the United States. Founded in Guatemala and brought to the U.S. in 2002, Pollo Campero has established itself as a unique player in the competitive chicken restaurant segment by offering a distinctive blend of traditional Central American flavors with modern American dining convenience.

The restaurant is renowned for its signature fried and grilled chicken, prepared with a proprietary blend of Latin spices and marinades that create an unmistakably authentic taste profile. Their menu extends beyond chicken to include fresh sides like yuca fries, sweet plantains, and traditional empanadas, offering customers a true Latin American culinary experience.

What sets Pollo Campero apart is their commitment to quality, authenticity, and family-friendly dining. Each location maintains high standards of cleanliness and customer service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with both Latin American communities and diverse American audiences. The restaurant's success is built on their ability to deliver consistently flavorful food while maintaining the warmth and hospitality characteristic of Latin American culture.

The brand has earned a loyal following for its unique positioning in the market, offering something distinctly different from traditional American fast-food chicken restaurants. With a focus on fresh, made-to-order items and recipes that have been perfected over generations, Pollo Campero provides franchisees with a proven concept that brings authentic Latin American flavors to communities across America.
  • USA TODAY 10Best Top 3 Fast Food Fried Chicken 2025
  • Exceptional $3.85M gross revenue - 15x sub-sector average
  • Authentic Guatemala-born recipes and heritage
  • 20+ years proven franchise system since 2003
  • Official New York City FC partnership
  • Established 92-unit operational infrastructure

Location Analysis

Where Pollo Campero wins

Pollo Campero, established in 2003, maintains a strategic presence across multiple states (including DC), with locations concentrated primarily along the East and West coasts. The franchise demonstrates particular strength in key markets like California, Texas, Virginia, and Maryland, suggesting successful penetration in regions with strong Latino populations and diverse urban demographics. The brand's consistently positive customer ratings indicate strong customer satisfaction and operational consistency.

The franchise's geographic distribution reveals a deliberate focus on high-density metropolitan areas, spanning from Massachusetts to Florida on the East Coast, including Delaware, and extending to California and Nevada on the West Coast. This coastal presence is complemented by strategic locations in key inland markets such as Illinois, Michigan, and Oklahoma. The brand shows particular success in markets featuring significant Central American communities, providing a competitive advantage against traditional quick-service restaurants.

Ideal locations for new franchises should target areas with: high-density Hispanic populations, particularly Central American communities; median household incomes above $45,000; strong daytime population centers; and proximity to retail corridors. Given the current distribution pattern, expansion opportunities exist in underserved markets within existing successful states, particularly secondary cities in California and Texas, while also considering expansion into demographically similar markets in untapped states with significant Hispanic populations.
Total US locations
92
Franchise units
15
Corporate locations
77
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Pollo Campero

Avg gross revenue$3,852,695
Investment range$1,554,650 – $3,750,500
Investment midpoint$2,652,575
Brand fund1%
Royalty5%
Franchise fee$30,000–$40,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Pollo Campero requires a substantial investment of $1.55M to $3.75M, positioning it as a premium franchise opportunity within the food service sector. This investment level significantly exceeds the sub-sector average of $210K-$461K, reflecting the brand's full-service restaurant model and comprehensive build-out requirements.

The franchise demonstrates exceptional financial performance with gross revenue of $3.85M, nearly 15 times the sub-sector average of $261K. This outstanding revenue performance indicates strong unit economics and suggests compelling ROI potential for qualified investors, justifying the higher initial investment threshold.

The chicken restaurant segment benefits from consistent consumer demand for convenient protein options, with fast-casual concepts experiencing particular growth. Pollo Campero's Guatemala-born heritage and authentic recipes provide differentiation in the competitive chicken market, appealing to diverse demographics seeking unique flavors.

With 92 units established since 2003, the system demonstrates measured growth and operational stability over two decades. This mature franchise infrastructure suggests established supply chains, proven operational systems, and refined support structures.

Ideal investors should possess substantial liquid capital and restaurant management experience, given the operational complexity. The premium investment level suits experienced multi-unit operators or well-capitalized first-time franchisees committed to hands-on management.
Did you know? Did you know that bringing the beloved Latin American flavors of Pollo Campero's flame-grilled chicken to your community requires a total investment between $1,554,650 and $3,750,500, which covers everything from the $30,000-$40,000 franchise fee to equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to launch this internationally acclaimed restaurant brand that's been satisfying chicken cravings for over 50 years?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$2M–$4M
Most common
$1,554,650
Minimum
$2,652,575
Midpoint
$3,750,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $1,554,650 to $3,750,500. The midpoint $2,652,575 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$5M$4M$3M$2M$1MN/A
$3M
$3M
$4M
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$3M
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
+15%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Pollo Campero has an average gross revenue of $4M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+8% YoY
1501209060300
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
92 units open as of 2024 FDD+7 in last 12 mo

2024 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Pollo Campero's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2024 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Pollo Campero franchise typically ranges between $1,554,650.00 and $3,750,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero
$4M avg revenue · 15+ US franchises

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