The legacy chicken brand is targeting aggressive U.S. expansion through key priority growth regions.
Pollo Campero, the chicken restaurant franchise with more than 350 locations in several countries, is ramping up its U.S. franchising initiative with the appointment of Sam Wong to director of franchising.
Wong brings years of franchise growth to this new position, having previously grown brands such as Dairy Queen, Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, and Sonic Drive-In.
“Sam is joining our leadership team at an incredibly important moment for Pollo Campero and I am beyond confident that as director of franchising, he will successfully deliver our growth strategy through aggressive franchise expansion,” said Pollo Campero MD and COO, Luis Javier Rodas. “We are ready to shift our growth business model into high gear over the next five years, with the goal of achieving more than 200 restaurants systemwide across major U.S. metro markets. Needless to say, this is a very exciting time to be part of the Pollo Campero family.”
Pollo Campero’s growth has been consistent and enviable, with $2.16m average unit volume for its freestanding franchise locations and 31 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. The brand is now keen to expand in existing markets and new priority growth regions, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina.
It was these factors, as well as Pollo Campero’s unique offering within the F&B space, that attracted Wong to the role.
“Everything about our business model, from our industry-leading performance to our proprietary restaurant operation system designed for maximum efficiency and cost optimization throughout the day, sets us apart in the QSR chicken category,” said Wong. “The ingredients for Pollo Campero’s astonishing success include incredibly flavorful food, a best-in-class support system with real estate, construction, training and marketing support for franchisees, and most of all, the family culture, all built on the passion of its generations of raving fans. It’s the reason why Pollo Campero is having an excellent year despite the challenges of the pandemic.”
