According to The Daily Memphian, Pollo Campero, a fast-casual chicken chain that originated in Guatemala City in 1971, is headed to Memphis. While the franchisee and specific location remain undecided, Vice President of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega is eyeing potential sites in the Wolfchase area, Winchester Road, Summer Avenue, and near I-40.
With over 350 outposts worldwide, Pollo Campero is on a swift expansion trajectory within the United States. Presently boasting two Tennessee locations in Nashville and Madison, the chain has ambitious plans for additional openings in Clarksville, Smyrna, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Franklin, and Pigeon Forge.
Escarcega told The Daily Memphian that he’s excited to bring Pollo Campero’s Guatemalan chicken into Memphis’ already international-heavy dining scene. “I like the fact that we have a core customer base and will get some customers that are Central Americans,” he noted.
Pollo Campero offers a diverse menu featuring family recipes, individual meals, and family meals, alongside fresh sides, desserts, and beverages. A highlight is the traditional fried chicken, marinated with a Peruvian citrus-style special blend, which delivers a delightful combination of tenderness and crunch. The menu also includes salads, bowls, empanadas, rice, coleslaw, mac and cheese, sweet plantains, and more.
Construction for the upcoming Memphis restaurant is slated to commence next year, with the grand opening anticipated between late 2025 and early 2026. The arrival of this international fast-casual chain is set to add a new dimension to the city’s culinary landscape, providing a tantalizing taste of Guatemalan fare.
