Pollo Campero, the Latin-American chicken chain, will debut a new prototype next month and update its menu in an attempt to broaden its appeal to customers.
The forthcoming Webster, Texas, restaurant will open on Oct. 4, and is the first of three prototype units set to open in the Houston area, the company said. A second opening is scheduled in the fourth quarter for Houston, and a third for Missouri City, Texas.
The refreshed design includes patios and outdoor seating. Prototype units measure 2,380 square feet. And the food will take center stage.
“The salsa bar, made fresh daily, and the open kitchen, where you can see your dishes being prepared, are at the centerpiece of our evolved design,” Roberto Denegri, president of Dallas-based Pollo Campero, said in a statement.
“We believe this modern iteration of our concept will make us more accessible to a wider range of consumers across America,” he added.
Pollo Campero’s signature menu items, are fried and grilled chicken flavored with a proprietary blend of Latin-inspired spices, as well as drinks such as horchata and sides such as sweet plantains and yucca. The company said it plans to expand those offerings.
“In a strategic move to win consumers in the U.S., the menu will offer a larger selection of empanadas, tacos, salads and hot pressed sandwiches, all inspired by traditional Latin recipes,” the company said.
Pollo Campero will also add tacos to its menu in October for the first time at many of its locations as a limited-time offer.
“Our customers love our flavorful grilled and fried chicken, so the introduction of chicken tacos is a great way for guests to enjoy Pollo Campero in a new way,” said Pollo Campero vice president of marketing Lisken Kastalanych.
Some Pollo Campero units will introduce consumers to the new tacos with a one-taco giveaway on Oct. 4.
The chicken tacos will be available on corn or flour tortillas. Add-ons include bacon, panela cheese, pico de gallo and salsa. A Taco Trio Platter and with a side dish is priced at $5.99. Individual tacos cost $1.49.
Pollo Campero USA was founded in Guatemala in 1971 and later exported to the United States. Privately owned, it operates more than 300 restaurants in 12 countries, with 50 units in the United States.
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