Pollo Campero inks deal with Wal-MartPollo Campero inks deal with Wal-Mart

DALLAS Campero USA, a division of the Guatemala-based chain with 36 Pollo Campero chicken restaurants in the United States, has signed an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to begin opening stores in the big-box retailer’s outlets in 2008.

The number of Pollo Campero units planned for Wal-Mart stores was not disclosed. The landlord-tenant agreement currently covers Wal-Mart stores in select areas. The company also has Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Clubs.

"We are extremely excited about the relationship between Campero and Wal-Mart," said Roberto Denegri, president and chief operating officer of Campero USA. "The relationship with Wal-Mart gives us an unprecedented opportunity for a wide variety of people to indulge in our distinctive menu."

The retail giant has been increasing its commitment to the Latin American community. "Our customers today come from many different backgrounds and all walks of life," said Gisel Ruiz, vice president and regional general manager for Wal-Mart Stores U.S. "Many are Latin American, and they are among our fastest-growing markets."

Separately, Qdoba franchisee Chair 5 has signed a deal with Pollo Campero to open five units in an area that includes the northern Boston suburbs of Chelsea, East Boston, Lynn and Revere. Chair 5 principal Jeff Ackerman called the area “the prime Central American neighborhood” of the Boston area. He said he expected to open the first unit in the spring of 2008.

Pollo Campero has more than 260 restaurants in 11 countries.