Pollo Campero Expands in Orlando: An Interview with Edgar Estevez
Pollo Campero, the beloved Latin American fried chicken chain, continues its expansion in the U.S., with Orlando now boasting its fourth location at 7945 Orange Blossom Trail (near the Florida Mall). We sat down with Edgar Estevez, Director of Operations for Pollo Campero, to discuss the brand’s history, what makes their chicken so special, and what fans can expect from the new location.
A Rich History in the U.S.
“We moved to the states back in 2002, starting in Los Angeles,” Estevez shared. Since then, Pollo Campero has grown steadily, recently opening its tenth store in Florida. “It’s our fifth store in Orlando, and we have four other locations in the city. We are excited to continue growing here.”
The Unique Flavor
What sets Pollo Campero apart from other fast food chicken chains? Estevez explained, “What makes us different is the unique flavor of our fried chicken. It’s something that stands out from the moment you taste it.” While Estevez wouldn’t give away the secret recipe, he hinted at the magic behind their success: “It’s the special herbs and spices we use. Our chicken is always fresh, made from scratch, and prepared with great care.”
Pollo Campero’s menu offers something for everyone. “We have family meals, personal meals, sandwiches, salads, and sides like fresh corn,” Estevez said. Their popular three-piece meal, often paired with fries, is a fan favorite. “Most people tend to go for the three-piece meal—it’s almost like a standard.”
Refreshing Beverages
Alongside their food, Pollo Campero offers refreshing beverages that go beyond the typical soda offerings. “In addition to standard sodas, we serve agua frescas, and Horchata is by far the most popular,” Estevez added, referencing the traditional rice-based drink.
A Legacy of Flavor and Community
Pollo Campero’s story began in 1971 in Guatemala, when the first restaurant opened with a mission to create food that’s “full of life and seasoned with a little zest.” From the beginning, Pollo Campero has been about more than just serving food—it’s about serving bold, marinated flavors that go beyond the surface, rooted deeply in tradition.
Estevez emphasized the importance of maintaining authenticity. “Some things should never change, like our hand-breaded chicken and fresh sides, which are made daily,” he said. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it to ensure every bite is as flavorful as the last.”
Campero Means Family
At the heart of Pollo Campero is a commitment to family values. Estevez spoke passionately about the company’s dedication to community engagement. “From our beginnings as a family-owned business, we’ve always maintained a family-centric mindset. We’ve held local events and raised money for causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Estevez noted. “We believe in giving back and making the community a little more flavorful.”
With its newest location in Orlando, Pollo Campero invites local residents to experience its signature dishes and become part of the Campero family. Whether it’s enjoying a meal with loved ones or grabbing a quick bite on the go, one thing is clear: Pollo Campero brings more than just food—it brings flavor worth sharing.