A Small World, After All: Pollo Campero Opens In Disney

A small world, after all: International QSR opens in Disney A Latin American quick-service favorite has opened its doors in the Downtown Disney Markeplace, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., proving that it is, indeed, a small world. Pollo Campero, which now has approximately 50 U.S. locations, was founded in 1971 in Guatemala.

Its first domestic unit opened in 2002 in Los Angeles.

The company specializes in fried and grilled chicken dishes, with flavors inspired by its Latin roots. Signatures include hand-breaded fried chicken; grilled chicken tossed with a proprietary blend of Latin herbs and spices; and side dishes such as Campero beans, rice, yucca fries and sweet plantains.

Additionally, Latin drinks such as horchata and tamarindo grace the menu alongside soft drinks and iced tea.

According to Veronica P. Thomison, spokesperson for Pollo Campero, having a Disney backdrop complements the brand well.

"The demand has exceeded our expectations. Walt Disney Marketplace is a perfect location for Pollo Campero because we're able to build on the park's rich cultural heritage and help visitors discover the unique tastes and togetherness of family-style Latin dining," she said.

At its newest home, the chain will continue to leverage its marketing tagline, "Flavor You Can't Campero," to showcase why no one else has these types of dishes and flavors. It doesn't appear that the company will rest on its Disney-sized laurels, either.

"Pollo Campero is continuing to grow and expand, despite challenging economic times," Thomison said. "It's currently experiencing 10 to 20 percent growth system-wide." Fresh-A-Peel As an added bonus, Campero teamed up with its Orlando franchisee Larry Levy, who owns five units, to develop and launch Fresh-A-Peel, which exists in the same location. The concept is a direct response to increased consumer demand for healthier menu options.

Fresh-A-Peel features grilled items, chef-prepared salads and wraps, and gluten-free bakery choices. Entrees are made with locally-grown produce and all-natural burgers are prepared made-to-order. Fresh-A-Peel also serves kids meals with fruit and healthy sides.

A sampling of Fresh-A-Peel's menu offerings include: * Citrus Grilled Chicken Chop Salad * Savory Chicken Salad featuring Pollo Campero's grilled chicken; * Skirt Steak Salad; * Albacore Tuna Garden Salad; * A case filled with Grab-and-Go salads and snacks, including hominy and cucumber salad, Pasta-A-Peel Salad, fruit, parfaits, vegetables and granola; * A grill area with mini burgers made of beef, turkey or vegetables, mini hot dogs and chicken Italian sausage; * Fresh fruit smoothies and zero-calorie beverages.

"Our menu relies on the freshest, most flavorful ingredients," Levy said. "I wanted to create nutritious foods even my grandchildren would love. All of them have favorites on the Fresh A-Peel menu, whether they are picky eaters or adventurous tasters." Since the Fresh-A-Peel concept is new, co-branding efforts with Campero have not been solidified. Additionally, there are no current expansion plans for the model.

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