Now you can try Guatemalan fried chicken, empanadas at a new Rock Hill restaurant

Pollo Campero’s first-ever South Carolina location is now open for business. The fried chicken restaurant is located just off Cherry Road at 1022 Riverview Road in Rock Hill.

Owner Gilmer Alfaro told The Herald that he’s excited to add Pollo Campero to his portfolio of 12 other restaurants across Raleigh and Charlotte. Pollo Campero Vice President of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega and Director of Operations for AV Investments Rajesh Chauhan largely spoke on behalf of Alfaro due to a language barrier.

“It has been a lot of legwork,” Chauhan said. “We had to change the plan so many times. It was a little bit of a hassle, but at last, we got it over. That’s what matters, and we’re in South Carolina now.”

“We’re excited to be in a new state,” Escarcega said. “It’s a great community. We’re excited that people came out the first day to visit us, and I think people are going to find that our food is something that’s going to be flavorful.”

What’s on the menu?

The fast-food restaurant’s calling card is its traditional Guatemalan fried chicken.

“It’s marinated to the bone,” Escarcega said. “It’s got very good breading. It’s seasoned. It’s flavorful. That’s really our top seller and has been our top seller since 1971.”

The restaurant also offers grilled chicken to complete a menu of chicken sandwiches, empanadas, bowls, salads and nuggets with a host of traditional sides and desserts.

The store is located just off Cherry Road on Riverview Road, just across the street from the McDonald’s.

More about Pollo Campero

Pollo Campero originally started in Guatemala City, Guatemala, in 1971 and has had restaurants in the United States since 2002.

South Carolina is now the 20th state to have one, and the Rock Hill location is the fourth in the Carolinas. There are two restaurants in Charlotte and one in Raleigh.

“We love the state of South Carolina,” Escarcega said. “It’s one where there’s a lot of economic progress. We know that this state is business-friendly. We know that people are migrating here to the state, so the population is growing.

“The Southeast loves fried chicken. We know that people consume more fried chicken in the Southeast than anywhere in the U.S. We knew it was going to be a success for us being in this state.”

Pollo Campero

Location: 1022 Riverview Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29730

Menu

Cuisine: Guatemalan, chicken

Facebook: Pollo Campero USA

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

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