Pollo Tropical announced the opening of its third franchised restaurant in Caracas, Venezuela, at the Sambil Shopping Center, the fourth-largest mall in South America. This is the third in a 10-unit development agreement with Restaurantes Internacionales C.A.  

The Venezuelan-based franchisee has opened two other Pollo Tropical restaurants in Barquisimeto and Punto Fijo since 2010. 

In Venezuela, the brand offers, as a side dish, arepitas, a small flatbread made of corn masa, which is a popular staple in the region. The restaurant’s signature “salsa bar” also features the popular and flavorful Venezuelan guasacaca, an avocado relish.

“Venezuela is one of Latin America's largest economies, so it makes sense that we would partner with a strong restaurant operator to build out this Pollo Tropical market quickly,” says Marc Mushkin, senior vice president of international development at Pollo Tropical.

“Our franchise partner has opened three restaurants in little more than a year and they are on track to open more very soon. Partnering with quality restaurant operations to build the brand’s presence in a timely fashion is an integral part of our overall expansion strategy.” 

Mushkin adds that Pollo Tropical is seeking additional international franchise partners to enter into multiple-unit franchise development agreements. Pollo has targeted franchise territories in the Western Hemisphere include Canada, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and the Caribbean, and also has initiatives underway in the U.K., India, and other key Asian markets.  

“Since we are a growth brand and offer a taste profile that appeals to consumers around the globe, strong franchise partners are keenly interested in adding Pollo Tropical to their portfolio of brands,” Mushkin says.