On the heels of announcing expansion into upstate South Carolina, Viva Chicken announced details on its second restaurant location in the Greenville area.
Viva Chicken will occupy new construction adjacent to the Pelham at 85 Shopping Center located at 3622 Pelham Road, Greenville (the building that will house Viva does not have a final physical address at this time). In January, Viva Chicken revealed that its first Greenville location will be located at 1139 Woodruff Road, Suite B, easily accessible from Interstates 85 and 385. Both locations are scheduled to open in 2021.
As for what upstate eaters can expect at Viva, Chef and Co-founder Bruno Macchiavello provided a history lesson on Pollo a la Brasa and what makes it so special as the focal point of Viva’s menu.
“Pollo a la Brasa is one of the signature dishes of Peru,” says Macchiavello. “It was introduced in the 1950s in Lima, then in the 1960s and 70s it became very popular as the country became a melting pot of cultures.”
Macchiavellos’ family is originally from Italy and when they arrived in Peru, they were making familiar Italian dishes but started weaving in Peruvian spices and ingredients. Even Pollo a la Brasa can trace its roots back to Europeans who brought the concept to Peru, where locals perfected it using original spices popularized by African immigrants.
“Peruvian food is special because the flavors are stronger. It’s the combination, the fusion that it has,” says Macchiavello. “It’s everything that’s related to the chicken. There are combos served on the streets (combinados – a few things on the same plate). It’s not overdone. It just tastes good. The food and colors and smells speak for themselves. There are different vendors on the streets of Peru, serving kabobs, vegetables and chicken. It’s hot, flavorful food.”
Founded by Chef Macchiavello and Randy Garcia, Viva Chicken has been cooking up fresh, flavorful Peruvian food since 2013. Viva’s menu is highlighted by Pollo a la Brasa – charcoal-fire-roasted chicken served hot and fresh – a staple of Peruvian street food. The menu also includes soups, salads, sandwiches, bowls and a variety of signature sides in a welcoming, casual environment.
The Greenville locations will be the 13th and 14th for the fast-casual brand. Viva Chicken also has restaurants in the Charlotte area, North Carolina Triad and Utah.