RISE - Menu Monitor

Pollo Tropical
Headquarters
7300 N. Kendall Dr. Floor 8, Miami, Florida 33156 USA
Tel: (305)670-7696 Fax: (305)670-6403
www.pollotropical.com
Ownership: Private
Segment: Limited Service Chicken
System Characteristics 2006 2005 2004
U.S. Systemwide Sales ($000) 197,062 160,000 126,000
Company-owned ($000) 153,062 133,000 124,000
Franchised ($000) 44,000 27,000 2,000
U.S. Number of Units 102 88 64
Company-owned 76 70 63
Franchised 26 18 1
International Sales ($000) 3,000 3,000 27,500
International Units 2 2 20
Average Sales/Unit ($000) 2,135 2,025 2,018
Concept Positioning |
Pollo Tropical is a chain of value-oriented, limited-service restaurants specializing in freshly grilled chicken and sides. Most
units carry Pollo Tropical signage, however some newer units outside its core South Florida market are branded as TropiGrill.
The chain's menu and cooking techniques are rooted in the traditional culinary stylings of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Its
signature chicken (prepared without oils or breading) is marinated for 24 hours prior to grilling in a proprietary blend of tropical
fruit juices and spices called Mojo. Sides, including fried bananas, yucca and black beans and rice, are made from scratch onpremise.
Owned by Carrols Corp., the company announced its intent to begin bottling its homemade condiments and sauces
for retail sale.
The décor of Pollo Tropical restaurants incorporates a tropical and Latin theme with an open kitchen, high ceilings, large
windows, light-colored woods, decorative tiles and wrought iron balcony railings. Exteriors are painted in bright tropical colors
and feature an illuminated tower entrance. Largely freestanding, units average approximately 3,200 sq. ft. with seating for 80–
100 guests. Adjacent fenced playgrounds are used where permitted. Restaurants offer sit down, carryout and drive-thru
service. Newer units in Florida feature a Caribbean village look, with yellow, orange and green pastels, paddle fans, beige tiles
and brighter lighting.
The first Pollo Tropical unit opened in 1988 in Miami by company founders Larry and Stuart Harris. The company went public
in 1993 and signed its first franchise agreement in 1995. In 1998, the company was acquired by Carrols Corp.
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