Pollo Tropical
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Larry Harris, Stuart Harris |
| Headquarters | Doral, Florida , United States |
Area served | United States (primarily Florida), Caribbean, Central and South America, Puerto Rico |
| Products | Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, specializing in marinated grilled chicken and traditional sides |
| Parent | Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. |
| Website | www |
Pollo Tropical—meaning "Tropical Chicken" in Spanish—is a restaurant chain and franchise rooted in South Florida, specializing in Latin American, Caribbean, especially Cuban, and Floribbean culinary traditions. Established in 1988 by siblings Larry and Stuart Harris, the company’s main office is located in Doral, Florida. It is recognized for its marinated, grilled chicken served with traditional sides such as black beans, yellow rice, mojo roast pork, and various other Latin-inspired dishes.
History
The inception of Pollo Tropical dates back to 1988 when Miami natives Larry and Stuart Harris launched the brand. Larry crafted the chicken recipe after rigorous trials using diverse Latin American marinades. The company’s approach focused on grilling chicken openly before customers rather than relying on microwaved or prepackaged meals. By 1993, the chain had expanded to eight outlets and became publicly traded. A swift growth phase followed with 19 new locations opening in prominent U.S. cities including New York and Chicago; however, the majority of these sites shuttered within twelve months.
In 1998, Carrols Restaurant Group—the largest Burger King franchisee in the United States—acquired Pollo Tropical. Subsequently, the brand grew to encompass 69 company-operated restaurants alongside numerous franchises throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The first establishment in Puerto Rico was launched in Mayagüez in 1995.
Currently, Pollo Tropical operates as a subsidiary under Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., which separated from Carrols in 2012. Fiesta manages ownership, operations, and franchising of the brand. After moving its headquarters to Doral in 2017, Pollo Tropical runs over 140 locations within Florida, five licensed outlets on college campuses, and 32 franchised restaurants scattered across the Caribbean, Central and South America, as well as Puerto Rico.
Food concepts
Beyond its hallmark flame-grilled chicken, Pollo Tropical’s menu features regional specialties such as Mojo Roast Pork, rice and beans, Cheesy Yuca Bites, and Plantains. In 2018, the menu was broadened to include fried chicken options complementing its classic grilled offerings.
Challenges in the United States
Amid declining sales figures, Fiesta initiated closures of Pollo Tropical restaurants across Texas cities including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin during the second quarter of 2017. This was part of a larger effort that saw 30 store closures spanning Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee. The decision reflected a strategic pivot from aggressive expansion to a more measured approach. Instead of launching 30 new locations nationwide as initially planned, the company shifted focus toward opening between eight and ten sites primarily concentrated in Florida—the brand’s primary market. Although marketed as a healthier alternative to conventional fast-food chains, Pollo Tropical’s distinctive flavor profile demands specialized marketing efforts to establish a stronger presence beyond Florida.
See also
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- Caribbean-American culture in Florida
- Hispanic and Latino American culture in Florida
- Poultry restaurants
- Latin American cuisine
- Restaurants established in 1988
- Fast-food franchises
- Companies based in Miami-Dade County, Florida
- Restaurants in Florida
- Fast-food chains of the United States
- 1988 establishments in Florida
- 1998 mergers and acquisitions
- Chicken chains of the United States
- American companies established in 1988
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment