Openings

Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan Chicken Chain, Opens First Full-Service U.S. Location Today in San Francisco

The new spot, photographed today.
The new spot, photographed today. Photo: Claudia Escobar/Mission Local

The long-awaited Mission location of Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan chicken franchise started in 1971, opens today at noon in the former Payless shoe store space at 2740 Mission Street (between 23rd and 24th). They have several dozen quick-service U.S. locations already, including a bunch around L.A. from this same franchisee, however the new S.F. location marks the first location with full table service. And given their huge, loyal Latin-American following, you can expect this opening to be greeted with some long lines — when the first L.A. location opened in 2002, the wait stretched to seven hours. Pollo Campero serves Latin-inspired, marinated grilled or fried chicken, along with stuff like crispy yucca fries, sweet plantains, slow-cooked pinto beans with bacon, and Latin soft drinks.

The new Mission location has been in the works for two years now, and has faced a few construction delays since being approved by Planning back in May, 2011. But, now, at last, they make their debut for lunch today and will be open daily, with exact hours TBA.

See the full menu here.

Update: See the regular business hours below.

Update 2: Mission Local reports from the scene, where there has been, in fact, a line this afternoon, but nothing too crazy.

Pollo Campero - 2740 Mission Street, between 23rd and 24th - Opening December 10 at noon. Regular hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.

Earlier: Pollo Campero Finally Under Construction, Slated for Fall
Pollo Campero Finally Secures Mission Space
Pollo Campero in the Mission receives unanimous approval [Scoop]

Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan Chicken Chain, Opens First Full-Service U.S.