In Colombia, there are various fast food restaurant chains, both national and international, that have become consumer favorites. These chains stand out not only for their extensive presence across the country but also for offering menus that combine traditional flavors with modern options tailored to local tastes.
Four Colombian fast food chains
Some of the most popular Colombian fast food chains in the country are:
Frisby
Frisby is one of the largest fast food chains in the country, with over 250 locations. Founded in 1977 by Alfredo Hoyos Mazuera and Liliana Restrepo Arenas in Pereira, Risaralda, the brand began as a pizzeria. However, it quickly gained popularity thanks to its breaded chicken, an innovative product in Colombia at the time, which swiftly captured consumers’ attention.
In addition to its commercial success, Frisby is notable for its focus on conscious capitalism, promoting a more humane way of conducting business.
As part of its social impact work, Frisby established the Frisby Foundation, which supports educational and social projects aimed at fostering equity, justice, and the growth of its stakeholders. This reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of the communities in which it operates.
Kokoriko
Kokoriko was founded in 1969 in Bogota. From the start, it stood out for its roast chicken, a product that quickly became popular amongst consumers. Although it began with a limited menu of six items, its popularity allowed the brand to expand its offerings to include breaded chicken, nuggets, wings, burgers, and sandwiches, in line with emerging fast food trends.
The chain was founded by Eduardo Robayo Ferro, Noe Cardona Cardona, and Emilio Jordán Collazos, who spearheaded its growth during its early years. In 1983, Kokoriko began diversifying its menu, and in 1987 it took a key step towards expansion by introducing the franchise model, enabling its presence in various cities across the country. Currently, Kokoriko has over 130 locations nationwide and is part of Grupo IGA, alongside other renowned brands such as Andrés Carne de Res and Helados Mimos.
Pizzas Piccolo
Founded in 1977 in Medellin, Pizzas Piccolo has established itself as one of Colombia’s most beloved restaurant chains, known for the quality and authenticity of its products. Its first pizzeria quickly gained popularity due to its unique and authentic flavor, driving the brand to expand its presence nationwide. Today, it operates over 16 locations in cities including Cali, Cartagena, Medellín, and Pereira, maintaining its commitment to excellence in every dish.
A distinguishing feature of Piccolo is its focus on local production, as 90% of the ingredients it uses – including meats, sauces, pasta, and vegetables – are sourced from its own farms and processing plants.
Jeno’s Pizza
Founded in 1973 by Alfredo Gracia and Hernando Soto, Jeno’s Pizza began its journey in the El Lago neighborhood of Bogota, offering pizzas that quickly won over Colombians’ palates. Its initial success allowed the chain to expand rapidly: in 1976, it opened its second location, and by 1978, it had five stores. During the 1980s and 1990s, Jeno’s Pizza continued to grow, becoming one of the most important pizza chains in the country, with 60 outlets in operation.
In 2010, the Spanish multinational Telepizza acquired Jeno’s Pizza, integrating it into its global network of more than 1,000 restaurants. This allowed the brand to benefit from an international structure and plan for even more ambitious expansion. By 2011, the chain opened 30 new locations, reaching a total of 105 restaurants. Currently, Jeno’s Pizza has over 111 locations in cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Bucaramanga, and Pereira.