Pollo Tropical project shot by Director of Photography Sherman Johnson

Pollo Tropical "Dawn Patrol"
Production Company: Zipper Films

Pollo Tropical “Dawn Patrol” is a food commercial directed and photographed by Director of Photography Sherman Johnson for Zipper Films. Produced by Yiya Garcia and filmed in Miami, Florida, the campaign promotes Pollo Tropical’s limited-time Crispy Chicken with Pineapple Salsa while highlighting the preparation and dedication behind the restaurant’s freshly made food. The commercial follows Pollo Tropical employees arriving before sunrise to begin the daily process of preparing food from scratch, hours before the restaurant opens. From chopping fresh ingredients and grilling pineapple to preparing crispy chicken and assembling the finished dishes, the story emphasizes the time, effort, and attention to detail involved in bringing the restaurant’s menu to life each day. Photographed on the ARRI Alexa Mini with ARRI Ultra Prime lenses, the commercial combines detailed food cinematography, close-up cooking sequences, and dynamic handheld camerawork. The visual approach transitions from the soft, early morning light outside the restaurant to the energy of the kitchen, using vibrant food photography and intimate moments with employees to emphasize freshness, preparation, and the people behind the Pollo Tropical brand.