The Philippine fast-food chain Jollibee is as popular in the Philippines as McDonald's is in the United States. With more than 1,300 locations around the world, including dozens in the US, Jollibee has become a global phenomenon. Currently, there are only two existing locations in New York State - one on Eighth Avenue near Times Square and one on Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, Queens. However, the company is planning to open a new flagship near Grand Central Terminal in downtown Manhattan, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its presence.
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is the market leader in the Philippines, with over 1,400 locations and strong brand recognition among Filipinos. The first branch opened its doors in Cubao, Quezon City in 1975 as a Magnolia ice cream shop. According to Commercial Observer, JFC plans to bring 500 more Jollibee locations to North America over the next five to seven years. In 1995, Jollibee had five locations in Brunei, two in Jakarta, Indonesia, and one in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As reported in a 1990 article in The Washington Times, there were two locations in Taiwan and one in Brunei, along with 58 locations in the Philippines. In recent years, much of Jollibee's growth has occurred in California where a third of Filipino Americans live. The company has also successfully expanded to other states and opened its first ghost kitchen in Chicago last year. Encouraging customers to use advance pickup, takeout and self-service has helped Jollibee's growth during the pandemic.
With the backing of billionaire owner Tony Tan Caktiong, Jollibee is now looking forward to opening its fourth branch in New York City at 14 East 42nd Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues.
