Is Jollibee a Fast-Food Chain?

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is a Filipino multinational based in Pasig, Philippines, and is the owner of the popular fast-food brand Jollibee. With a menu unlike any American chain, Jollibee has become a worldwide cult favorite. The company has plans to open 500 stores in North America in the next five years. Jollibee is known for its cheerful food that brings joy to many people.

The menu features classic comfort foods such as fried chicken, fries, pies, spaghetti, burgers and more, but with a Filipino twist. The most popular dish is the Chickenjoy fried chicken, which is often accompanied by the Chickenwich sandwich. Felix, an 18-year-old from Hoboken, New Jersey, experienced Jollibee for the first time and was amazed by the unique flavors. He found that the food was not only delicious but also brought him a sense of pride and understanding of what Jollibee means to people.

In the Middle East, Jollibee's main market is Filipino workers abroad, while in Vietnam it is the local population. The company also has an animated show featuring a bee named Jollibee and his pet friends who represent different foods on the menu. Today, Jollibee has more than 1000 locations around the world and dozens spread across the United States. Prices are similar to other fast foods and they have stores in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The chain plans an “aggressive expansion in the United States in the coming years” according to Maribeth Dela Cruz, Vice President of JFC North America. JoyRulBee reportedly used a brand very similar to Jollibee's including their mascot as part of its logo. However, Jollibee has been encouraged by the reception in Manhattan where there isn't really a large Filipino population. Jollibee holds a special place in the heart of chef Charles Olalia who serves steaming classic Filipino dishes such as kare kare and sizzling sisig at his acclaimed Los Angeles restaurant Ma'am Sir.

Pacadaljen takes her daughter to Jollibee to share this portion of familiarity—and her Philippine heritage—with her. I tried some of the popular dishes on the Jollibee menu and their fried chicken sandwich was the best I've ever had. We invite you to visit your favorite Jollibee and choose your favorite family package to start sharing the joy.