Jollibee launches first U.S. franchise program
Quick-serve chain Jollibee is looking to expand its store count — through franchising.
The fried chicken-focused flagship brand of Philippines-based Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is launching its first franchising program in the United States to spearhead its growth. Jollibee says it is seeking multi-unit franchisees who offer “operational expertise and development capabilities.”
Jollibee opened its first North American location in 1998 in Daly City, Calif., and currently operates 76 stores spanning 14 states in the U.S. and 28 stores in Canada. The chain says its projected expansion goal is to have 350 stores across both the U.S. and Canada in the next couple of years, adding that its franchising program will play a “critical role” in this growth strategy, with franchise-owned stores projected to make up the majority of its footprint.
[READ MORE: Quick-serve restaurant execs weigh in on 2025 industry trends, challenges]
Jollibee has established a U.S. subsidiary, JBM LLC (JBM), to operate its U.S. franchise program. JBM is currently vetting potential franchisees with strong restaurant operations experience and will soon be awarding franchises in both existing and new markets.
Under the new franchise program, JBM will be offering a range of ownership opportunities to fit various locations and business needs. Qualified candidates will be able to choose from stand-alone buildings with or without drive-thru, strip mall endcaps, urban storefronts, and exterior mall entrances. Jollibee is also open to exploring opportunities in other high-traffic locations, like airports, transit hubs, food courts, and college campuses with the select experienced operators.
Jollibee says the expansion plans come as the chain’s restaurants in the U.S. reported average gross sales of $4.3 million in the prior calendar year, in addition to experiencing 50 consecutive months of positive same-store sales growth.
"Jollibee brings a special warmth and hospitality to the QSR landscape in North America – it's a unique element that our brand is very proud of, and we are even more proud to provide that joyful dining experience that you won't find anywhere else," said Maribeth Dela Cruz, business group head of Honeybee Foods Corporation dba Jollibee. "Franchise candidates have the opportunity to build upon 47 years of expansion and usher in a new era for Jollibee."
Through its 19 brands, Jollibee Group operates over 9,500 stores across 32 countries.
