Jollibee

For over 25&nbsp;years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-leadership-growth-2730982" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jollibee</a>, the global fried chicken franchise, has been quietly growing across the United States. With over 1,700&nbsp;locations worldwide,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a> is a beloved chicken spot, and it’s now combining its decades of experience, strong average unit volumes and powerful leadership team to become a dominant franchise player in North America.“I say that Jollibee is the best franchise opportunity nobody’s ever heard of,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-leadership-growth-2730982" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchising. “Many people are not familiar with the Jollibee brand, but once they discover it, they’re sold.&nbsp;That goes for Jollibee in the mainstream consumer market, too.”<h2>A Leadership Team Built for Scale</h2>The transition from a corporate-heavy model to one that is also embracing franchise partnerships as a way to expand its U.S. presence requires a high-caliber leadership team. Wright brings deep expertise from key development roles at Starbucks and Panera Bread, and he joins a leadership team with decades of combined tenure.&nbsp;Because of this, the leadership team has a healthy blend of brand experience and expertise surrounding the American consumer, and this creates a distinct advantage for incoming franchisees.“This is a long-tenured team, and that will benefit franchisees a lot,” Wright said. “The team has seen virtually every kind of challenge thrown at us, and as they’ve navigated them, they’ve really figured out how to thrive in the U.S. market.&nbsp;<h2>Becoming Franchise-Optimized To Drive Healthy Growth</h2>Many brands rush into franchising as a way to drive growth, and this model often turns into a dynamic that relies on others’ funds to drive a brand’s success. Jollibee did not rush into franchising, nor did its team view it as a way to hand off growth responsibilities.By operating corporate units for decades, Jollibee “cracked the code” on operations before asking franchisees to join the system.&nbsp;This ensured that&nbsp;the franchise opportunity was truly optimized and ready for growth partners, not just one that checked the bare-minimum boxes.“There’s a distinction in what we’re trying to drive,” Wright said. “We’re going to continue building company-owned units. But we’re also going to partner with the right franchisees to develop units. We see aligning with the right franchisees as a great way to grow the business.”As part of this strategy, Wright remains focused on careful market entry, not just awarding franchises for the sake of volume.“It’s not about how many deals we can sign,” he said. “It’s about finding the right franchisees who are aligned with our vision.”Jollibee remains an operator first, and continuing corporate growth, alongside that driven by franchisees, will keep us aligned to what is best for the brand.“Our north star is the success of Jollibee,” Wright said. “Being an operator and having that alignment with the franchise operating community is a great strength for us.”<h2>The Next Step for Jollibee: Capitalizing on the “White Space”</h2>While the fried chicken segment is competitive, Jollibee offers a rare white space opportunity. With major competitors largely sold out in prime markets, Jollibee offers sophisticated developers territory in top-tier markets and a brand fueled by a “cult-like” fan base.With a vision to open 500 units across the U.S. by 2030, the leadership team is selective and continues to focus on identifying developers who understand the nuance of their local markets.“I like to say that we award franchises; we don’t sell them,” Wright said. “Joining Jollibee is like joining a club. I expect that any franchise&nbsp;candidate would be as diligent about understanding this&nbsp;opportunity as I am about who we select to become&nbsp;a franchisee. This mutual evaluation process ensures alignment both ways and sets the brand up for continued success as we drive national expansion.” To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee">https://1851franchise.com/jollibee</a>.&nbsp;

Jollibee Franchise Opportunity: Leadership & U.S. Expansion

1851 Franchise

With 107 “proof of concept” locations across the U.S. and Canada, and a leadership team dedicated to quality, not just volume, the global chicken franchise offers a rare growth opportunity.


This brand page has been paid for by JOLLIBEE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

How Jollibee’s Veteran Leadership Team Is Rewriting the Playbook for U.S. Expansion

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Jollibee Closes Out Landmark Year With Strong Franchise Momentum Across the United States and Canada

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Why Jollibee Is Targeting Texas for Franchise Growth

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WEST COVINA, Calif. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, the global fried chicken favorite celebrated for serving America’s best fast-food fried chicken, is closing out the year with major expansion milestones and a wave of franchise interest across North America. Following the official launch of its United States and Canada franchising program in March, the brand is reporting strong performance, new franchisee wins, and accelerated development in priority markets.“This year continues a strong run of great performance,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchise development for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee Group North America</a>. “We just announced the launch of our franchising program this past March, and I’ve been very pleased with the amount of interest in the brand from across the U.S. and Canada.”2025 marked a major turning point for Jollibee as the company transitioned from a strictly corporate-owned model to a hybrid growth strategy backed by high-caliber franchise partners.One of the year’s most significant accomplishments was the opening of Jollibee’s first-ever U.S. franchise location in Queens, New York, a milestone that signals the beginning of a new franchising era for the beloved brand.&nbsp;“Our franchisee there has been pleased with the performance and is securing additional locations for more stores,” Wright said. “Its exactly the kind of early success we’re aiming to replicate across the system.”Jollibee also brought on a new franchisee in Staten Island and signed multi-unit development agreements in both Sacramento and Dallas-Fort Worth, reinforcing the brand’s strategic push into high-growth markets.Since launching its franchise program, Jollibee has seen outstanding demand from experienced operators eager to join the brand’s next phase of expansion.“In terms of priority markets, the New York tri-state area, the Southeast — these are the regions where we are seeing a lot of interest,” Wright said. “We’re also seeing strong volume from qualified franchise prospects from these same areas.”The surge is driven by Jollibee’s rising mainstream appeal, cult-favorite menu and sector-leading average unit volumes. Free-standing stores average about $4.55 million in annual sales, while in-line locations average $4.62 million.*In addition to new franchise openings, Jollibee also opened several company-owned restaurants in key U.S. markets. “Our plan is to continue securing multi-unit development agreements in target markets and build the support teams needed to fuel growth,” Wright said. “That applies to both the U.S. and Canada.”This alignment between corporate and franchise development supports Jollibee’s broader goal of becoming one of the world’s top five restaurant companies. The brand already has more than 1,700 global locations, including over 100 in North America, and is&nbsp; aiming for 500 restaurants in the region by 2030.Jollibee’s first franchise openings have also allowed the company to refine and strengthen its support model for future expansion.“We’re learning in real time what our franchisees need to thrive,” Wright said. “This year helped us validate our systems, reinforce best practices and build a foundation that ensures every new franchise location delivers the same joyful experience our brand is known for.”Every U.S. restaurant — corporate and franchise — is held to the brand’s rigorous Food, Service and Cleanliness (FSC) standards, which 100% of stores achieved in 2024. Franchisees also receive comprehensive training, real estate and development support, and operational resources to help maintain the gold-standard guest experience Jollibee is recognized for worldwide.As Jollibee prepares for the year ahead, the brand is focused on accelerating multi-unit growth, entering new markets and welcoming partners aligned with its high standards and strong community reputation.“This year was just the beginning,” Wright said. “We’re building tremendous momentum, and the interest we’re seeing confirms that Jollibee is poised for major franchise expansion across North America. 2026 is set to be a very exciting year.”About Jollibee GroupJollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), also known as the Jollibee Group, is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, with a mission to deliver great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating through its 19 brands with over 10,000 stores across 33 countries.&nbsp;The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milkshake (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.&nbsp;The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jollibeegroup.com">www.jollibeegroup.com</a>.-------------*Annual gross sales is derived from 71 reporting locations open for all of 2024 (70 corporate and 1 franchised; 33 free-standing and 38 in-line). Annual gross sales for free-standing ranged from $1,731,944 to $8,752,538 with an average of $4,552,103 (14/42.4 % exceeded avg). Annual gross sales for in-line ranged from $2,047,256 to $9,906,004 with an average of $4,626,370 (16/42.1% exceeded avg). Some outlets have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you’ll earn as much.&nbsp; See Item 19 of the JBM LLC FDD.

Jollibee Franchise - EOY 2025 - Momentum 2026 - 1851 Franchise

jollibee-franchise-expansion-2025-north-america

<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a> has been a bit of a hidden gem in the U.S. restaurant world for years. It's a huge global brand with a totally devoted fan base, and it's been quietly growing its foundation mostly with company-owned stores. But that's changing fast. As the brand starts franchising more, 2026 is going to be a huge turning point in their bigger story of national expansion.“We are on track to scale to 500 units by 2030,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b/">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchising for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a>. “In 2026, we are looking to open new company-owned and new franchise locations in various markets across the country.”The goal for the near future is simple: create a pipeline of new franchise stores in the&nbsp; U.S. and Canada by building smart, focusing on specific markets and partnering with the right people.&nbsp;<h2>Building Where the Brand Already Wins</h2>Rather than racing into entirely new regions, Jollibee’s 2026 openings will largely deepen its presence in markets where the brand already performs.“Most of our projected openings in 2026 are going to be in markets where we are already operating,” Wright said. “We’re focused on building critical mass in the major regions of the country where we already have brand awareness.”Those priority regions include&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/why-jollibee-is-targeting-california-for-franchise-growth-2730326">California</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-franchise-expansion-texas-2731078#featured">Texas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-franchise-expansion-south-florida-2731063#featured">Florida</a> and the New York tri-state area — markets where Jollibee’s combination of strong sales volumes and growing mainstream awareness creates natural expansion runways.The approach is intentionally concentric. Each new store strengthens the ecosystem around it, amplifying marketing efficiency, operational leverage and brand visibility. “Building concentrically around those markets allows us to build on existing demand rather than starting from scratch,” Wright added.<h2>Why Company-Owned Growth Still Matters</h2>A defining feature of Jollibee’s U.S. strategy is that franchising is not replacing corporate growth — it’s running alongside it.“It is significant that we are continuing to open company-owned stores in addition to franchise locations,” Wright said. “One of the great advantages for franchisees coming into the system is that we are already a big operator of Jollibee stores.”That operator-first mindset shapes everything from real estate decisions to marketing playbooks. Unlike brands that launch franchising before their systems are fully built, Jollibee enters franchising with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/why-jollibee-is-set-to-be-the-next-great-qsr-chicken-brand-in-america-2729653">decades of operational infrastructure already in place</a>.“We have that support in place — real estate, store development, operations, marketing — because we’re doing it already for more than 100 stores,” Wright said. “We have the resources, people and tools to support franchisees from day one.”<h2>Unit Economics That Open Doors</h2>Jollibee’s expansion roadmap is underpinned by economics that consistently turn heads among experienced developers.“Our average unit volumes are very attractive to developers — about $4.5 million AUV,” Wright said. “There’s not a lot of franchise opportunities out there that offer that, and still have great territories available.”Those volumes allow Jollibee to compete for premier real estate in both urban and suburban environments. They also support multi-unit development strategies, which are central to the brand’s franchise recruitment model moving forward.<h2>A Flexible Real Estate Strategy Built for White Space</h2>If there’s one area where&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/franchise-leadership-growth-2730982">Jollibee’s roadmap departs from traditional QSR playbooks</a>, it’s real estate flexibility.“The flexibility in our real estate strategy is a real plus,” Wright said. “We already have stores operating as free-standing units, end caps, inline locations, walk-ups and mall locations.”The Times Square walk-up store often serves as the clearest example. It proves that Jollibee doesn’t need a single prototype to succeed. What matters more is matching format to customer behavior.“What it’s really about is finding locations that offer an attractive business opportunity based on the customer base,” Wright said. “There are customers who love fried chicken in all market types.”That adaptability opens doors in non-traditional and under-served pockets of major metros — white space where rigid concepts simply can’t go.“If they’re shopping at the mall with their family, they can find Jollibee,” Wright said. “If they’re traveling and want to hit it right off the highway, they can do that too. It allows us to meet a much larger customer base.”<h2>A National Story Still in Its Early Chapters</h2>Hitting 500 North American restaurants will be a huge step, but it still feels like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-franchise-expansion-2025-north-america-2731072">Jollibee is just getting started</a>. The brand is taking advantage of its worldwide size, its solid way of running things, and that special way it has grown from a beloved cult favorite to a mainstream success to build something that lasts. Every new location makes the next one stronger. And every franchisee is key to writing the next chapter of the brand.“We’re already a big operator, and that keeps us closely aligned with our communities and our franchisees,” Wright said. “That alignment is what allows us to grow the right way.”For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee">https://1851franchise.com/jollibee</a>.

Inside Jollibee's 2026 Expansion Plan: The Roadmap to 150 U.S. Restaurants

inside-jollibees-2026-expansion-plan-the-roadmap-to-150-us-restaurants

<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a> — the globally beloved fast-food brand known for its iconic Chickenjoy, craveable menu innovations and vibrant Filipino-American heritage — has officially set its sights on Texas as a priority market for franchise growth. With nearly 10 stores already operating in the state and customer demand rapidly rising, the brand sees Texas as one of the most promising expansion territories in its nationwide development strategy.“This is an important market to us because we have a store presence in the state fueling awareness of the brand,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b/">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchising for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee Group North America</a>. “We are very pleased with the response from customers and have been receiving a lot of demand to open more stores.”<h2>A Market Built for Jollibee’s Mainstream Appeal</h2>Texas represents a unique white-space opportunity for Jollibee thanks to its booming population, diverse demographics and strong appetite for high-quality QSR concepts. While the brand continues to resonate deeply with Filipino communities,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/why-jollibee-is-set-to-be-the-next-great-qsr-chicken-brand-in-america-2729653">its customer base has broadened across the United States</a>.“As Jollibee stores opened across the country, we are seeing a larger percentage of customers coming from the general population,” Wright said. “That gives us a lot of confidence that we can grow with mainstream consumers.”&nbsp;<h2>Strategic Growth Across Major Metro Markets</h2>Jollibee’s expansion strategy for Texas spans all four major metros, each offering strong customer density and diverse real estate opportunities.“For franchise development, we have a franchisee that is going to develop in Dallas-Fort Worth,” Wright said. “We are also targeting growth in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.”These markets&nbsp;<a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/texas/fastest-growing">rank among the nation’s fastest-growing cities</a>, supported by robust suburban expansion, rising demand for drive-thru-friendly QSR formats and high visibility across commercial corridors. Jollibee’s proven real estate flexibility — including free-standing units, in-line restaurants, drive-thrus and non-traditional sites — allows the brand to enter each market with precision and scalability.<h2>A Brand Positioned for Continued U.S. Momentum</h2>While Texas already has established Jollibee locations, the brand believes the market is still in the early stages of its long-term development potential.“We have the potential to open approximately 100+ locations in Texas,” Wright said. “The demand is there, and the stores we have open in Texas give us the confidence to grow.”Jollibee’s rapid expansion across North America is driven by&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/top-5-reasons-jollibee-is-the-hottest-franchise-opportunity-right-now-2729654">strong unit economics, a loyal and growing customer base and a multi-format real estate strategy</a> that prioritizes accessibility and convenience. The brand’s ability to perform in both urban centers and suburban communities gives franchisees flexibility — and options — when entering a high-growth market like Texas.With the Dallas-Fort Worth development already underway and additional territories in Houston, Austin and San Antonio open for franchise partners, Jollibee is welcoming experienced operators to join the brand at a pivotal moment.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee">https://1851franchise.com/jollibee</a>.

Jollibee Franchise - Texas Market Growth - 1851 Franchise

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For over 25&nbsp;years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, the global fried chicken franchise, has been quietly growing across the United States. With over 1,700&nbsp;locations worldwide,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a> is a beloved chicken spot, and it’s now combining its decades of experience, strong average unit volumes and powerful leadership team to become a dominant franchise player in North America.“I say that Jollibee is the best franchise opportunity nobody’s ever heard of,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b/">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchising. “Many people are not familiar with the Jollibee brand, but once they discover it, they’re sold.&nbsp;That goes for Jollibee in the mainstream consumer market, too.”<h2>A Leadership Team Built for Scale</h2>The transition from a corporate-heavy model to one that is also embracing franchise partnerships as a way to expand its U.S. presence requires a high-caliber leadership team. Wright brings deep expertise from key development roles at Starbucks and Panera Bread, and he joins a leadership team with decades of combined tenure.&nbsp;Because of this, the leadership team has a healthy blend of brand experience and expertise surrounding the American consumer, and this creates a distinct advantage for incoming franchisees.“This is a long-tenured team, and that will benefit franchisees a lot,” Wright said. “The team has seen virtually every kind of challenge thrown at us, and as they’ve navigated them, they’ve really figured out how to thrive in the U.S. market.&nbsp;<h2>Becoming Franchise-Optimized To Drive Healthy Growth</h2>Many brands rush into franchising as a way to drive growth, and this model often turns into a dynamic that relies on others’ funds to drive a brand’s success. Jollibee did not rush into franchising, nor did its team view it as a way to hand off growth responsibilities.By operating corporate units for decades, Jollibee “cracked the code” on operations before asking franchisees to join the system.&nbsp;This ensured that&nbsp;the franchise opportunity was truly optimized and ready for growth partners, not just one that checked the bare-minimum boxes.“There’s a distinction in what we’re trying to drive,” Wright said. “We’re going to continue building company-owned units. But we’re also going to partner with the right franchisees to develop units. We see aligning with the right franchisees as a great way to grow the business.”As part of this strategy, Wright remains focused on careful market entry, not just awarding franchises for the sake of volume.“It’s not about how many deals we can sign,” he said. “It’s about finding the right franchisees who are aligned with our vision.”Jollibee remains an operator first, and continuing corporate growth, alongside that driven by franchisees, will keep us aligned to what is best for the brand.“Our north star is the success of Jollibee,” Wright said. “Being an operator and having that alignment with the franchise operating community is a great strength for us.”<h2>The Next Step for Jollibee: Capitalizing on the “White Space”</h2>While the fried chicken segment is competitive, Jollibee offers a rare white space opportunity. With major competitors largely sold out in prime markets, Jollibee offers sophisticated developers territory in top-tier markets and a brand fueled by a “cult-like” fan base.With a vision to open 500 units across the U.S. by 2030, the leadership team is selective and continues to focus on identifying developers who understand the nuance of their local markets.“I like to say that we award franchises; we don’t sell them,” Wright said. “Joining Jollibee is like joining a club. I expect that any franchise&nbsp;candidate would be as diligent about understanding this&nbsp;opportunity as I am about who we select to become&nbsp;a franchisee. This mutual evaluation process ensures alignment both ways and sets the brand up for continued success as we drive national expansion.” To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee">https://1851franchise.com/jollibee</a>.&nbsp;

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jollibee-is-ready-for-its-u-s-growth-push-with-peter-wright/id1448762355?i=1000746240075">recent episode of the “QSR Uncut” podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/franchise-growth-peter-wright-2730632">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchising at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, sat down to unpack why one of the world’s most successful restaurant brands still feels like a “hidden giant” in the United States — and how franchising is set to change that. Wright, who joined&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a> after leadership roles at Panera Bread and Starbucks, describes his own surprise at discovering the brand firsthand, despite its massive global footprint. Jollibee has operated company-owned locations in North America for 25 years, with more than 100 units across the U.S. and Canada, and more than 1,800 locations worldwide as part of the broader Jollibee Group.A major theme of the conversation is brand awareness versus brand power. Jollibee has always had an incredibly loyal following, especially with Filipino-American communities. But now, Wright says they're seeing more and more customers as they open in new places and try out new restaurant styles.“While this is a Filipino-based company, it’s not a Filipino restaurant,” he said. “It’s fried chicken.”&nbsp;That accessibility, as well as the brand’s&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-top-us-chicken-chains-2730353">average unit volumes north of $4.6 million</a>, helped convince Wright that Jollibee represents rare white space in the U.S. QSR landscape.The podcast also spends some time talking about Jollibee’s new franchising plan, which got officially started earlier this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-first-us-franchise-nyc-2730352">The first franchise spot in Queens, New York</a>, is already doing better than anyone expected — the person running it even sent in plans for more locations soon after they opened.&nbsp;Wright really stresses that being flexible is a huge plus. “We’re showing success in a variety of market types, whether it’s suburban or urban,” he said.As for franchisees, Wright says the brand is looking for folks who've successfully run multiple units, really know their local market, run a tight ship operationally and whose values align with Jollibee's. He sees franchising as a true partnership, emphasizing long-term support, keeping things simple and celebrating success together.“If the franchisee feels well supported and sees the results in the store, they’re going to continue growing,” Wright said.&nbsp;Listen to the full podcast episode&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jollibee-is-ready-for-its-u-s-growth-push-with-peter-wright/id1448762355?i=1000746240075">here</a>.&nbsp;

QSR Uncut: Jollibee Is Ready for Its U.S. Growth Push With Peter Wright

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A multi-unit deal can look great on paper. But execution is where growth plans either accelerate or stall. Real estate negotiations, permitting timelines, construction coordination, staffing and day-to-day operational consistency all hit at once when you’re trying to open multiple locations across multiple markets.For seasoned operators, that’s exactly why the&nbsp;right operating partner matters as much as the brand itself, especially in a concept like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, where the opportunity is early, the demand is real and the standards are non-negotiable.“We see a lot of opportunity,” said franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-avila-b794bb11/">Paul Avila</a>. “Being that we do own and operate other concepts in the QSR sector, I think that we have a great understanding of systems and processes and how to grow rapidly and do it in a way that’s very effective and efficient.”Now, together with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-datta-a2187531/">Sunny Datta</a>, a multi-brand operator with more than two decades in the QSR world, Avila is gearing up to lead Jollibee’s earliest franchise growth as the brand’s first franchisee group with a 20-store development deal.<h2>Why the Best Operating Partners Reduce Friction Across Every Opening</h2>Multi-unit investors often focus on capital requirements and territory availability. Those matter. But the difference between a “signed deal” and a scalable business is the ability to execute repeatedly — across cities, crews and construction calendars — without letting standards slip.Datta has lived that reality. “We have grown and gained experience across several brands operating over 130 restaurants across five states,” he said.&nbsp;When development ramps up, the bottlenecks can include everything from permitting delays, holiday slowdowns at city offices, staffing shortages in construction trades, landlord negotiations and lease timing, and sequencing multiple openings across different municipalities.Scaling multi-unit growth without added friction requires an operating partner who can manage the moving parts. That means putting repeatable systems in place, from site selection and vendor coordination to construction, hiring and opening playbooks, so each launch builds on the last.And with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2729649">strong average unit volumes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-franchise-expansion-texas-2731078#featured">prime markets still available</a> and a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-franchisor-executive-qa-2729650">powerful support infrastructure</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a> operators certainly have no reason to try and reinvent the wheel.<h2>Protecting the Brand While Expanding Into Mainstream Markets</h2>Jollibee’s evolution in the U.S. is also creating a unique growth moment.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-first-us-franchise-nyc-2730352">The brand opened its first U.S. franchise location in Queens, New York</a> — which has already exceeded expectations — and secured multi-unit agreements in Sacramento, California, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. While it’s long been beloved within Filipino communities, the brand’s franchise strategy is increasingly about broader mainstream demand, without losing what makes it special.“We are turning more into a fried chicken brand versus a Filipino brand,” Avila said. “But we aren’t going to forget about the actual Filipino culture where this whole brand started. There is a very large loyal customer base for this brand. People drive hours to go and eat at Jollibee.”A strong operating partner doesn’t just build restaurants. They protect the guest experience, reinforce service standards and ensure every new unit earns repeat visits from day one.“Once you get that product into their mouth, they’re definitely going to become a full-fledged fanatic of the brand,” said Avila. “Once we get people into the restaurants, we’ll be able to provide them with outstanding service and an awesome product.”<h2>The “Trust Factor” That Makes Scaling Possible</h2>With&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-franchise-expansion-2025-north-america-2731072#featured">an iconic global brand entering a new franchising era</a>, the bar for operating partners is high. Jollibee’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/menu/chickenjoy-fried-chicken?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=jollibee-franchise-top-5-reasons-invest-2026-2731062">Chickenjoy</a> has already earned national recognition — including&nbsp;<a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/jollibee/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=jollibee-franchise-top-5-reasons-invest-2026-2731062">“America’s Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken” from USA TODAY</a> two years in a row. As QSR categories get saturated, chicken continues to expand, making Jollibee a rare opportunity in a booming space.That's why seasoned operating partners are key to unlocking franchise growth. Their proven experience lowers the risk for the franchisor and builds confidence that brand standards will be consistently met in every new location.For Datta, earning that trust was central to becoming the first franchisee group. “It’s their baby and they want to make sure we treat that baby right,” he said. “I think they felt very comfortable with us and the way we operate, so they gave us this opportunity to be the very first franchisee.”<h2>Momentum Is Built One System at a Time</h2>Multi-unit growth is ultimately a test of repeatability. Can you take what works in one store and make it work again in the next city? With a different landlord? A different permitting office? A different labor pool?&nbsp;Avila and Datta are building that engine now, with new store opening in 2026. For investors looking at multi-unit restaurant development, their story shows that the brand may create demand, but the operating partner creates scale.For more information on franchising with Jollibee, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info</a>.

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