Jollibee

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?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-a-strong-operating-partner-makes-multi-unit-growth-easier-with-jollibee-2731302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-a-strong-operating-partner-makes-multi-unit-growth-easier-with-jollibee-2731302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-a-strong-operating-partner-makes-multi-unit-growth-easier-with-jollibee-2731302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=jollibee-franchise-top-5-reasons-invest-2026-2731062&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-a-strong-operating-partner-makes-multi-unit-growth-easier-with-jollibee-2731302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chickenjoy</a> has already earned national recognition — including&nbsp;<a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/jollibee/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=jollibee-franchise-top-5-reasons-invest-2026-2731062&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-a-strong-operating-partner-makes-multi-unit-growth-easier-with-jollibee-2731302" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">“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>.

Jollibee Multi-Unit Growth: Why Strong Operating Partners Are Key to Scale

1851 Franchise

As Jollibee expands across the U.S. and Canada, the right franchise operating partners are needed for the global brand to protect beloved brand standards across new markets.

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

Why a Strong Operating Partner Makes Multi-Unit Growth Easier With Jollibee

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<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, the global fast-food brand, is strengthening its presence in the New York City metro area with a new three-unit franchise development agreement covering Staten Island, a borough the brand sees as a high-potential, underserved market. The deal was signed by Yong Xu and Aron Teng, experienced multi-brand operators currently running café and restaurant concepts across New York and New Jersey.&nbsp;Unlike other New York City boroughs, Staten Island operates largely as a self-contained market where residents tend to shop and dine locally. With no&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a> locations on this island, as well as the brand’s existing name recognition and loyal customer base in nearby Woodside, Queens, there is pent-up demand for the restaurant.&nbsp;"Staten Island has a population like Long Island, but it's 65% denser; everybody is just trapped on the island," Teng said. "They don't need to go to Manhattan, and they don't need to go to the other boroughs to shop. We feel that it's a really good fit and it's New York City, but more of a suburban New York City."&nbsp;The borough's limited access to certain national and international brands creates an opening for a high-demand concept to gain traction quickly and build a loyal local following. This is especially true when it comes to delivery.&nbsp;"A lot of online platforms don't deliver to Staten Island, not from other boroughs," Xu said. "If you don't have the location in Staten Island, then you don't get the food. We would like to be part of that so the community has more options when they order online."<h2>Operators With the Right Background</h2>Xu and Teng bring complementary skill sets that align with the demands of multi-unit restaurant development. Xu has undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting, earned his CPA designation and built his early career at Ernst &amp; Young and Barclays, where he focused on auditing, financial analysis and corporate operations.&nbsp;"My background in accounting helps me manage financial performance and build scalable systems," he said.Teng, meanwhile, spent years in New York real estate, first as an agent and broker, then as a developer working on multifamily and commercial projects for six to seven years after graduating with a finance degree from Baruch College in New York City. When the pandemic disrupted the real estate market, the two partners began evaluating businesses with stronger cash flow characteristics, which ultimately led them to food service.&nbsp;"We wanted to go into more of a cash flow-heavy business," Teng said. "That's when I decided to team up with Yong." They now operate multiple concepts across New York and New Jersey, including a Paris Baguette franchise, and describe a hands-on management style that covers everything from site selection to daily operations.<h2>Why Jollibee</h2>The decision to invest in Jollibee came from seeing the brand’s performance and culture. Xu and Teng spent more than two years pursuing the opportunity, staying in contact with the corporate team even during a period when the brand was not yet ready to move forward with franchising.&nbsp;"The first year, they weren't quite ready for franchising, but we kept trying and kept in contact," Teng said. "Finally, in the third or fourth quarter of last year, we had an opportunity to invest in Jollibee, and it's really been a good journey."Both operators were already familiar with the brand as regular customers at its Woodside, Queens location, and strong unit-level sales first caught their attention. After attending a Jollibee franchise event and convention, the team became equally convinced by the company's organizational culture and its approach to franchisee relationships.&nbsp;“They're very family-oriented, and we just feel that warm and loving culture is really different," Teng said. "It really aligns with what we want to do with our team and our future business. They call themselves support centers; they don't even call themselves headquarters. We feel very welcome and warm to join the family, and there's a lot of help from their team."<h2>A Brand Targeting Scale</h2>Jollibee has set a target of 500 North American locations by 2030, representing a significant opportunity for experienced multi-unit operators like Teng and Xu looking to grow within a system that is still in the early stages of its national expansion.&nbsp;"We would like to be part of that growth in New York,” Xu said. “What's most exciting for us is the sales and business success. We hope the stores we open and the sites we select are a huge success for both the company and us as franchisees."With site selection underway and the team close to signing a lease on their first Staten Island location, the three-unit deal marks another concrete step in Jollibee's strategy to expand through experienced, multi-unit operators in competitive urban markets. Xu and Teng expect to have their first store open by the end of the year, with the remaining locations to follow as development progresses.For more information on franchising with Jollibee, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee.">https://1851franchise.com/jollibee.</a>&nbsp;

Jollibee Was the Right Move for these Multi-Unit Franchisees

The global fast-food brand is expanding its U.S. franchise network with a multi-unit agreement that will bring three restaurants to Staten Island, one of New York City's most underserved boroughs.

They Ran the Numbers, Felt the Culture, and Knew Jollibee Was the Right Move for these Multi-Unit Franchisees

jollibee-staten-island-franchise-expansion

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>.

<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, the global fast food brand with over 1,700 units around the world, has opened another Midtown Manhattan location at 14. E. 42nd St., part of its higher-level national growth journey, which targets New York as a prime area of focus."We see tremendous demand for the brand, which gives us the confidence that it's a great market to continue to grow in,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b/">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchise development, told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2026/03/31/new-jollibee-nyc-14-e-42nd-st-midtown-manhattan.html">New York Business Journal</a>. "We're just scratching the surface of the New York area."While proximity to the two other Midtown locations at 609 Eighth Ave. and 1500 Broadway was one draw for the new E. 42nd St. restaurant, Wright also highlighted high foot traffic and proximity to Grand Central Station as additional draws.Though New York City’s real estate landscape can be challenging for some restaurant brands,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee’s</a> model makes it easier and will support the brand’s continued growth across the city."One of the really nice things about the Jollibee concept is the flexibility in real estate formats," Wright said. "We have successful stores operating in food courts and strip centers all the way to standing stores with drive-thru windows."Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2026/03/31/new-jollibee-nyc-14-e-42nd-st-midtown-manhattan.html">here</a>.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;

Photo of new Jollibee restaurant location

The new restaurant, opened at 14 E. 42nd St., is the next step in the global fast food brand’s New York development, which is a key focus of its larger national growth strategy.

New York Business Journal: Jollibee Opens Midtown Restaurant, Eyes NYC Growth for Filipino Chicken Chain

midtown-nyc-restaurant

<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>.

Vice President of Franchising Peter Wright outlines priority markets, pipeline growth, multi-unit recruitment and the next phase of Jollibee's expansion in the United States.

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<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a> is targeting the Chicago area as a key Midwest growth market in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2026/02/10/jollibee-seeks-to-expand-in-chicago.html">according to a recent article in the Chicago Biz Journal</a>. The Filipino fried chicken chain, which first entered Chicago in 2016, currently operates four company-owned locations across the city and surrounding suburbs.&nbsp;“Chicago is one of our high-priority markets for Midwest growth in 2026,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b/">Peter Wright</a>, Jollibee vice president of franchising. “We want to start expanding in concentric circles from our existing locations and explore opportunities in the surrounding suburbs.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/how-jollibees-flexible-real-estate-strategy-is-opening-doors-in-nontraditional-markets-2731652">The company’s real estate strategy is flexible</a>, allowing it to perform well across different site types. In suburban markets,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a> is prioritizing freestanding locations with drive-thrus, while urban units are more commonly placed in strip centers. Rather than purchasing real estate, the brand prefers leasing but remains open to strong opportunities, whether through new developments or existing spaces.This Chicago expansion is part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/inside-jollibees-2026-expansion-plan-the-roadmap-to-150-us-restaurants-2731390">much larger North American growth plan</a>. Jollibee currently operates 107 locations across the U.S. and Canada and aims to reach 500 locations in North America by 2030. Its push into Chicago suburbs comes amid increased competition, as several other fast-growing restaurant chains are also expanding in the market, highlighting both the opportunity and intensity of the region’s QSR landscape.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2026/02/10/jollibee-seeks-to-expand-in-chicago.html">here</a>.&nbsp;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>.

As Jollibee pushes toward 500 North American locations by 2030, the brand is turning to Chicago’s suburbs for its next phase of growth.

Chicago Biz Journal: Jollibee Targets Chicago Suburbs for Franchise Expansion as U.S. Growth Accelerates

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For many restaurant brands, real estate dictates growth. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, growth is dictated by something else entirely: the customer. And that mindset is reshaping how and where the global fried chicken brand is expanding across the United States.As&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a> accelerates its U.S. footprint, its real estate strategy has become one of its biggest competitive advantages. Rather than forcing every location into a single prototype, the brand has built a flexible, proven approach that allows it to succeed in everything from high-density urban cores to suburban strip centers and nontraditional sites.“The flexibility of our real estate strategy is a real plus for franchise developers,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wright-53808a2b">Peter Wright</a>, vice president of franchising. “We have stores operating in a variety of formats -&nbsp; free-standing and end-caps with and without drive-throughs, inline urban core, mall and food courts.”<h2>Built to Win Across Formats</h2>Jollibee’s portfolio of operating formats reads more like a playbook than a limitation. Free-standing units, end caps, in-line locations, mall stores — even walk-up concepts — are all part of the brand’s existing footprint.Standout examples include the Times Square location and the first franchise location on Queens Blvd. in Flushing, Wright said, which operate as walk-up stores in a demanding real estate environment.That versatility matters as brands compete for space in markets where traditional drive-thru or free-standing sites are either unavailable or cost-prohibitive. Jollibee’s ability to adapt its format allows it to unlock white space that more rigid concepts simply can’t access. This flexibility is also especially powerful in nontraditional and underdeveloped pockets of major metros, where demand exists but real estate doesn’t fit a cookie-cutter model. Mall locations, in-line spaces and end caps can often deliver strong economics without the barriers associated with ground-up development.That flexibility gives developers more options. With several workable formats, Jollibee can fit into more sites and move from deal to opening faster.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Meeting Customers Where They Are</h2>At the heart of Jollibee’s real estate philosophy is a simple idea:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/chicken-franchise-opportunity-2730698">demand for great fried chicken isn’t confined to one type of custom market or location.</a>“What it’s really about is finding the right neighborhoods and communities to bring the joy of Jollibee to,” Wright said. “And the best part is finding the connection.”That perspective has allowed Jollibee to think differently about site selection. Instead of asking whether a location fits a predefined box, the brand asks whether it fits how customers live, shop and travel.“If they are at the mall shopping with family, they can find Jollibee,” Wright said. “Or if they are on a trip and want to hit it off the highway, they can do that. It allows us to meet a larger customer base.” Beyond real estate, Jollibee’s growth in the U.S. is also fueled by its evolution from a beloved Filipino cultural icon into a brand that’s venturing into the mainstream. While the company remains deeply proud of its Filipino roots, its expansion strategy is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/jollibee-franchise-expansion-2025-north-america-2731072">intentionally focused on welcoming a wider customer base</a> — one that extends well beyond the communities that first embraced the brand.&nbsp;“We’ve seen the brand resonate far outside of just the Filipino customer base,” said Wright. “Great fried chicken has universal appeal, and once people try it, they become fans.”<h2>The Right Partners to Scale the Strategy</h2>Of course, flexibility alone doesn’t drive growth. Jollibee is pairing its real estate adaptability with a deliberate approach to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/why-a-strong-operating-partner-makes-multi-unit-growth-easier-with-jollibee-2731302">franchisee selection</a> — one built around scale, infrastructure and shared values.“The franchisees we award development rights to have to have the financial resources to build a significant number of stores,” Wright said. “They also have to have the operating capabilities, the team and the infrastructure to build that and be able to operate multiple units.”Just as important is alignment. “There are a lot of great developers, but what it comes down to is what is their philosophy? What values do they hold dear and are those aligned with what we are looking for,” Wright said.That focus ensures that as Jollibee grows into new formats and new markets, the brand experience remains consistent.<h2>A Real Estate Strategy Built for What’s Next</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/inside-jollibees-2026-expansion-plan-the-roadmap-to-150-us-restaurants-2731390#featured">As Jollibee continues its U.S. expansion</a>, its flexible real estate strategy is proving to be more than a tactical advantage. It’s a growth engine — one that allows the brand to move faster, enter smarter and reach customers wherever demand exists.By designing the model around people rather than prototypes, Jollibee is positioning itself to win in both traditional strongholds and the nontraditional markets where the next wave of growth is waiting.For more information on franchising with Jollibee visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee">https://1851franchise.com/jollibee</a>.

Vice President of Franchising Peter Wright explains how adaptive formats (suburban, urban and end-cap models) are driving the global restaurant brand’s accelerated U.S. expansion.

How Jollibee’s Flexible Real Estate Strategy Is Opening Doors in Nontraditional Markets

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<a href="https://www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising">Jollibee</a>, the global fast-food brand known for its Chickenjoy and Spicy Chickenjoy, has awarded a 20-unit franchise agreement for development across California, Nevada and Texas.&nbsp;The entrepreneurs behind the development are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-datta-a2187531/">Sunny Datta</a>, an experienced franchisee with over 140 units in his profile, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-avila-b794bb11/">Paul Avila</a>, a former franchise consultant for&nbsp;<a href="https://inspirebrands.com/">Inspire Brands</a>, the parent company of Arby’s, Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.After being approached by a franchise consultant, Datta was not only excited to take the opportunity but also optimistic about the potential for additional growth.“We’ve signed on for 20 units, but we would like to extend that,” Datta told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise_news/experienced-inspire-brands-franchisees-to-open-jollibee-across-three-states/article_f88406e1-d202-4094-abc9-76e8973bb8dd.html">Franchise Times</a>. “We’re doing three states, and we would like to expand further after we open three or four stores.”For Avila, who is deeply experienced in the franchise space,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jollibee/info">Jollibee</a>’s history and scale made the opportunity even more attractive.“Jollibee is a solid company,” Avila said. “It isn’t just a regional brand. They have a presence across the world and they’ve been in business for decades. They’ve established themselves and have their process and procedures in place, specifically for the U.S. They’ve had a presence here for over 25 years. They know what works and are up to par with what the industry standards are, and have an expectation to exceed what the competitors are doing.”Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise_news/experienced-inspire-brands-franchisees-to-open-jollibee-across-three-states/article_f88406e1-d202-4094-abc9-76e8973bb8dd.html">here</a>.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>.

Sunny Datta and Paul Avila will open stores across several key California markets, as well as Reno, Nevada, and the Dallas-Fort Worth market, growing a 140-plus-unit portfolio.

Why a Strong Operating Partner Makes Multi-Unit Growth Easier With Jollibee

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