Why Jollibee could shake up America’s fast food world
By Kareem Gantt
When it comes to fast food, we’re used to the usual suspects. But a new, international chain, Jollibee, could end up shaking up the industry.
Scrolling through the interwebs, I came across an article about a fast food chain called Jollibee.
“Jollibee?” I asked curiously to myself, wondering internally how a fast food chain named “Jollibee” could actually warrant an article from CNBC. So, I did what any other curious mind would do — I read the article, and I came away with something really interesting. Jollibee has the potential to upend the American fast food market, in a good way.
OK, so I’ve written all of these words so far and have yet to explain what Jollibee is. It’s an international chain from the Philippines that opened in 1975 by a guy named Tony Tan Caktiong. In fact, industry insiders call it “the McDonald’s of the Philippines,” and with a statement like that, you know this chain has done some big things.
Jollibee’s is famous for their “Chicken Joy,” which many have described as better than KFC, and is the chain’s best seller. While the chicken may be the star, what grabs the attention is their eclectic menu, which goes beyond the normal option McDonald’s or Burger King offer customers.
Take, for instance, their spaghetti, which is described as “the meatiest, cheesiest spaghetti.” You won’t find anything of that sort at a traditional fast-food chain, and it’s products like that that give Jollibee it’s eclectic, unique feel.
Jollibee stayed an international chain until 1998 when it brought its menu to North America. It still has a small presence here, but that could easily change. Established fast food chains in the U.S. have to keep an eye out on this one.
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Have you tried food at a Jollibee restaurant before? What did you order? Let us know in the comments below!