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WEST COVINA, Calif., USA – Jollibee 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 Peter Wright, vice president of franchise development for Jollibee Group North America. “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.
“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 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.”
