Jollibee opens second European Branch in Earl’s Court, London

BEE HAPPY — Filipinos flocked to the opening of Jollibee’s first United Kingdom branch in London’s Earl’s Court Saturday morning.

Filipino patrons, as well as curious foreigners, lined up outside the store hours before the opening. Some waited an average of five to six hours in line, just to get their fill of Jollibee’s famous Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti.

“This brings the taste of home even closer to them and I would like to congratulate Jollibee for bringing their first store in the UK,” said Antonio Lagdameo, Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

This branch is only the second in Europe, adding to Jollibee Food Corporation’s 1,300 branches worldwide. The first European branch opened in Milan, Italy early this year.

Jollibee’s international stores have been hugely popular among Filipino migrants wanting a taste and feel of home, as the stores also serve the trademark Chickenjoy with rice, Jolly Spaghetti, and the Yumburger.

First in line

The first people in line waited for 17 hours just to eat Chickenjoy, burger steak, and spaghetti.

Early birds Michael Sison, a balloon artist, and Reggie Derecho, a caregiver, lined up a day before the store opened to ensure that they were the first customers in line when the store opened at 8:00 a.m.

The two were warmly welcomed by Jollibee executives, and took home Jollibee dolls and other collectible items. “Ang pagtanggap po nila parang feel at home po kami sa loob ng Jollibee, parang nasa Pilipinas po kami,” said Sison.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, CEO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, also took the time to welcome the youngest person in line, 7-week-old Gabrielle Francis, who was also given Jollibee collectibles.

“We are very excited because we will be able to provide the taste of home to our kababayans here as well as offering our products to the British people,” said Tanmantiong during the store’s official launch on Friday.

Reports say that Jollibee’s first London store will be manned by an all-Filipino crew.

Jollibee gears up for aggressive expansion

Jollibee said that it would be aggressive with its expansion in the UK, and targets to open an additional 25 branches in the next five years. “We believe the fried chicken market in the UK is very big and we would like to be a major player in this market,” said Tanmantiong.

Dennis Flores, Jollibee’s president and head for International Business in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia (EMEAA), adds that “there is a strong match between the strength of Jollibee, the Chickenjoy and the potential of the market here in Europe.”

According to the 2013 report of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, there are over 200,000 Filipinos in the United Kingdom, and over 800,000 Filipinos spread across Europe.