Jollibee to invest £30m in UK expansion with 10 new openings planned this year
The group, which currently operates three sites in London, Liverpool and Leicester respectively, wants to be in 'every major city in the UK', according to a report in the Financial Times.
Last year Jollibee announced plans to open 50 restaurants across the UK in the next three to five years, as well as grow its presence in Italy, Spain and other European markets.
Jollibee will open a new flagship UK site in London's Leicester Square in May, after lockdown restrictions on restaurants are lifted, with another nine sites expected to launch before the end of the year.
A further 15 to 20 openings are planned for 2022.
BigHospitality understands that sites in Edinburgh, Leeds and Cardiff are under consideration, with cities including Manchester and Birmingham also being targeted for expansion.
Founded in the Philippines back in 1978, Jollibee operates more than 1,466 stores globally, 1,185 of which are in the Philippines.
The chain is best known for its Chickenjoy fried chicken; Jolly Spaghetti, which is topped with chopped up hot dogs and tomato sauce; and a breakfast dish of corned beef with garlic rice and egg.
Jollibee opened its first UK restaurant in London’s Earl’s Court back in 2018.
The group has previously described the UK as 'a key market for expansion'.
According to its research the British 'spend a €1.2bn on quick-service chicken per year, compared to €652m in Germany and €700m in France'.
Back in November, Adam Parkinson, market head of Europe for Jollibee, said: “We’re pushing forward with our continued growth plan across Europe, as we believe that both the high streets and people’s livelihoods need the support once we come out the other side of this pandemic."
It is reported that Jollibee also plans to open its first continental European site in Spain this year.
