Jollibee’s UK expansion on track despite COVID slowdown

The chain already has seven stores in the country, six of which were opened amidst the pandemic.

Philippine fast food giant Jollibee is set to open three additional restaurants in the UK this year, part of a £30 million investment plan to establish 50 by 2025.

The chain’s newest restaurant is in Reading, opening on Thursday, September 9, also their seventh store in the country. A spokesperson for the brand told QSR Media they will open “at least two more stores” afterwards.

“We are still driving forward on our original plans to open in all major cities across the UK,” the spokesperson added.

The Reading restaurant, located on Broad Street, hopes to attract town centre shoppers and commuters from surrounding areas. The store will also be serving halal meat. 

“We are really on a roll now, opening a new restaurant every month. Reading was top of our list as the Thames Valley’s regional centre for shopping and an incredibly well-connected town in the South-East’s thriving economy. I believe we have the best chicken burgers in the UK,” Adam Parkinson, Jollibee Europe’s business head, said in an earlier statement.

Following on from opening in major cities like London, Leeds and Cardiff, the Reading outlet will also be the first restaurant in the South outside the capital. The restaurant will create new job opportunities for up to 50 people.

“Our store is designed to have a fun and relaxed vibe, where students can hang out with friends and feel welcomed. We have seen demand for a Jollibee in Reading across our TikTok page as well, so we knew Reading would be the perfect place to open our next store,” Parkinson added.

Jollibee recently launched a range of new menu items which will all be available at the Reading restaurant: the Spicy Chicken Burger, Sriracha Chicken Loaded Fries, Chicken Wrap and the summer exclusive Peach and Peach and Mango Cooler.