#United States #Roseville #Jollibee #Chickenjoy

Jollibee Launches Its First Franchise in California

Jollibee, the globally adored fast-food chain known for its unique menu and warm hospitality, has officially opened its first franchise location in California, furthering its ambitious growth strategy in North America. The grand opening occurred on August 7, 2026, in Roseville, located at 1913 Douglas Blvd. This venue represents the beginning of a promising franchising journey, part of a larger agreement to establish a total of 24 restaurants across California, Nevada, and Texas.

The opening marks a key development in Jollibee’s plan to expand its footprint in the U.S. and Canada through multi-unit franchising. The franchise operation will be spearheaded by experienced franchisees Sanjive Datta and Ajay Chopra, both of whom have a rich background in managing multi-unit franchises. Together with operating partner Paul Avila, they are set to deliver Jollibee's beloved menu items and exceptional customer service.

The presence of Jollibee in Northern California isn't new; the brand's American journey began in 1998 with its first restaurant in Daly City. Since then, Jollibee has been strengthening its brand in the region, recently launching another location in Downtown San Francisco. The Roseville outlet comes with plans for rapid development, with upcoming franchises expected in Fort Worth, Texas, and Sacramento, California, aiming to consistently open two to three new restaurants each year starting in 2028.

Beth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee North America, expressed enthusiasm for this new opening, stating, “Roseville is an exciting milestone for Jollibee as we continue to bring our one-of-a-kind dining experience to more communities across the country.” The franchise model is gaining traction, showcasing the brand's effective strategy and the expertise of its operating partners as they embark on this mission to provide delicious food and memorable experiences.

In terms of financial viability, Jollibee's franchise expansion is supported by strong unit economics, featuring an impressive average unit volume (AUV) of around $4.9 million within its North American network. This economically sound model has drawn the interest of various top-tier franchise groups eager to capitalize on Jollibee’s loyal customer base and promising growth trajectory. While the focus remains on California, Nevada, and Texas for immediate expansions, regions like Florida, New York, and other parts of the Northeast are on the brand’s radar for future growth.

A significant aspect of Jollibee’s appeal lies in its menu, which features its iconic Chickenjoy, crispy chicken sandwiches, and the renowned Peach Mango Pie, all of which have contributed to its widespread popularity. The company seeks dedicated, seasoned multi-unit operators to partner with, all sharing its ethos of quality management, community engagement, and operational excellence.

To further streamline this expansion, Jollibee offers thorough training and comprehensive support for franchise operators, laying the groundwork for stronger connections with customers. Franchise recruitment is ongoing, and those interested can find more information on Jollibee's franchising portal.

In addition to its flourishing domestic expansion, Jollibee has garnered accolades that reflect its growing popularity. USA TODAY recently recognized it as the “Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken in America” for the third consecutive year, illustrating the strong foothold it has established in diners’ hearts. Additionally, Jollibee has been honored by TIME as one of the 2026 Most Influential Companies and ranked among the Top 10 Industry Leaders in Food & Drink, further highlighting the brand's significant impact in the competitive restaurant industry.

As Jollibee propels forward, the company remains dedicated to its mission of spreading joy through delectable offerings and impactful community connections, remaining committed to sustainable practices in accordance with global standards. With over 100 locations across North America and a robust expansion strategy underway, Jollibee is poised for remarkable success in the future, continuing to delight patrons with its unique and tasty menu in ever-expanding regions.