Jollibee to double Canada network to 54 stores

MANILA, Philippines — Jollibee Foods Corp. is poised to nearly double its Canadian network over the next five years after securing franchise commitments for 26 new restaurants as part of its capital-light expansion strategy.

The homegrown fast-food giant said on Monday its North American franchisor, JBM LLC, signed a multi-unit development agreement in July to open 16 Jollibee restaurants in British Columbia over the next five years.

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Moreover, the deal marks Jollibee’s first franchise agreement in British Columbia, where it already operates four company-owned stores.

In addition, the agreement builds on a separate deal signed in June covering 10 planned restaurants in Edmonton. Combined, the two agreements bring Jollibee’s committed franchise pipeline in Canada to 26 stores.

Meanwhile, Jollibee currently operates 28 restaurants across Canada. With the committed franchise locations, the company expects its Canadian footprint to reach 54 restaurants over the next five years.

Still, the expansion supports Jollibee’s push for a balanced store mix, enabling faster growth with disciplined capital use.

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Jollibee said it is in talks with prospective franchisees across Canada, potentially expanding beyond the 26 committed stores.

“Canada continues to be an attractive growth market for Jollibee, supported by strong consumer demand, strong brand relevance, and increasing interest from experienced franchise operators,” said Richard Shin, Jollibee Group chief financial and risk officer and international CEO.

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Shin said the company will continue disciplined franchising and partner with operators that support sustainable growth in priority markets.

Jollibee further said it continues to draw franchise interest across Canada as it expands coverage and builds scale.

The Canadian push forms part of the Jollibee Group’s wider international expansion. The group’s affiliates and franchisees currently operate more than 10,700 stores and cafés across 33 countries. /pai