The Sunshine State Gives a Warm and Sunny Welcome to Florida’s First Jollibee

Throngs of Jollibee fans line up to welcome the Philippines’ most-loved fastfood chain to the Southeast’s first location

18 MARCH 2017, JACKSONVILLE, FL – While the Northeast braved intense snow storms this week, it was all sunshine and smiles for Floridian Jollibee fans who patiently waited in line to get a taste of their Jollibee favorites. The first patrons camped out as early as 2 AM to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of Jollibee’s first Florida location. Jollibee fans from all over Jacksonville and neighboring cities could not wait to get their hands on the world-famous Chickenjoy, as well as other favorite dishes such as the Jolly Spaghetti and Peach Mango Pie. Guests were greeted by Jollibee executives and the company’s beloved bee mascot, who invited them to take part in activities and enjoy signature dishes to celebrate the opening.

“It was really fitting that we had such a beautiful day to celebrate this momentous occasion – the opening of Florida’s first Jollibee store,” said Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation’s Group President for North America. “We are continually encouraged by the support and enthusiasm that we have received from the communities where Jollibee has expanded to within the U.S., and Jacksonville was no exception. Bringing a taste of home to Filipinos scattered across the globe is such a rewarding job that I take great pride in.”

Many people expressed their excitement over the opening of Jollibee Jacksonville, the 37thJollibee store in North America as well as the first in Florida and Southeast US, even traveling from neighboring cities such as Orlando, Tampa, and even Miami, just to get a taste of Jollibee.

“I started getting ready at 1:00 AM and we were here before 2:00 AM because we wanted to make sure we’ll be here for this opening, and be the first ones to enjoy the Jollibee,” shared Helen De Nardis, 54 years old from the west side. “We’re proud of it [Jollibee], and we wanted to be here to be part of history of the first-ever Jollibee in Florida.”

Opening Day Acti-Bee-ties

As part of Jollibee Jacksonville’s opening day activities and as a sign of the brand’s appreciation, Jollibee awarded the most enthusiastic guests – the first 300 people in line to spend at least $25 – with a Jollibee doll.

All throughout the day, the customers were kept entertained and bee-sy through various games that remind them of fun celebrations in the Philippines. These games include a Yumburger eating contest and ‘Pass the Message’ – where the Jollibee mascot passed on a secret message which should be clearly delivered and recited by the customer at the end of the line.

Jollibee Foods Corporation is currently ranked as the largest Asian restaurant company in market capitalization, aggressively expanding in North America. It currently operates in 14 markets, with a total of 3,254 stores globally, of which 1,145 are Jollibee brand stores. The company’s aggressive expansion plan in Canada and the U.S. is part of its overarching goal to be among the top five restaurant companies globally by the year 2020.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Photo 1: Jollibee executives and special guests gather around a giant bucket of fried chicken for the Chickenjoy Toast. Seen in this photo are JFC Group President for North America Jose Miñana, VP and General Manager of JFC North America Maribeth dela Cruz, JFC Vice President and International Marketing Head Luis Velasco III, Jollibee North America Operations Director Mackey Dimaculangan, Jollibee Area Manager Merle Caleon, Jollibee Jacksonville Restaurant Manager Arnold Ingote, ACT Accelerated Contractors Owner Brad Hollett, and Sysco Vice President for Operations Garth Widdows,. (Photo credit: Jollibee)

Photo 2 & 3: The Jollibee mascot greets guests at the Jacksonville grand opening. (Photo credit: Jollibee)

Photo 4: JFC North America Group President Jose Miñana leads the ribbon cutting ceremony along with VP and General Manager of JFC North America Maribeth dela Cruz, Jacksonville Councilor for District 3 Aaron Bowman, and Sysco Vice President for Operations Garth Widdows. (Photo credit: Jollibee)

Photo 5: Red and white balloons were released into the sky, celebrating the arrival of Florida’s first Jollibee. (Photo credit: Jollibee)

Photo 6: Jollibee welcomes the first customers at the opening of the first-ever Jollibee store in Florida. (Photo credit: Jollibee)

Photo 7: Hundreds of customers and Jollibee fans line up to be among the first to get a taste of Jollibee in Florida. (Photo credit: Jollibee)

Photos 8: The first Jollibee store in Florida opens at 11884 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225. (Photo credit: Jollibee)