Local fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) on Monday said it has opened its first restaurant in Wales in its capital, Cardiff, in the United Kingdom.
The company said thousands of customers lined up as early as 6 a.m. to sample Jollibee’s offerings.
Wales is one of the four countries comprising the United Kingdom which has a $1.4-billion fried chicken market.
The opening is in line with the company’s thrust to expand across the UK and Europe and open 50 stores within five years.
“Opening our first Jollibee in Wales is part of our continued commitment to expand across Europe and bring our delicious Chickenjoy to more people around the world,” Ernesto Tanmantiong, the company’s CEO, said.
Known for its scenery and friendly people, Wales will be home to Jollibee’s sixth store in the United Kingdom.
The new restaurant is on the corner of Queen Street and Charles Street, in the heart of Cardiff’s prime pedestrianized area. The restaurant is housed in a two-story corner building painted deep purple, with one side of the building showing a wall mural in line with the brand’s colorful new store design.
“With people returning to restaurants and relishing face-to-face encounters, restaurants will provide great solace to make up for those special moments they may have missed during the lockdown,” Dennis Flores, president of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia said.
The Cardiff restaurant will offer to the Welsh people the brand’s Chickenjoy, and its range of new menu items in Europe, such as spicy chicken burger, sriracha chicken loaded fries, chicken wrap and the summer-exclusive peach and mango drink.
“With a growing culinary landscape and increased demand for new cuisines, we knew Cardiff had to be one of the top in our list. We are keen to introduce our delicious menu to locals and welcome them into our cool new central location,” Adam Parkinson, business head of Jollibee Europe, said.
Image courtesy of Contributed photo