Jollibee opens in Philadelphia
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The new place to get your fix for Filipino food. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios
Jollibee is making its Philly debut today and I got a sneak peek — and taste.
What’s happening: The Filipino chain known for its fried chicken opened its first Pennsylvania location at 7340 Bustleton Ave. in Northeast Philly.
- Of note: Eater.com recently named Jollibee “the best fast-food fried chicken in America.”
Quick take: The hype is real.
Details: Chicken Joy ($14.99) is a bucket of satisfyingly crunchy and juicy bone-in fried chicken. And don’t sleep on the tangy gravy that comes with it.
- The chicken sandwich ($4.99) has a generous piece of fried chicken with a slathering of umami mayo on a brioche bun.
- Plus: The mango peach pie ($2.99) is perfectly sweet-salty.
Zoom in: There’s a drive-thru, and seating inside for about 60 people.
- Online ordering will launch in the coming weeks.
Be smart: Jollibee fans are fierce, so long lines and hours-long waits are typical for branch openings.
- Yes, but: The earliest risers will be rewarded. Among the promotions running for today’s opening is a free monthly Chicken Joy bucket for a year for the first 50 customers who spend at least $50.
The intrigue: The Northeast Philly location isn’t expected to be the city’s lone , said Luis Velasco, senior vice president of marketing for Jollibee.
- “We’re sure this is not going to be the last,” he said.
Hours: 9am-11pm every day.