Business and Economy
Jollibee Opens First Store in Saskatchewan, Bringing Joy to Regina This Christmas
Jollibee’s Expansion Plan Progresses with Jollibee Regina Marking 48th Location in North America
December 23, 2019, REGINA, SK, CANADA – Christmas came early this year for those living in Canada’s western province of Saskatchewan. Popular fast-food chain Jollibee opened its first store in the province in the capital city of Regina on Sunday, December 22. Despite chilly temperatures, the store experienced massive line-ups with some fans camping out to secure their spot and ensure they would get their Jolly Crispy Chicken fix on opening day. A heated outdoor tent along with a mix of holiday tunes kept spirits high as fans and curious newcomers alike filed into line through all hours of the night. At the time of the store’s opening at 7:00 AM, the tent was at capacity with more than 100 customers packed inside and carrying signs exclaiming, “It’s Our Turn” to celebrate the chain’s arrival.
Jollibee openings in Canada and across the globe have been known to draw long line-ups from both fans and curious newcomers who are eager to see what all the buzz is about. The enthusiasm for Jollibee’s new Regina store was no different. First-customer-in line Jason Marx claimed his spot at noon on December 21, 19 hours before the official opening of the store. The 14-year Regina resident first fell in love with Jollibee after visiting the chain’s Winnipeg location.
“I’ve known about Jollibee for a while, but without any stores in Canada at the time, it was hard for me to try it,” Marx said. “Then, when I was in Winnipeg, I heard Jollibee had a store there and tried the Jolly Crispy Chicken, Jolly Spaghetti and Peach Mango Pie. The chicken especially was better than any I’d ever tasted at other fast-food restaurants. I wanted to be the first customer in line at Regina to experience Jollibee again and try more of the menu.” After his first bite of Jolly Crispy Chicken, his review was clear: “It’s so worth the wait. I would do it again in a heartbeat, for even longer.”
On opening day, over 6,500 customers were served getting a taste of the brand’s much sought-after Jolly Crispy Chicken, which is delicately hand-breaded to be crispylicious on the outside, with a secret marinade that makes it juicylicious on the inside. Additional fan-favorite items served on opening day included the chain’s signature sweet-style Jolly Spaghetti, delicious and hand-held Peach Mango Pie, Filipino noodle dish Palabok Fiesta and the brand’s Burger Steak which is a beef patty topped with a creamy mushroom gravy.
“We are so thankful that we got to play a part in families’ and friends’ holiday memories this year,” said Beth Dela Cruz, President of JFC North America – Philippine Brands Group. “Jollibee is a family brand so it means the world to us that members of the community linked up with their loved ones to come to our store and share in the joy that Jollibee brings. Saskatchewan has waited patiently for their own store and we’re thrilled they can now say, ‘It’s Our Turn!.’” Mayor of Regina Michael Fougere is also thrilled with the chain’s arrival in the province. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jollibee, a brand that means so much to our Filipino community living here in Regina and in the larger Saskatchewan province.”
Jollibee Regina marks the brand’s ninth location in the country and 48th store in North America. The opening is part of Jollibee’s aggressive North American expansion plans as it aims to grow to 250 stores in North America by 2023 – 100 branches in Canada and 150 branches in the U.S. In 2019 alone, the brand more than doubled its store count in Canada. In 2020, the brand’s areas of focus within Canada will include Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. With regards to the province of Saskatchewan, the brand plans to open an additional location in Saskatoon soon.
The Regina store is located at 2830 Quance Street, Regina, SK, S4V 3B9.
Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Foods Corporation’s 15 brands. JFC is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies with more than 5,800 stores in 35 countries.
