Jollibee adds 16-store BC deal to Canada franchise push

Insider Spotlight

• 16 stores: New British Columbia franchise commitment over five years
• 26 stores: Total committed franchise pipeline across Canada
• 54 locations: Projected Canadian network after current commitments
  
  
  
  

Jollibee Foods Corp. is accelerating its capital-light expansion in Canada with a 16-store franchise commitment in British Columbia, deepening its reliance on local operators to build scale in one of its key international markets.

The Philippine fast-food giant’s North American franchisor, JBM LLC, signed a multi-unit development agreement in July with an experienced multi-brand food retail operator to develop 16 restaurants in British Columbia over the next five years. 

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

 Richard Shin

Jollibee Group chief financial and risk officer and Jollibee Group International CEO

Why it matters 

The agreement advances Jollibee’s shift toward a more balanced mix of company-owned and franchised restaurants, allowing the group to expand its footprint while maintaining disciplined capital deployment.

The British Columbia commitment follows a 10-store multi-unit development agreement for Edmonton signed in June. Together, the two deals bring Jollibee’s committed franchise pipeline in Canada to 26 restaurants.

Jollibee currently operates 28 restaurants in the country, meaning the existing network plus the committed pipeline could bring its Canadian footprint to 54 locations over the next five years.

Zoom in 

The British Columbia agreement was signed in July with an experienced multi-brand food retail operator with experience in restaurant operations and multi-unit development, company disclosure showed.

The group said it continues to engage prospective franchise partners across several Canadian provinces, potentially providing another avenue for growth beyond the 26 restaurants already committed.

What they’re saying 

“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,” Jollibee Group chief financial and risk officer and Jollibee Group International CEO Richard Shin said.

“This latest agreement reflects the growing appeal of the Jollibee brand and our confidence in the long-term opportunity in Canada. As we continue to expand through disciplined franchising, we remain focused on partnering with operators who share our commitment to operational excellence, sustainable growth, and building scale in priority markets.”

The bigger picture 

Jollibee is using franchise-led development to broaden its Canadian market coverage without relying solely on company-funded expansion, supporting the group’s wider capital-light international growth strategy. —  Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma