Our very own bee mascot, Jollibee says “ciao Italia!” as it welcomes customers to the local fast food chain’s first European branch in Milan, Italy.
Located in Piazza Diaz 7, Milan, the Jollibee branch is just a stone’s throw from Duomo, Milan Cathedral.
In the early hours of its opening day, customers—families, young people, members of the Filipino community, and even locals—were already seen lining up in front of the Jollibee store.
Among those who patiently waited for Jollibee’s doors to open was Tommy Flores Jr. who said the experience was all worth it. “Naghintay kami ng four hours sa labas pero sulit,” he shared on his Facebook post. Meanwhile the Aquilon, Flores, and Mendoza families unanimously exclaimed, “Kahit mahaba ang pila, sobrang sulit ‘yung pagpunta namin! It tastes just like the Chickenjoy sa Pinas!”
The queue of eager and ecstatic customers outside of the outlet was so long that it poured out of the restaurant.
“Getting a foothold in Milan is a fundamental step for Jollibee, as well as a launch pad for the expansion of the brand to the rest of Europe,” said Jollibee Foods Corporation chief executive officer Ernesto Tanmantiong.
The opening of the Jollibee branch in Milan followed the signing of a joint venture between Jollibee Foods Corporation and Singapore Blackbird Holdings to export the fast food chain to Europe.
Tanmantiong shared, “This newest venture sets off our journey that will lead to opening more stores around the continent—an ambitious goal, which we will achieve by consistently offering a unique dining experience with our delicious food and warm service.”
The chief executive said JFC aims to bring Filipinos “a taste of home” and at the same time share with Italians both the fast food chain’s food offerings and the joyful experience of being together.
At its first European store, Jollibee’s menu offers its bestsellers such as Chickenjoy and Yumburger, along with special items like Chicken Tenders and Chicken Burgers that cater to both Filipino and Italian tastes.