Jollibee, a fast-food chain known as ‘‘the McDonald’s of the Philippines,’’ will make its Arizona debut on the northwest corner of Gilbert and Germann in Chandler later this year.
It’s moving into the former Slim Chickens building just west of the Harkins Chandler Crossroads theaters.
Jollibee is best-known for its signature fried chicken called Chickenjoy, which is accompanied by a delicious onion-celery gravy.
Other popular menu items:
- Yum Burgers, including a pineapple-and-cheese Aloha Burger;
- Jolly Spaghetti, with a ‘‘sweet-style’’ sauce and slices of ham and hot dog;
- Palabok Fiesta, a noodle dish with shrimp, egg slices, and crushed pork rinds;
- Peach mango hand pies;
- Halo-halo, Filipino shaved ice sundaes.
Jolibee debuted in Quezon City, the Phillippines’ most populous city, in 1978 and has grown to more than 4,600 locations in 21 countries.
Its first U.S. restaurant opened in Daly City, Calif., in 1998. There are now 41 locations in the U.S. , but the company plans to have 150 by 2023 thanks to aggressive franchising.
The chain has grown so huge it’s begun to gobble up other chains, such as its recent acquisitions of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Smashburger.
The Chandler location is expected to open in December.
