Fried Chicken is one of the most popular fast-food options in America. Many lay claim to having the crispiest and most savory version of this southern classic and several years ago, there was quite a bit of drama over who could fit a piece of fried chicken between some bread. The chicken sandwich wars were a real thing, and there were even cases of physical violence over the sandwich. Americans really love their fried chicken and there is a growing competitor out there who hails from beyond the U.S. Jollibee is the Filipino sensation that is bringing chicken joy to a growing number of Americans. Does Jollibee’s big buzzing mascot mean the colonel has met his match?

Jollibee was founded by Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong in Manila, capital city of the Philippines. The first store opened in 1975 selling ice cream only. Dr. Caktiong operated the business with his wife and extended family and while the company enjoyed success during their first three years, they saw the value in offering hot meals. The company quickly pivoted and turned all of their ice cream parlors into fried chicken restaurants and began operating as a version of the Jollibee that exists today.  In 1993 the company entered the Philippine Stock Exchange and in 1994 they acquired Greenwich Pizza, marking their first new brand acquisition.

Jollibee expanded into the U.S. back in 1998 when they opened a location in California. That location proved a success, and is still one of their best performing stores, yet the company did not push rapid expansion. Over the years, Americans have become more open to international cuisine and Jollibee has benefited from this shift. The company has been ramping up expansion plans and they are aiming to reach 500 restaurants in North America within the next five years.

There is no shortage of chicken chains in the U.S. with heavyweights like KFC and Chick-fil-A controlling a significant part of the market. What sets Jollibee apart is their menu and the Filipino culture that inspired it. They have staples like chicken tenders and a chicken sandwich, yet their Chickenjoy is the signature item that consists of bone-in fried chicken that is often served in a bucket reminiscent of KFC. Beyond the fried chicken, oddities like a burger served with pineapple and spaghetti served with banana ketchup and hot dog pieces round out a menu that is unexpected for fast-food chicken. That doesn’t even include their dessert menu that features pies filled with ube or peach mango alongside a pineapple juice drink that resembles lemonade.

While the company has been in the U.S. for over two decades, they have really only begun to strengthen their presence in the last few years. The company has exploded on social media and fried chicken fanatics have been intrigued by items they can’t get anywhere else. With the restaurant industry struggling and brands desperately trying to grab attention, Jollibee’s unique blend of familiar favorites and Filipino classics has set them up for a significant claim on the best fast-food fried chicken. Jollibee has been a runaway success in their home country and every indication so far is that Americans are loving Chickenjoy.