Jollibee is one of the most famous fast-food chains in the world. It started in the Philippines and has now expanded to many countries. People love Jollibee for its delicious fried chicken, sweet spaghetti, and tasty burgers. But who owns this famous brand? Let’s take a closer look at the man behind Jollibee and how it became a global success.
Jollibee was founded by Tony Tan Caktiong. He is a businessman from the Philippines who started his journey in the food business with a small ice cream shop. Tony was born in China but moved to the Philippines with his family when he was young. His family worked hard, and he learned the value of dedication and perseverance.
How Jollibee Started
In 1975, Tony Tan Caktiong opened a small ice cream parlor in Quezon City, Philippines. He noticed that customers were looking for something more than just ice cream. They wanted hot meals like burgers and fried chicken. Tony listened to his customers and started serving these food items. Soon, his small shop became very popular, and in 1978, he officially launched Jollibee as a fast-food restaurant.
The Growth of Jollibee
Jollibee quickly became a favorite among Filipinos. Unlike other fast-food chains, Jollibee offered food that matched the local taste, like sweet-style spaghetti and crispy Chickenjoy. Because of this, it became more popular than international brands like McDonald’s in the Philippines.
Tony Tan Caktiong’s vision was not just to dominate the local market but to expand worldwide. Over the years, Jollibee opened branches in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Asia.
Who Owns Jollibee Today?
Jollibee is owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), which Tony Tan Caktiong founded. JFC is now one of the biggest food companies in the world. While Tony is still the Executive Chairman, JFC is a publicly traded company, meaning it has many investors who own shares of the business.
Even though the company is publicly owned, Tony Tan Caktiong and his family still hold a significant part of Jollibee. This means they continue to have a strong influence on how the company operates.
Jollibee’s Other Brands
Jollibee Foods Corporation does not only own Jollibee. Over the years, it has acquired and created other food brands, including:
- Chowking – A Chinese fast-food restaurant
- Greenwich – A pizza and pasta chain
- Red Ribbon – A famous bakery brand
- Mang Inasal – A restaurant specializing in grilled chicken
- Burger King Philippines – The franchise of Burger King in the country
These brands have helped JFC become even more successful.
Jollibee’s Global Expansion
Today, Jollibee has more than 1,600 stores worldwide. It continues to expand and open new branches in different parts of the world. Many Filipinos and non-Filipinos enjoy Jollibee’s unique flavors, proving that a local brand can compete with global fast-food giants.
Why is Jollibee So Popular?
Jollibee is loved for several reasons:
- Delicious and affordable food – Jollibee’s menu is tasty and budget-friendly.
- Family-friendly atmosphere – The restaurant is known for its warm and welcoming vibe.
- Unique flavors – Jollibee offers food that appeals to both Filipino and international tastes.
- Strong brand identity – The Jollibee mascot is famous and loved by kids and adults alike.
With Tony Tan Caktiong’s leadership, Jollibee continues to grow. The company is investing in more international markets and expanding its menu. It aims to become one of the biggest fast-food chains in the world.
Conclusion
Tony Tan Caktiong started Jollibee from a small ice cream shop and turned it into a global success. Even though Jollibee is now owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation and its investors, Tony and his family still play a big role in running the business. Jollibee is proof that with hard work, vision, and a love for good food, a small business can grow into something amazing.