Jollibee’s first ghost kitchen opens in ChicagoJollibee’s first ghost kitchen opens in Chicago

Joanna Fantozzi

Jollibee — the Philippines-based quick-service chain known for its signature Chickenjoy fried chicken dish and Jolly Spaghetti with sweet sauce — is entering the cloud kitchen market in Chicago. The company’s first ghost kitchen will be opening in the Chicago metro area out of a Kitchen United outpost called the Jollibee Chicago River North Cloud Kitchen.

In partnership with DoorDash, this virtual outpost will be focused on fulfilling pickup and delivery orders to new areas of the Chicago metro area (where the company already has two traditional stores) with new neighborhoods including River North, Lincoln Park, The Loop and Chinatown.

"We are very excited for the milestone launch of Jollibee's first-ever cloud kitchen in a prime Chicago location," said Maribeth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Foods Corporation North America. "Thanks to the unique cloud kitchen format of this new location, we are able to adapt to the current difficult environment of the pandemic while still growing our delivery capability and our off-premise business in a key market. Now, metro Chicagoans will be able to experience the joy of our signature offerings from the comfort and safety of their own homes."

To celebrate, the company is temporarily offering free delivery for orders of $15 and above.

Related:Jollibee Foods Corp. acquires final stake in Smashburger

Jollibee did not respond to requests for further information on if and when Jollibee will expand its ghost kitchen network further.  

Jollibee Foods Corporation — the parent company of Jollibee and owner of U.S.-based Smashburger and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf— has more than 5,800 stores internationally, and Jollibee has 54 stores across North America including California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.

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