JOLLIBEE FOODS CORP. (JFC) said it launched its first Chowking store in the United States east coast, setting up shop in New Jersey.
In a statement on Wednesday, the listed fastfood giant said it opened its 16th US Chowking store in Jersey City, which is in line with its “aggressive expansion plans in North America.” The company first brought the brand to the US in 1995.
“The opening of the Jersey City store is key in our progress as this marks Chowking’s first entry in the East Coast. Jersey City is home to a large Filipino population making it a natural area of expansion for Chowking,” Maribeth D. Dela Cruz, president of the Jollibee group for North America, Philippine brands.
JFC said opening day sales “were unprecedented.” Without disclosing specific figures, the company said the brand logged the “highest one-day sale of a Chowking store in the US,” with customers even lining up for hours.
The company said Jersey City has a “thriving Filipino community” and is New Jersey state’s second-most populous city.
Its Jersey City menu includes Chicken Wonton Noodles and Soy Garlic Ginger Chicken, which will soon be available in other Chowking stores.
JFC shares on Wednesday declined 2.19% or P5 to close at P223 per share. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte
