Consul General Senen Mangalile and Jollibee executives cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open Jollibee’s third store in Manhattan | Photo courtesy of the Philippine Consulate
NEW YORK — Jollibee, the global fast‑food chain beloved for its Chickenjoy and Filipino comfort‑food classics, has opened another New York City location — this time in Midtown Manhattan — marking a major milestone in its steady expansion across the tri‑state area. The new branch, located at 14 East 42nd Street, opened on March 31, 2026, drawing long lines of fans and commuters steps from Grand Central Terminal.
A Growing NYC Presence Rooted in Hell’s Kitchen
The Midtown store becomes the latest addition to Jollibee’s New York portfolio, which began with the brand’s first-ever NYC location in Hell’s Kitchen, opened in October 2018 at 609 10th Avenue (between 44th and 45th Streets). That inaugural store marked Jollibee’s entry into one of the world’s most competitive food markets and quickly became a destination for Filipino Americans and curious New Yorkers alike.
Since then, Jollibee has expanded steadily across the city. The Times Square flagship opened in 2022, followed by the Woodside, Queens branch in the heart of Little Manila. A new location at Queens Center Mall, near the Brooklyn‑Queens Expressway, is also slated to open later this year.
The East 42nd Street branch becomes Jollibee’s third Manhattan location, joining its Times Square flagship and its earlier Manhattan outposts. The company describes New York City as a “key growth market,” noting that its U.S. stores continue to outperform many competitors in the chicken category.
Grand Opening Draws Fans and Community Leaders
The East 42nd Street featured a three-day celebration from March 31 to April 2, including giveaways for the first 100 customers each day, including free Chicken Sandwiches for a year, limited‑edition “I JB NY” shirts, and Jollibee beanies.
Beth Dela Cruz, Business Group Head of Honeybee Foods Corporation (Jollibee’s U.S. operator), highlighted the significance of expanding in Manhattan. She said, “Manhattan, get ready for even more joy!”
A Strategic Location in Midtown
The new store, situated between Fifth and Madison Avenues, sits in one of the busiest pedestrian corridors in the country. Grand Central Terminal sees hundreds of thousands of visitors daily, making it an ideal location for both office workers and tourists.
The store offers dine‑in, take‑out, online ordering, and catering, operating from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily.
Jollibee’s Tri-State Expansion Continues
Beyond New York City, Jollibee has built a strong presence in New Jersey, where it operates multiple branches in East Rutherford, Edison, Jersey City, Newark, and Union. These locations are home to some of the largest Filipino American communities on the East Coast.
The brand’s U.S. growth is driven by the popularity of its core menu items — Chickenjoy, Peach Mango Pie, and the Chicken Sandwich — which have helped Jollibee achieve an average unit volume of $4.5 million, outperforming many competitors in the chicken category.
A Brand With Global Momentum
Jollibee Foods Corporation has stated its long‑term goal of becoming one of the top five restaurant companies in the world, and its New York expansion is a key part of that strategy. With the new Midtown store open and Queens Center Mall on the horizon, the company continues to strengthen its connection with Filipino Americans, New Yorkers, and global fans.
With its newest Midtown Manhattan store now open, Jollibee continues to strengthen its connection with Filipino Americans, New Yorkers, and global fans — one Chickenjoy bucket at a time.
