There’s a lot of #PinoyPride that comes with claiming Jollibee as our own. It's gone from humble beginnings to a global name that represents Filipino success. Just this past week, you might have heard the news that Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) has taken full ownership of Tim Ho Wan, but did you know our fast-food chain has over 15 brands in its portfolio?
We already know about local JFC favorites like Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Mang Inasal (if you didn’t—well, now you know), but there’s a whole lineup of other brands in China, Taiwan, South Korea, and the U.S. that JFC has quietly made its own over the years.
Global Brands Owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation
Burger King
In 2011, JFC became the official Philippine franchisee of Burger King, giving us access to the popular flame-grilled Whoppers without having to visit the U.S. There are currently 132 Burger King branches in the country.
Panda Express
This American Chinese fast-food favorite wanted to bring its popular Orange Chicken and savory Beijing Beef to Filipino shores, so it teamed up with JFC for a 50-50 joint venture with Panda Restaurant Group in 2018.
By 2024, the brand has expanded to multiple locations in the country, including the opening of its first drive-thru restaurant in Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna in 2023.
Yoshinoya
In 2021, JFC entered into a 50-50 joint venture with Yoshinoya International Philippines Inc. to operate and expand this Japanese fast-food chain's presence in the Philippines—and we’ve been enjoying the gyudon ever since.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was founded in 1963 in Los Angeles by Herbert Hyman, prepping the world for specialty coffee culture long before it went mainstream.
In 2019, Jollibee scooped it up for $350 million, making it JFC's biggest acquisition to date. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf now brews in the U.S., the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and beyond.
Tim Ho Wan
Founded in 2009 in Hong Kong, Tim Ho Wan became famous for Michelin-starred dim sum at budget-friendly prices.
JFC started investing in Tim Ho Wan in 2018 with a 45% stake in the brand’s Asia-Pacific franchise. By 2021, JFC took full ownership, making sure that fan favorites like the BBQ Pork Buns could reach even more plates in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
Smashburger
This American fast-casual burger chain is known for its "smashed" cooking technique that sears the beef patty. It was founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado before JFC acquired a 40% stake in 2015 and took full ownership by 2018.
Today, Smashburger remains a U.S.-focused brand under JFC's portfolio, offering burgers, fresh salads, and loaded sides for those looking for a break from typical fast food.
Yonghe King
JFC made its first major move into the Chinese market with Yonghe King, a quick-service restaurant chain offering Taiwanese-inspired dishes like soy milk and fried dough.
After JFC’s acquisition in 2004, Yonghe King has been the go-to choice for Chinese breakfasts across China with over 450 stores in total.
Highlands Coffee
Highlands Coffee began as a packaged coffee business in Hanoi, Vietnam before expanding into a popular cafe chain.
In 2012, JFC acquired a 50% stake in the company through its SuperFoods Group, then increased its ownership to 60% in 2017. This helped Highlands Coffee rise as one of Vietnam’s top coffee brands, with a menu that’s expanded to iced drinks and pastries to over 600 outlets across Vietnam and the Philippines.
Milksha
Milksha has been serving fresh milk tea since 2002. Jollibee jumped into the bubble tea craze in 2021, buying a 51% stake to expand Milksha’s reach in Taiwan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, and even the Philippines.
Since 2021, Milksha has been available through select Chowking branches. These beverages can also be ordered online via Grab and Foodpanda.
Hong Zhuang Yuan
This one might not ring a bell since it's only found in China, but Hong Zhuang Yuan is a staple for locals craving classic comfort food, especially congee.
JFC acquired the brand in 2008 as part of its push into the Chinese market. At the time of acquisition, Hong Zhuang Yuan had 37 branches, but it has expanded to 44 branches by 2021.
Compose Coffee
Founded in 2014 in Busan, South Korea, Compose Coffee has rapidly expanded to over 2,600 stores nationwide, offering quality coffee at affordable prices.
Exactly a decade later, JFC acquired a 70% stake in Compose Coffee for $340 million, marking its largest acquisition by store count. This move expands JFC's presence in South Korea, a country with one of the highest coffee consumption rates in the world.
Common Man Coffee Roasters
Common Man Coffee Roasters started in Singapore back in 2013. Exactly a decade later, too, JFC teamed up with Food Collective Pte. Ltd. with a 60% stake to bring the brand to the Philippines.
The first Philippine outlet opened at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, offering a range of specialty coffee and brunch options.
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
