San Antonio will soon be home to the third Texas location of a Jollibee restaurant. A fast-food chain originating in the Philippines, this perky, mascoted eatery can also be found in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. Currently, Texas is home to two other locations found in Houston and Missouri City.
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Coming Soon to San Antonio: Jollibee Brings Philippines Treats
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Officially the largest fast-food brand in the Philippines, Jollibee is certain to bring unique flavors and food combinations. The menu includes spaghetti, burgers, and fried chicken, called Chickenjoy at the restaurant, as well as more traditional Filipino dishes such as palabok and tocino. Looking for American comfort food with a touch of the Philippines to sample? Order a bucket of Chickenjoy, Palabok, and Peach Mango pies. The San Antonio Jollibee site is planned to open sometime between October and December of 2020. It is located at 5033 NW Loop 410 and can be seen currently with signage among the renovations.
Photo: @jijieforsythe via Twenty20
Jollibee began in 1975 as an ice cream shop in Cubao, Quezon City by Tony Tan Caktiong and his family. Upon customer request, hot food was added to the menu and was eventually served more than the ice cream. Jollibee turned to fast food completely in 1978. The mascot is a bright red and yellow bee who was originally designed to personify Filipino optimism. Founder and Chairman Tony Tan has described the mascot as a bee which “hops around and produces sweet things for life, and is happy even though it is busy.”
Looking to try other Filipino food in anticipation of the Jollibee opening? Several options exist in the Alamo City alone, including Susie’s Lumpia House, Laguna Café, Sari-Sari, and Lily’s. Want more? Connect with the culture of the Philippines through the Texas Folklife Festival, typically held each June. An entire section there is dedicated to the Filipino culture in the city!
