Jolibee's fried chicken beats out US fast food rivals

For the second year in a row, the Filipino chain Jolibee was judged to have the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the United States according to USA TODAY 10Best.

This year’s USA Today Readers’ Choice poll, voted on by thousands of Americans, confirms just how far Jollibee has come. The Philippine fast-food favorite was chosen over some of the United States' better known fried chicken outlets.

"They’re best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides — and don’t forget to dip it in their silky gravy,” 10Best writes.

The fast food chain from the Philippines, although not heavily marketed beyond word-of-moiuth, beat Guatemalan fast food chain Pollo Campero, Popeyes, and Chick-fil-A. Kentucky Fried Chicken didn't even break into the top 10.

The top 10 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken brands are:

1. Jollibee
2. Pollo Campero 
3. Guthrie's Chicken
4. Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders
5. Popeyes
6. Golden Chick
7. Chick-fil-A
8. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
9. Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
10. Bojangles

While the fried chicken is a star, Jollibee also offers other popular menu items, such as the Filipino-style Jolly Spaghetti (with a sweet-style sauce and hotdogs), Burger Steak (beef patty with mushroom gravy), and Peach Mango Pie. For the more curious customer, Jolibee's take of Filipino favorites,  pancit palabok and adobo fried rice, is a good introduction to the Philippine palate.

It also offers a spicy version of the fried chicken. In addition, the fried chicken can be in a sandwich and chicken tenders.  

This year’s USA Today Readers’ Choice poll, voted on by thousands of Americans, confirms just how far Jollibee has come since opening its first US store in Daly City, California in 1998. The Filipino fast food chain has expanded to over 90 locations across North America, 76 stores in 14 US states, drawing long lines and loyal fans wherever it lands.

Jollibee's projected expansion goal is to have 350 stores across both the US and Canada in the next couple of years. Jollibee's franchising program will play a critical role in this growth strategy, with franchise-owned stores projected to make up the majority of its footprint.

FYI: For more information about the franchise program, such as application requirements and frequently asked questions, please visit www.jollibeefoods.com/franchising.

"Jollibee brings a special warmth and hospitality to the QSR landscape in North America – it's a unique element that our brand is very proud of, and we are even more proud to provide that joyful dining experience that you won't find anywhere else," said Maribeth Dela Cruz, Business Group Head, Honeybee Foods Corporation dba Jollibee. "Franchise candidates have the opportunity to build upon 47 years of expansion and usher in a new era for Jollibee."

The number one menu item that sets the chain apart from anyone else is its gravy. Don't be surprised if the Jolibee's US competitors introduce their own gravy dipping sauces. The gravy arrives as a bowl of piping hot, velvety, flavorful, hazelnut-colored goodness. Imagine that perfect gravy you love on a plate of poutine, add the Jollibee logo, and you've got it. For the full flavor experience, make sure to dip every piece of chicken you have in that bucket into the gravy. 

For several yars, celebrated chefs and food critics like the late Anthony Bourdain have predicted the food of the Philippines to be the "next big thing."  Perhaps unwittingly, Jollibee's success in North America might be the gateway for more people to discover the complexities of Philippine cuisine beyond the fried chicken.

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