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Filipino fast food fave Jollibee plans first Seattle location

The franchise plans to open the location in late 2024 on Rainier Avenue.

October 19, 2023 • 
Gabe Guarente, Alina Hunter-Grah
A bucket filled with Jollibee fried chicken and the fast food chain's mascot on the container

Before going savory, Jollibee started as an ice cream parlor in the Philippines in 1975.

Photo via Jollibee

Oh my Jolly — global fast food chain Jollibee, known for its hugely popular fried chicken, plans to open its first-ever restaurant in Seattle.

Signs advertising the future outpost at the Rainier Valley Square strip mall now cover the space formerly occupied by MOD Pizza. A spokesperson for the franchise said the new restaurant is projected to open in late 2024, but the date may move around as renovations progress.

Jollibee — which began in the Philippines 48 years ago — has 1,500+ outposts in 17 countries and is expanding steadily in the area. The Southcenter Mall in Tukwila has had a Jollibee since 2010 and another one will open in Tacoma within weeks.

Eater declared Jollibee the best fried chicken from a fast food chain in the US, but it’s also known for its spaghetti made with banana ketchup. Fans sometimes line up days before a new opening — so Bee prepared.

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