Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Mark Carney visited a Jollibee restaurant in downtown Vancouver recently as the Filipino-founded fast-food chain highlighted its economic ties between Canada and the Philippines and outlined plans to expand its Canadian footprint.
The visit comes as Jollibee approaches its 10th anniversary in Canada and prepares to accelerate growth across the country through its franchising program over the next five years.
The company said the visit recognized Jollibee’s role in bilateral trade between Canada and the Philippines while drawing attention to its expansion strategy in the Canadian market. Jollibee entered Canada in December 2016 with the opening of its first restaurant in Winnipeg and says it intends to continue adding locations nationwide.
The Vancouver event also followed two recognitions for the company’s flagship brand in 2026. Jollibee said it was named to the inaugural TIME100 Companies Industry Leaders in Food & Drink top-10 shortlist and was also included in the sixth annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list.
Beth Dela Cruz, president of Jollibee North America, said the visit reflected the company’s growth and its relationship with both countries.
“The immense privilege of hosting both President Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Carney at our downtown Vancouver store, is a truly historic moment for our brand. This visit is a powerful symbol of Jollibee’s place on the global stage. It celebrates the deep bilateral ties between Canada and the Philippines, the vital role of the Filipino-Canadian diaspora in our growth, and the incredible momentum of our brand as we bring our unique, joyful dining experience to more Canadian families,” she said.
Jollibee said its international operations support exports of agricultural products and food manufactured in the Philippines for sale in overseas markets, including Canada. According to the company, products such as Peach Mango Pies, made with Philippine mangoes, and other proprietary ingredients are produced in the Philippines before being exported to Canada.
The company also said its Canadian expansion is supported by its North American franchising platform. It said each new Canadian restaurant represents a local investment and is expected to create between 50 and 60 jobs.
During the Vancouver visit, Marcos and Carney joined Jollibee North America executives and the company’s mascot for commemorative photographs inside the restaurant.
The two leaders also participated in a tasting featuring several menu items, including Jolly Crispy Chicken, chicken sandwiches, Peach Mango Pie and Pineapple Quencher. The company said the menu highlighted products connected to its Philippine supply chain.
Jollibee Foods Corp. said it operates more than 10,400 stores and cafés across 33 countries through a portfolio of 20 restaurant brands.
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