---
title: "Jollibee Debuts Its First Franchise Restaurant in California, Advancing U.S. Growth Strategy"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/dc6870b0-40e4-4ae6-b030-c84ef99e69d2
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260817_jollibee_debuts_its_first_franchise_restaurant_in_california_advancing_us_g.html
category: "Fast casual"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Fast casual"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit","Emerging brands"]
published: 2026-08-17T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:43:24.021Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Jollibee Debuts Its First Franchise Restaurant in California, Advancing U.S. Growth Strategy

**TL;DR:** Jollibee has opened its first franchise restaurant in California, as part of a 24-unit franchise-development agreement spanning Northern California, Nevada, and Texas. The brand continues to grow in North America, with over 100 locations and recent awards such as being named 'Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken in America' by USA TODAY.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-08-17. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260817_jollibee_debuts_its_first_franchise_restaurant_in_california_advancing_us_g.html).*

## Story

The new Jollibee Roseville store marks the first location delivered under a 24-unit franchise-development agreement that spans Northern California, Nevada, and Texas. The expansion will be led by franchisees Sanjive Datta, a seasoned business leader and multi-unit franchise operator, and Ajay Chopra, an entrepreneurial executive with nearly 30 years of experience building and growing companies. They will work alongside Operating Partner Paul Avila, a multi-unit restaurant operator with leadership experience across major QSR brands.

The Roseville location relates to Jollibee's history in Northern California, which began in 1998 with the opening of its first U.S. restaurant in Daly City. A Downtown San Francisco location opened recently.

"Roseville is an exciting milestone for Jollibee as we continue to bring our one-of-a-kind dining experience to more communities across the country," said Beth Dela Cruz, President, Jollibee North America. "This opening reflects the momentum behind our franchising program and the strength of the experienced operators joining us in our mission to spread joy through great-tasting food, warm service and meaningful guest experiences."

Jollibee's franchise expansion is supported by unit economics, including an average unit volume (AUV) across its North American system. Since launching its North American franchising program, the brand has attracted franchise groups, reflecting interest in its market presence.

As a testament to its broadening consumer appeal, USA TODAY recently named Jollibee "Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken in America" for the third consecutive year (July 2026). The brand's momentum is further reinforced by global recognition, including being named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies list and being top in the ranking in the Food & Drink category on Time's inaugural short list. With more than 100 locations across North America, Jollibee continues to grow and stand out in one of the world's most competitive restaurant markets.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- QSR (sector)
- franchise development (topic)
- texas (location)
- California (location)
- Nevada (location)
- USA TODAY (company)
- Jollibee (company)
- qsr market (topic)
- Northern California (location)
- Beth Dela Cruz (person)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260817_jollibee_debuts_its_first_franchise_restaurant_in_california_advancing_us_g.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/dc6870b0-40e4-4ae6-b030-c84ef99e69d2).