Jollibee Foods to try Guam after a decade withdrawal

Filipino fast-food giant Jollibee Foods plans to re-enter Guam this year after pulling out more than a decade ago as the islands went through an economic downturn.

Jollibee Foods assistant VP/head of international franchising Maxi Peralata Jr says it will open a restaurant in a strategic location in the fourth quarter, near Marine Corps Drive and Route 16/Army Drive in Dededo.

The outlet will be built within the Micronesia Mall compound, but this has not been confirmed by the mall’s management.

Peralta says a franchisee has been appointed. He has not disclosed the franchisee’s identity but says their partner has business interests in Guam and the Philippines.

Jollibee had two franchised restaurants on Guam and two on Saipan, but its Marianas presence ended with the economic downturn. Jollibee also had trouble competing with Guam players offering larger portions.

Internationally, Jollibee has 139 stores – 72 in Vietnam, 32 in the US, 19 in the Middle East, 13 in Brunei, two in SIngapore and one in Hong Kong.