Huge queues from 5.30am as Jollibee opens Leeds restaurant for first time

Leeds residents started queuing more than four hours before the launch of new city centre restaurant Jollibee this morning.
By Daniel Sheridan
Published 10th May 2021, 16:45 GMT
Updated 11th May 2021, 10:44 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

More than 150 lined up socially distanced across the Headrow before the restaurant opened at 10am.

Read More
Pubs, clubs and restaurants that won't reopen in Leeds on May 17

Jollibee is a restaurant chain founded in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong in the Philippines.

Huge queues from 5.30am as Jollibees opens Leeds restaurant for first time cc Jollibee'sHuge queues from 5.30am as Jollibees opens Leeds restaurant for first time cc Jollibee's
Huge queues from 5.30am as Jollibees opens Leeds restaurant for first time cc Jollibee's
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Their large opening day queues are renowned around the world due to a cult following - including hundreds of Filipino-British fans of the brand.

A spokesperson for Jollibee said it was excited to welcome British customers through the door and to "serve up the best fried chicken around."

The brand has big ambitions to rival the major fast food names in the UK.

Adam Parkinson, Market Head of Europe for Jollibee, said: “It’s been amazing to see so many excited people from Leeds supporting us and coming out on the opening day!

Huge queues from 5.30am as Jollibees opens Leeds restaurant for first timeHuge queues from 5.30am as Jollibees opens Leeds restaurant for first time
Huge queues from 5.30am as Jollibees opens Leeds restaurant for first time
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We hope that Jollibee will become a much-loved part of Leed’s buzzing community."

Mr Parkinson officially cut the ribbon in the opening ceremony alongside the Leeds team and Jollibee's iconic mascot.

The store is currently open for takeaway only, in line with government regulations. Deliveries will soon be available and dine-in will follow once lockdown rules are lifted.

Related topics:JollibeeLeeds

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.