Jollibee, the Filipino fried chicken chain known for its devoted following, is set to open its first downtown San Francisco location on July 31. The opening comes after a six-year delay attributed to navigating city bureaucracy and logistical challenges.
The new restaurant will be situated in a former Payless shoe store near the Powell Street station of the Bay Area Rapid Transit and Hallidie Plaza. Operations are slated to run daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering dine-in, to-go, and online ordering options for popular menu items like crispy fried chicken, Filipino-style sweet spaghetti, and peach-mango pies.
The path to opening was marked by significant delays. Originally slated for a 2023 opening, the launch was pushed to 2024, then 2025, before finally being confirmed for this year. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that much of the holdup involved city approvals, including historic preservation reviews, utility installations, and coordination with multiple agencies due to the location's proximity to public transit.
Earlier this year, noise testing for rooftop mechanical equipment exceeded San Francisco’s decibel thresholds, requiring the installation of "vibration isolation pads." City departments ultimately granted final approval this month. Fans had closely monitored the site for any signs of progress, including the recent removal of boards covering the windows.
This San Francisco opening is part of a larger expansion for Jollibee. A franchisee has announced plans to open 15 additional locations across Northern California over the next eight years. The chain currently operates more than 1,700 stores globally, with over 109 locations in North America. California leads U.S. states with 28 Jollibee restaurants.