Good news, JaxJerseylicious!
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=547487
Amazing.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on May 03, 2016, 02:23:57 PM
Good news, JaxJerseylicious!
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=547487
U...GOTTA...B...SHITTIN'...ME!!!! :o This is not only a great unique addition to JAX but also symbolic of not just the numbers of the Filipino community, but it's strong ties and demand for things culturally Filipino. Though not entirely a Filipino concept, the fact that the city is attracting a company like that adding to all the other fine Filipino-owned businesses already here says a lot about how Jacksonville embraces its diversity and could hopefully lead to other types of unique cultrual ventures taking a keen interest in setting up shop.
Now if JAX can get a Seafood City Supermarket... ;D
Never heard of them....but you had me at FRIED CHICKEN!
A new food place that is original and not at SJTC.
This is remarkable. I look forward to trying it out. It sounds really good.
It makes since to locate in the city with the largest Filipino population in FL.
Would love to see Chow King, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Max Chicken too! Can't wait for the mango peach pie and chicken joy! lasap sa sarap!
Quote from: Prax_N_Jax on May 11, 2016, 08:58:56 AM
Would love to see Chow King, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Max Chicken too! Can't wait for the mango peach pie and chicken joy! lasap sa sarap!
Would really love to see a fleet of Jeepneys...lol
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1231/1353885887_13b5ccae20.jpg)
I had only heard of this chain from one of Anthony Bourdain's shows. Pretty unique.
I will say my Filipino friends are pretty excited.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 11, 2016, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: Prax_N_Jax on May 11, 2016, 08:58:56 AM
Would love to see Chow King, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Max Chicken too! Can't wait for the mango peach pie and chicken joy! lasap sa sarap!
Would really love to see a fleet of Jeepneys...lol
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1231/1353885887_13b5ccae20.jpg)
Filipino ingenuity at it's best...
Quote from: Prax_N_Jax on May 11, 2016, 01:26:10 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 11, 2016, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: Prax_N_Jax on May 11, 2016, 08:58:56 AM
Would love to see Chow King, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Max Chicken too! Can't wait for the mango peach pie and chicken joy! lasap sa sarap!
Would really love to see a fleet of Jeepneys...lol
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1231/1353885887_13b5ccae20.jpg)
Filipino ingenuity at it's best...
Efficient, fast, friendly service...
Quote from: Prax_N_Jax on May 11, 2016, 08:58:56 AM
Would love to see Chow King, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Max Chicken too! Can't wait for the mango peach pie and chicken joy! lasap sa sarap!
Honestly not so impressed with the Max's Chicken stateside. The one in Jersey City was to me a bit overpriced and underwhelming. It's better in the Phillipines (as is Jollibee some would argue).
Chow King is basically a Filipino take on Chinese food. Also owned by Jollibee. They'd do very well in JAX since it has the same fanatic following of Jollibee.
And to some these are fightin' words, but IMO Goldilocks edges out Red Ribbon. They're both quality Phillipine bakeries but I'm partial to Goldilock's
ensamadas for nostalgic reasons.
All of these places would be great additions to Jacksonville dining. With all the current culinary offerings offered and proposed this would make the area foodie scene unique to the state but to the entire Deep South. Al this Filipino food talk makes me crave a big gooey slice of
sans rival and slip into a blissful sugar coma!
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 11, 2016, 09:54:57 AM
Would really love to see a fleet of Jeepneys...lol
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1231/1353885887_13b5ccae20.jpg)
That's my vote for the proposed Skyway replacement! ;D
Stoked.
Speaking of the jeepneys...anyone been to Jeepney Stop in OP? (Think that's the name...obviously Filipino food)
Quote from: Prax_N_Jax on May 11, 2016, 01:26:10 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 11, 2016, 09:54:57 AM
Quote from: Prax_N_Jax on May 11, 2016, 08:58:56 AM
Would love to see Chow King, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Max Chicken too! Can't wait for the mango peach pie and chicken joy! lasap sa sarap!
Would really love to see a fleet of Jeepneys...lol
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1231/1353885887_13b5ccae20.jpg)
Filipino ingenuity at it's best...
This will be a great addition to the city and if they bring their Jeepney, JTA will be in serious trouble!
These vehicles are something of a so-called 'Third World' art form, and they take great pride in the finish right down to the tiniest bolt head or 'dingle-ball,' it isn't just Filipino ingenuity. In Colombia (and most of the rest of South America) these little Jeepney's or 'Chivas' are more for show or tourist experience allowing a twenty first century child to ride like grandpa at the fair, plaza or special event. Sometimes they are used for special excursions but apparently Hollywood hasn't figured out that in many ways (buses included) that 'Third World' tends to be north of the Rio Grande.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/26961294605_994e33d20f.jpg)
This 'Chiva' advertises tours in Colombia
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/26961297725_5ab0d44874.jpg)
Staged for Hollywood? Maybe, but this scene would be hard to duplicate in Colombia today, I can't say how it would be in the Philippines?
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/26892894761_a5c24aa8a0.jpg)
After your excursion, a quick stop in ANY beach side souvenir shop and you can buy a tiny, handmade Chiva to take home.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7670/26687836330_67c6087583.jpg)
Lest you have seen too many Romancing the Whatever movies, you can't ride with chickens or pigs...
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7589/26356858543_4079d6c6ec.jpg)
Greyhound never had it so good, and those JTA express buses to Putnam, St. Johns or Nassau, the modern Colombian bus systems would make JTA weep!
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/26927759476_95e3dfe50c.jpg)
Imagine your JTA express ride to Flemming Island... and then tell me where the third world is!
All play aside, the restaurant is welcome, it would be very cool to see some of my old familiar FF places from south of the border, 'Coco Rico' (Flame roasted chicken); 'Mr. Ham' (Not even Arby's has this much meat); and 'Leno's and Carbon,' (Literally a fast food style Filet mignon, ribs or any other fine steak and roasted potato paradise)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7709/26893533471_250d00ce44.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7598/26961978145_7bdaf68d83.jpg)
Wonder if we carried a petition to the restaurant and the Colombian Chamber of Commerce maybe we... Well you know.
March 18 opening
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549432
Quote from: pierre on March 03, 2017, 01:22:04 PM
March 18 opening
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549432
I will be there!
Some Orlando area haters are complaining on FB (Jollibee page) talking about Orlando/South Florida should've gotten Jollibee first in FL; better believe that I was responding to their posts getting them straight too. It would've made no sense to skip a Top 5 test market with the largest Filipino population in the state for a city further South. Haters are gonna hate LOL
^ The Filipino population in those areas are too spread out.
Jax is perfect for FL's 1st Jollibee. I think a better argument would have been whether to locate it in Orange Park or in the Kernan area. But just an observation, Sandalwood high felt like it was 1/4 Filipino students, and that was 20 years ago. So I think the current location was a good decision
Lots of new places to eat downtown and surrounding areas.
Quote from: I-10east on March 12, 2017, 05:07:50 PM
Some Orlando area haters are complaining on FB (Jollibee page) talking about Orlando/South Florida should've gotten Jollibee first in FL; better believe that I was responding to their posts getting them straight too. It would've made no sense to skip a Top 5 test market with the largest Filipino population in the state for a city further South. Haters are gonna hate LOL
Can you, blame 'em? You'd be a little butthurt too if you're told your municipality is worthy of getting first dibs on nice things ;) You do make a great point about Jollibee choosing Jacksonville as their first deep south location but demographics isn't the only factor at play in their franchise decision-making. It's about gauging demand, and one way to do this is to get a closer look at the community their most likely to target.
As a former First Coast resident of Filipino descent, I saw first-hand with my involvement with some of these Filipino groups and organizations how they celebrated and exposed others to their culture, how involved they were in numerous civic-minded activities, how they encouraged and supported one another's businesses and trades, the strength of their faith, and the pride they had of not just being from the Philippines but as Jaxsons and Americans as well. Other people in town see that, and you can be sure that caught the eye of the Jollibee bigwigs. Them placing their first Florida location in Jacksonville is an acknowledgement of the strength of the area's Pinoy community rather than its numbers. And that's not to knock the pride and passion of the Tampa, Orlando, or Broward County Fil-Am people - in time hopefully they'll be rewarded accordingly.
An example that Jollibee is looking at more than just demos is the fact that despite the Metro DC area having the biggest population of Filipinos in the Mid-Atlantic they placed their only regional franchise not there but in Hampton Roads. I've been to both areas and they each have strong and vibrant Filipino communities, but the one in Virginia Beach/Norfolk is more tight-knit and thus got theirs.
More importantly, I'm hoping a Jollibee restaurant will have the affect similar to the region having an Ikea or football franchise or Ritz-Carlton by putting us on the map. The recognition of the Jax Filipino community as a result of Jollibee's presence will hopefully lead to future investment with benefits far beyond any one industry, culture, or group. Jacksonville's strength is like the opposite of a chain: It isn't derived from it's weakest link, but by the strength of it's numerous and diverse links.
So get ready to get in line for the opening, Jacksonville (Seriously! People are starting to camp out there now).
The line at Jollibee is now at 3 hours!!!!! I kid you not!
JSO is managing traffic. The parking lot in front is full. It is crazy!
Jollibee brought in 3 extra reefers to handle the crush of orders. Insane.
WOW! Pics or it didnt happen. 8)
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on March 18, 2017, 05:54:08 PM
WOW! Pics or it didnt happen. 8)
Ask you shall receive.
The reefers are on the far right. The JSO officers are just out of the picture on the right.
On the left side is the 1 hour and 2 hour wait of the line. Then it continues to the right where it gets to three hours. The manager gave me a big warning that it was taking 3 hours to reach the order window.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3789/33362485662_a4c715a42c_z.jpg)
Thanks for the pic. Dang! I'll have to give it a try some time. When I was visiting the Phillippines I thought it was mediocre, but I mean it's hard to compare favorably to the rest of the awesome food we ate.
What's the big deal about this place? I don't mean to sound like a jerk, so try to read that as just a question.
I thought it was Filipino fast food, but reading up on it, I saw that is was a PI-based chain of American-style fast food restaurants. When I looked at the menu, it didn't seem very different than American food.
Edit: I've got nothing against fast food - prior to going vegetarian, I was a huge Whatagurger fan.
Quote from: Adam White on March 19, 2017, 04:49:52 AM
What's the big deal about this place? I don't mean to sound like a jerk, so try to read that as just a question.
I thought it was Filipino fast food, but reading up on it, I saw that is was a PI-based chain of American-style fast food restaurants. When I looked at the menu, it didn't seem very different than American food.
Edit: I've got nothing against fast food - prior to going vegetarian, I was a huge Whatagurger fan.
"What's the big deal about this place?" is a fair question. The easy answer is not much, that it is (fast food) what it is nothing more but a fair inquiry deserves a fair response, so here goes...
First off, there is a lot of Filipino dishes offered in their international stores outside of the traditional burgers and fried chicken they're known for: palabok, sotanghon, Jufran-style spaghetti, Halo-Halo, buko and ube flavored drinks. Some items were offered seasonally, others are given Anglicized names.
But what really makes Jollibee important to so many is its role of placemaker. If you grew up in The Philippines during the late 70's to today, Jollibee was such an ubiquitous presence there. There is a lot of pride in the fact that this is a Filipino born and bred international success story, but more importantly many have described to me that Jollibee has the taste and feel of their childhood, of many happy memories, of home.
And don't forget that the Jollibee in Jacksonville is truly a regional draw. The next nearest one from here is over 500 miles away and with relatively easy access from I-295 it has the ability of attracting people that normally bypass Jax on their way to other Florida destinations. Early signs have shown people have come from far and wide to the grand opening this weekend but so many more are planning future visits here as well and possibly sticking around getting gas, shopping, maybe checking out what else Jacksonville has to offer and being pleasantly surprised. Placemaking!
And a PRO TIP for those non-Filipinos curious about Jollibee and want a taste of something more like the real thing: When Jollibee JAX starts offering breakfast, ask specifically for the garlic fried rice and tocino! DO NOT look for it on the menu - ii may be there but I forget what kind of silly 'Murican-like name they called it. Try not to order it at the drive-thru, GO IN! If you get a Filipino-American order taker, they'll know what you're talking 'bout ;)
That (along with some nice runny eggs) are as close to an authentic Filipino breakfast since canned corned beef and Spam are nothing new to Americans. All other traditional Filipino dishes offered for lunch, dinner, and dessert are done much better by the numerous Filipino restaurants and caterers in the area but are certainly worth a try.
For vegetarians, the Peach Mango pies always hit the spot. And RUN! don't walk to Jollibee when they bring back their Pineapple Floats!
Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on March 19, 2017, 01:17:17 PM
Quote from: Adam White on March 19, 2017, 04:49:52 AM
What's the big deal about this place? I don't mean to sound like a jerk, so try to read that as just a question.
I thought it was Filipino fast food, but reading up on it, I saw that is was a PI-based chain of American-style fast food restaurants. When I looked at the menu, it didn't seem very different than American food.
Edit: I've got nothing against fast food - prior to going vegetarian, I was a huge Whatagurger fan.
"What's the big deal about this place?" is a fair question. The easy answer is not much, that it is (fast food) what it is nothing more but a fair inquiry deserves a fair response, so here goes...
First off, there is a lot of Filipino dishes offered in their international stores outside of the traditional burgers and fried chicken they're known for: palabok, sotanghon, Jufran-style spaghetti, Halo-Halo, buko and ube flavored drinks. Some items were offered seasonally, others are given Anglicized names.
But what really makes Jollibee important to so many is its role of placemaker. If you grew up in The Philippines during the late 70's to today, Jollibee was such an ubiquitous presence there. There is a lot of pride in the fact that this is a Filipino born and bred international success story, but more importantly many have described to me that Jollibee has the taste and feel of their childhood, of many happy memories, of home.
And don't forget that the Jollibee in Jacksonville is truly a regional draw. The next nearest one from here is over 500 miles away and with relatively easy access from I-295 it has the ability of attracting people that normally bypass Jax on their way to other Florida destinations. Early signs have shown people have come from far and wide to the grand opening this weekend but so many more are planning future visits here as well and possibly sticking around getting gas, shopping, maybe checking out what else Jacksonville has to offer and being pleasantly surprised. Placemaking!
Thanks for the detailed answer.
I can see it's quite a big deal. So regardless of what it's serving, if it's got long lines like that and making that much of an impact, it's great for Jacksonville.
I am excited about a newcomer to greater Jacksonville.
Granted, I am not into fried chicken, but they have other dishes as well I want to try out.
I wasn't big on Pollo Tropical when they came here, but I acquired a taste for it.
So if I go there a hundred times or once a year, I am glad we have a broader cultural experience in town.
^True. Now if you can get a Bonchon to Jax I will be forever grateful. (I know, you said you're not into fried chicken lol)
https://bonchon.com
I love Pollo Tropical, but certainly will try this place. Friends and I would pick a new place to eat once a month.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on March 19, 2017, 11:29:51 PM
^True. Now if you can get a Bonchon to Jax I will be forever grateful. (I know, you said you're not into fried chicken lol)
https://bonchon.com
I dont hate fried chicken, i just dont like 2 things about most.
Lousy batter, overly greasy.
Monroes has great tenders, home made batter from scratch, but isnt the same as regular chicken.
Its hard to find that good combo anymore.
KFC is so greasy and homogenized now, gave them up many years ago.
Well KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) might suit you just fine then. Not greasy. Amazing batter.
Quote from: ProjectMaximus on March 20, 2017, 09:17:22 AM
Well KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) might suit you just fine then. Not greasy. Amazing batter.
I see there is Bonchon in Chinatown in Chicago now and one going up in Orlando. I will check it out.
The Chickenjoy and palabok are my staples! Waiting to indulge in their halo-halo when it gets warmer.
My friends in Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale are SCREAMING that they should have been the first to get a Jollibee.
::sips my future halo-halo::
This should help...
(http://www.jollibeeusa.com/images/jb_us_menu.jpg)
^^^^^ While the menus a very helpful guide to those new to Jolliebee, keep in mind that's their basic menu and that they're always offering new and different items just like your typical fast food franchise. If you feel the need to check it out and you're a Jollibie nube, I suggest you don't go to the drive-thru, go in and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with people in line, ask questions, get suggestions.
Remember, many people are really excited about this place and would be glad to guide you. They shouldn't find you annoying or nosey, plus it can save you time when you place your orders. Just have an open mind, a little patience, and hopefully you see why this is a nice addition to Jacksonville's cultural scene.
We tried to go into Jollibee tonight, but the lines for dinner were just too long. We will try again later.
As if Jollibee Jacksonville being the pirst in Plorida wasn't enough, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will be opening next month in the other Little Manila on Argyle Forest! These Pacific establishments are opening up shop faster than a Balikbayan box arrives stateside from PI.
https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/locations/
Quote from: JaxNole on March 23, 2017, 06:37:31 PM
As if Jollibee Jacksonville being the pirst in Plorida wasn't enough, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will be opening next month in the other Little Manila on Argyle Forest! These Pacific establishments are opening up shop faster than a Balikbayan box arrives statesidePI from PIstateside.
https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/locations/
FIFY...now
that's fast! ;)
Quote from: JaxNole on March 23, 2017, 06:37:31 PM
As if Jollibee Jacksonville being the pirst in Plorida wasn't enough, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will be opening next month in the other Little Manila on Argyle Forest! These Pacific establishments are opening up shop faster than a Balikbayan box arrives stateside from PI.
https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/locations/
Loco Moco an Spam musubi brah... 8)
^Is that place a PI establishment originally or Filipino-influenced Hawaiian establishment?
Per the JDR:
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549569 (http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=549569)
Jollibee welcomes 3,000 customers on first day in Jacksonville
Asia's largest restaurant company by market capitalization prepared Friday for its Saturday grand opening in Jacksonville with candles, prayers, blessings, a traditional coin toss and a song-and-dance by its mascot.
Jollibee Foods Corp. also rolled out a big bucket of Chickenjoy, its signature menu item, for guests to photograph at its Florida flagship fast-food restaurant at southwest Atlantic and Kernan boulevards.
Taste-testing ensued from smaller buckets of fried chicken passed around the crowd for the "Chickenjoy toast" and later at the buffet line.
"It's about time. It's a long wait," said Dr. Mel Carbonell, a physician and the president of the Filipino-American Community Council of Northeast Florida.
"Jollibee represents the Philippines," he said.
On Saturday morning, about 150 customers lined up by the 7 a.m. opening, with Westside resident Helen De Nardis at the front of the line with her daughter, son and grandson.
"We want to be part of history," she said.
De Nardis moved from the Philippines to Chicago and then Jacksonville.
The family set up near the front door at 2 a.m., she said. "We'll be here a lot. I don't mind driving."
Jollibee said 3,000 customers came through on opening day.
The restaurant is the largest fast-food chain brand in the Philippines, where it operates more than 950 stores.
Along with its other brands, Jollibee Foods Corp. operates more than 3,000 stores globally.
Has anyone been yet without a huge line? I stopped by on Saturday and said no way. As far as I can tell they don't even have their drive thru open yet due to crowds wrapping around the building. They may definitely need a second Jax location to ease the pressure.
Decided against my sister's advice to go on a Saturday afternoon, but it was about 1:45 til I got in, not the 3 hrs experience she'd been seeing.
Wonder if it's better on a weekday. Two things that were on the outside electronic menu that they said the didn't have: macaroni soup, and halo halo (boo).
But the chicken was hot and delicious, and the gravy rice was crazy good. I had the peach and mango pies for the first time--Awesome! Just like the Mcdonalds used to have fried pies but with two kinds of fruit in it. Jollibee's is better.
I just came back from the Philippines and during peak hours the Jollibee's there are packed also, nowhere to sit (and there is a Jollibee every 2 blocks).
If this branch succeeds, the rest will follow (Seafood City, Red Ribbon/Goldilocks, Chow King).
Quote from: seaspray on March 30, 2017, 12:12:26 AM
I just came back from the Philippines and during peak hours the Jollibee's there are packed also, nowhere to sit (and there is a Jollibee every 2 blocks).
If this branch succeeds, the rest will follow (Seafood City, Red Ribbon/Goldilocks, Chow King).
In a world where there is a Seafood City and a create-your-own halo-halo bar...there would be no more war.
Another reason to stop by Jollibee...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kAOvTFA5rs
Yay and boo at the same time.
It's great we are finally getting a Jollibee but I do wish it had more authentic Filipino food. Tocino is a good start but you have to ask for it directly rather than it being on the menu.
Bumping this thread back up because a new Filipino bakery just opened up across Atlantic Blvd. from the Jollibee. Friends who have visited say it's the real deal and the fact that they have been busy as hell with lines out the door and selling out early every day confirms it.
https://thebakersonusa.com/
When Jollibee first came to Jax I wasn't that excited about the store itself more so what other stores and services it attracts that would also serve the Filipino community. Says a lot about Jax Fil-Ams that a billion peso Philippine food giant and a well renowned Northern California Filipino bake shop choose to establish their presence here and be very successful (and without squeezing out existing Filipino family-owned businesses to boot).
Having strong communities like this is not only a unique draw for visitors and entrepreneurs alike, but can be a source of pride for all Jaxsons that can be continued to be built upon and thrive.
^awesome and great point
Years later and the line is still wrapped around the corner at Jollibees!