Jollibee, The 'McDonald's Of The Philippines,' To Open Its First Manhattan Outpost

Jollibee, the largest fast food chain in the Philippines and deemed "the McDonald's of the Philippines" by The New York Times, is coming to Manhattan.

And if it's anything like the opening of the first East Coast location in Queens in 2009, you'll most definitely find yourself waiting on a long line for Chickenjoy.

The chain has signed a lease and is set to open at 609 Eighth Avenue, near the Port Authority Bus Terminal, reports Commercial Observer. Though the company has 890 restaurants worldwide, there are currently only two locations in the Northeast.

NGKF Retail's Harrison Abramowitz says, "Jollibee is primed for success at 609 Eighth Avenue given its optimum location near the bus terminal and the neighborhood's heavy foot traffic.

There is a large Filipino population in New Jersey, many of whom commute through Port Authority every day. This will be a tremendous help in introducing the chain to Manhattan."

For those unfamiliar with Jollibee, key menu items include burgers, sweet spaghetti with hot dogs, and Chickenjoy, the brand's iconic fried chicken, which is served with gravy and rice.