SEATTLE — The very first Jollibee in Seattle proper opened over the weekend in the Rainier Valley neighborhood and Joshua Padilla, a Filipino-American super-fan who also works in KING 5's marketing department, was eager to show us "why Jollibee is so awesome." He started with the large statute of a very happy bee next to the store's entrance.
"This guy right here is the most beloved character in all of the Philippines," Padilla said, next to the beaming mascot.
The fast-food chain started in the Philippines in 1975 and there are now over 1500 worldwide, with the addition of Rainier Valley, 3 are in Washington.
"It is like the Disneyland of fast food restaurants in the Philippines and everyone loves it," Padilla said.
The restaurant is known for that bright red happy bee mascot, emotional commercials that play like mini-movies, and a feel-good philosophy.
What order is the ultimate Jollibee experience?
"If you're going to Jollibee this is what you want - a giant bucket of Chicken Joy. It is crunchy, it is savory, it is just filled with juicy meaty goodness," said Padilla. "But you've got to get the gravy. This gravy right here is liquid gold."
The gravy is ostensibly for dipping fried chicken. It's also acceptable to dip fries in the gravy, pour it over the adobo rice, or simply treat it as a beverage.
"I am not joking. I will drink this gravy," Padilla said.
Todd Reed, who lives in the Rainier Valley neighborhood, has been waiting for this place to open.
"Filipino Popeyes...that's what it is," he said. "It's, can I say, a mouth orgasm. That's what we call it."
Nick Bedell, Marketing Manager for Jollibee says he's looking forward to people discovering Jollibee for the first time, and for the exposure this new location will give the brand.
"We're really excited to have our first store in Seattle proper here in Rainier Valley, the diverse community here is really perfect, and we love the fact that there's such a rich culinary scene here that we get to be a part of," Bedell said.
One of the more unique things about this place - Jolly Spaghetti. It is what you think it is, yet it's different.
"It is sweet, and savory, and delicious," said Padilla. "Filipino spaghetti is such a specific meal. it's a sweet dish."
It's an unlikely combo, but we saw folks all doing the same thing at the new Jollibee - eating fried chicken, with a big ol' side of spaghetti.
"You come here for Jollibee spaghetti man, that's what you do. You get fried chicken, you get spaghetti. Done Day. That's all that matters!" Padilla said.
There are plenty of other menu items, from burgers to adobo rice. And always, the words you hear as the hard working person behind the counter hands you your tray or bag of whatever joy you order?
Have a Jolly Day!
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