Scenes From the Opening of Michigan’s First Jollibee Fried Chicken Restaurant | Eater Detroit

"I joined a joyful, freezing grand-opening frenzy when Jollibee opened on January 12 as the chain’s first franchise location in the Great Lakes State, and the excitement was palpable — more than 200 superfans, an emcee and jazz band, a breakdancing red-bee mascot, confetti, and even a priest blessing with a coin-tossing prosperity ritual. The building — erected on a former Denny’s site between a Chipotle and a La-Z-Boy near Lakeside Mall — sports an eye-catching giant red Chickenjoy bucket on the roof and a cozy interior of gray booths plus a long wooden table with red cushioned seats; the restaurant also features a double drive-thru that wrapped cars around the block. The menu leans into comforting Filipino twists: the signature Chickenjoy is juicy and crunchy (Eater called it the best chain fried chicken in America in 2022), the spicy chicken sandwich comes with Sriracha mayo and jalapeño slices, and the peach mango pie — made from Filipino mangoes — is flaky outside and gooey inside; I also tried refreshing pineapple quencher and noted classic sides like adobo rice, biscuits, spaghetti with chopped hot dogs, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a baked cheddar macaroni and cheese. Prices ranged from about $2.69 for a two-piece biscuit order to $35 for a family combo, and the Sterling Heights location is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it a standout new destination for fried-chicken aficionados and locals craving a taste of home." - Eleanore Catolico