Jollibee Foods to Acquire South Korean Hot Pot Chain All Day Fresh

Why It Matters

The purchase underscores Jollibee’s aggressive global growth and prepares a diversified asset base for a high‑profile U.S. IPO, signaling confidence in Asian casual‑dining demand.

Key Takeaways

• Jollibee acquires All Day Fresh hot pot chain.
• Acquisition strengthens presence in South Korean market.
• Move precedes 2027 US IPO of overseas unit.
• Diversifies portfolio beyond fast‑food to hot‑pot concept.
• Signals confidence in Asian casual‑dining growth.

Pulse Analysis

Jollibee Foods has long pursued a multi‑market growth model, first expanding across Southeast Asia before eyeing larger, more mature economies. The All Day Fresh acquisition is the latest step in a pattern that includes previous stakes in Vietnam and China, each designed to broaden the group’s culinary reach and reduce reliance on its flagship fried‑chicken brand. By adding a hot‑pot concept, Jollibee taps into a dining format that enjoys strong per‑capita spend in Korea, where communal eating and premium broth offerings are cultural staples.

All Day Fresh, founded in 2015, operates over 150 locations nationwide and has built a reputation for modern, tech‑enabled service that appeals to younger urban diners. Its menu blends traditional Korean flavors with a fast‑casual experience, positioning it well for integration into Jollibee’s supply chain and operational expertise. The synergy promises cross‑border menu innovation, potential co‑branding opportunities, and a platform for scaling the hot‑pot model into other markets where Jollibee already has a presence, such as the United States and the Middle East.

The timing of the deal dovetails with Jollibee’s plan to spin off its overseas businesses and list them on a U.S. exchange by 2027. A diversified portfolio that includes a high‑growth Korean brand enhances the attractiveness of the offering to institutional investors seeking exposure to Asian consumer trends. Moreover, the move reflects a broader industry shift where regional restaurant groups pursue strategic acquisitions to accelerate market entry, diversify revenue, and position themselves for capital‑market transactions in a competitive global foodservice landscape.

Deal Summary

Philippine restaurant giant Jollibee Foods announced on Monday that it will acquire South Korean hot‑pot chain All Day Fresh, its latest overseas expansion ahead of a planned U.S. IPO of its international operations in 2027. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.