Jollibee acquires Shabu All Day

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) has acquired a 70% stake in South Korea's prominent hot pot chain, Shabu All Day, for $87 million. This transaction, executed via JFC’s unit Jolli-K, aims to bolster the Philippine fast-food group's footprint in Asia's evolving dining sector. The remaining 30% of Shabu All Day will continue to be held by Seoul-based private equity firm Elevation Equity Partners Korea.

Shabu All Day operates 169 outlets across South Korea and stands as the country's largest hot pot brand by store count. It generates approximately $285 million in annual system-wide sales, attributed largely to its popular all-you-can-eat model featuring premium beef and an extensive dessert bar. This acquisition represents Jollibee's continued strategic expansion following its previous purchase of Compose Coffee in 2024.

Jollibee Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong stated that the acquisition aligns with the group's strategy to invest in scalable, high-performing brands that provide long-term growth potential. He emphasized that additions like Shabu All Day enhance JFC's portfolio by aligning with strategic priorities and generating sustainable value for shareholders.

Industry forecasts by Euromonitor indicate that the global hot pot market could reach $90 billion by 2029, underlining rising demand for communal dining experiences. Jollibee anticipates that the Shabu All Day acquisition will increase its global earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) by about 8% by 2026. The company projects that its international operations will soon account for nearly half of its total revenues, underscoring the significance of its expansion into the South Korean market.

Looking ahead, the collaboration with Elevation Equity Partners is expected to accelerate Shabu All Day’s growth, leveraging Jollibee’s international scale and brand development expertise. As the partnership develops, the market will watch closely to assess how this acquisition impacts JFC's market positioning and financial performance in the competitive Asian food service industry.