The Philippine's Jollibee is set to open in Australia 2017

Filipino fast food chain Jollibee is set to open in Australia by 2017, according to its international markets vice president Dennis Flores.

In a report by Mashable Asia, Jollibee, which is considered as Asia's McDonald's, has 801 stores in the Philippines, as well as in Brunei, Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It also has a few chains in the Middle East and in the United States. Filipinos are very loyal and proud of this chain, which is why it is opening up in countries that have high densities of "Pinoys." Jollibee's menu is basically the same with McDonalds, with burgers, fried chicken, fries, spaghettis and more. However, it has a more Filipino take and flavor on these foods.

"Currently, we are present in two [continents], and in the next two years we will see Jollibee in four continents," said Flores at the 17th Asia Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition in a report by ABS-CBN. "We are doing our best to open our first stores in the UK and Italy next year, and soon in Australia and Japan. We will continue our journey with Jollibee as a truly global brand."

Manila reported that Australia will be the third continent that Jollibee has conquered. Filipinos are the third largest Asian immigrant in Australia. Fil-Aussies are the fifth biggest subgroups outside of the Philippines. This makes Australia a wise place to expand to for the fast food chain, which is looking for countries with high concentration of Filipinos.

Jollibee Food Corp. recently acquired 40 percent of U.S. food chain Smashburger for $99 million. It plans to buy up to two more foreign food suppliers. These new food suppliers should be as big as Jollibee or bigger to boost the financial aspect of the business.

So far, Jollibee Food Corp has 87 restaurants in the United States. 32 of those restaurants are Jollibee stores, 33 are Red Ribbon, 19 are Chowking, and 3 are Jinja stores.