There are reports in the media that the Filipino fast food firm Jollibee is getting ready to open in Toronto. Jollibee is little known in North America outside Filipino neighbourhoods but it is an enormous company with as many as 2,800 outlets worldwide, 800 in its native Philippines. It serves a transitional cuisine of Spam sandwiches and hamburgers topped with pineapple as well as native fries. Spam is the World War II staple which was introduced to the Philippines by the US Army. The word is an acronym for Spiced Ham and continues to be a popular food there. According to media, there is no opening date set for a Toronto store but its arrival is much anticipated. For many, having Jollibee at their doorstep “would be like going back to home,” Tess Cusipag said. She is editor and publisher of Balita, a Filipino-Canadian newspaper. There are a number of Filipino enclaves in Toronto, including Thorncliffe Park.
