Jollibee Just Bought Korea’s Leading Hot Pot Chain For $87 Million

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) has officially signed a deal to acquire All Day Fresh Co. Ltd., the operator of South Korea’s leading hot pot chain, Shabu All Day, for approximately $87 million (KRW 127 billion or ₱5.1 billion)

The acquisition, announced on February 20, 2026, was executed through JFC’s subsidiary, Jolli-K Co. Ltd., in which the group holds a 70% stake. Private equity firm Elevation Equity Partners Korea holds the remaining 30%.

Shabu All Day is currently the top hot pot brand in South Korea by store count, operating 169 outlets with annual system-wide sales of roughly $285 million. JFC Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong stated that the investment aligns with the company’s “strategic pillars” of acquiring high-growth, profitable, and scalable brands. The move capitalizes on the global “communal dining” trend, with the hot pot segment projected to reach a $90 billion market value by 2029 according to data from Euromonitor.

This marks Jollibee’s second major play in South Korea, following its $340 million acquisition of Compose Coffee in 2024. While Shabu All Day expands JFC’s presence in Korea, the company is already preparing to launch Compose Coffee in the Philippines. Given these facts, many are already speculating on the eventual arrival of Shabu All Day in Manila. Many netizens also worry that Jolibee buying this chain will lower its quality, citing previous purchases such as Mang Inasal and Chowking.