Jollibee Foods Corporation has taken a decisive step forward in its South Korea expansion, securing regulatory approval for its planned acquisition of one of the country’s fastest-growing dining concepts.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission has approved the deal that will see Jollibee’s 70%-owned subsidiary, Jolli-K Co., Ltd., acquire All Day Fresh Co., Ltd.—the company behind Shabu All Day, the country’s largest all-you-can-eat hot pot chain.
The clearance marks a critical milestone for the Jollibee Group as it deepens its footprint in one of Asia’s most dynamic food markets. It also builds on the company’s earlier momentum in Korea, including its acquisition of the fast-growing coffee brand Compose Coffee.
Once finalized, the deal is expected to deliver measurable gains: Shabu All Day could contribute around 2% to Jollibee’s revenues, 8% to global EBIT, and 1% to its total store network—further strengthening the group’s growth engine.
“We see this as a strategic addition to our Korea platform,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, global president and CEO of Jollibee. “It reflects our continued focus on scalable, high-return businesses that drive sustainable, profitable growth.”
For Richard Shin, the approval signals more than regulatory progress—it sets the stage for execution. “Our priority now is a smooth closing and integration. Shabu All Day fits well with our existing platform, offering a proven format and clear pathways for expansion while preserving its strong customer experience,” he said.
Shabu All Day, operated by All Day Fresh, has built a dominant position in Korea through its expansive footprint and strong systemwide sales. With around 170 stores nationwide, the brand stands out for its fully integrated all-you-can-eat concept—anchored on hot pot dining with premium beef, complemented by a wide spread of hot dishes, desserts, and even unlimited alcohol offerings at competitive prices.
Beyond its consumer appeal, the brand offers compelling business fundamentals. Its large-format stores—averaging 60 tables per location—are designed for high volume, while its estimated payback period of just two to three years underscores strong unit economics.
For Jollibee, the acquisition is more than just adding another brand—it’s a calculated bet on a scalable concept riding the wave of strong demand for communal, value-driven dining in South Korea.