If you’ve ever bitten into a piece of Chickenjoy, you’ve probably wondered who’s behind the smiling red bee. It’s a massive operation. Honestly, it’s kinda mind-blowing how a tiny ice cream parlor in 1970s Manila turned into a global powerhouse that now owns everything from Coffee Bean to smashburger joints in the US.
But when people ask who is the owner of Jollibee, they usually expect a single name. While there’s one man at the center of the story—Tony Tan Caktiong—the reality in 2026 is a bit more complex. Jollibee isn’t just a family business anymore; it’s a massive, publicly traded entity called Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) that's currently in the middle of a massive structural split.
The Man, The Myth: Tony Tan Caktiong
Tony Tan Caktiong is the guy. He’s the founder, the visionary, and the reason Jollibee exists. He started out with two Magnolia ice cream parlors in 1975, but he quickly realized people wanted hot meals. By 1978, he'd officially incorporated Jollibee.
Today, he serves as the Chairman of the Jollibee Group. But if you look at the stock market filings for 2026, you won't see his name owning 100% of the company. That’s not how these mega-corps work. Instead, Tony and his family control the business through various holding companies.
The family "Control"
The Tan family still keeps a very tight grip on the wheel. Ernesto Tanmantiong, Tony’s brother, is the President and CEO. Another brother, William Tan Untiong, handles the real estate and corporate secretary side. It’s a family affair, but one that’s governed by strict professional standards.
Basically, the "owner" is a collection of family-led holding firms, with Hyper Dynamic Corporation being the biggest player, holding roughly 43% of the shares as of recent 2025 and 2026 filings.
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The 2026 Twist: The Great US Spin-Off
Here is what most people are getting wrong lately. They think Jollibee is just a Filipino company. But as of January 2026, the company has officially moved forward with a plan to spin off its international business.
This is huge.
Basically, they are splitting the company in two. One side will stay in the Philippines to manage the 1,200+ local branches. The other side—the international division—is headed for a US-based IPO (Initial Public Offering) targeted for late 2027.
Why does this matter for ownership?
- Foreign Investors: In February 2025, the Philippine Stock Exchange allowed Jollibee to remove the 40% cap on foreign ownership. This means big global banks and investment firms can now own a much bigger chunk of the "Bee."
- Two Stocks: Soon, you might be able to buy "Jollibee Philippines" or "Jollibee International" separately.
- Global Reach: The international side now accounts for about 40% of their cash margins. They aren't just a local hero; they're a global predator in the F&B space.
Who really pulls the strings?
If we look at the actual paperwork, the ownership is spread out across thousands of shareholders. Since JFC is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (ticker: JFC), anyone with a brokerage account can technically be an "owner."
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Here is how the pie is sliced right now:
- Hyper Dynamic Corporation (~43%): This is the Tan family’s main vehicle.
- Institutional Investors: Massive firms like BlackRock, The Vanguard Group, and even the Norges Bank (Norway’s sovereign wealth fund) hold significant percentages.
- Public Float: About 35-40% of the company is owned by regular retail investors and mutual funds.
So, while Tony Tan Caktiong is the face and the leader, the "owner" is actually a mix of the Tan family and a bunch of international bankers.
It’s not just about fried chicken anymore
You sorto have to look at what they own to understand the scale. They've been on a buying spree. In 2024, they snatched up 70% of South Korea’s Compose Coffee for $340 million. They also own 100% of Tim Ho Wan (as of early 2025) and have a massive stake in The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
They've basically become a "house of brands."
Common Misconceptions about Jollibee's Ownership
People often think Jollibee is owned by a foreign conglomerate like McDonald's or Yum! Brands. Nope. It's the other way around. Jollibee is the one doing the buying. They’ve actually beat McDonald's in the Philippines, which is one of the few places on Earth where that’s happened.
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Another weird rumor is that it's government-owned. Totally false. It’s a private enterprise that just happens to be a massive source of national pride for Filipinos.
The Future: What’s next for the Bee?
The goal is to be one of the top 5 restaurant companies in the world. To get there, they are shifting to a "franchise-heavy" model.
In the US, they are aiming for 500 stores by 2030. They just opened their first franchised location in Queens, New York, recently. This is a big shift because, for a long time, they owned most of their overseas stores directly. By franchising, they can grow faster without spending their own cash.
Actionable Insights for Investors and Fans:
If you're looking at Jollibee from a business perspective, watch the US listing news. The spin-off of the international business is intended to "unlock value." This usually means they think the international parts—like Smashburger and Coffee Bean—are worth more than the market is currently giving them credit for.
For the regular fan, don't worry. The "ownership" change won't change the gravy. The Tan family is still very much in charge of the "Global Taste," even if the stock certificates are starting to be held by more people in New York and London.
Keep an eye on the PSE: JFC ticker if you want to follow the drama. The next two years will decide if they truly become a global peer to the likes of Starbucks and McDonald's.