Fans queue in sub-zero temperatures as Jollibee opens first Canada outlet

After toying with the idea of opening a Canadian outlet for a couple of years, Filipino fast food giant Jollibee is finally welcoming diners in Winnipeg.

Fans have been standing in line and braving sub-zero temperatures over the weekend for Jollibee's signature fried chicken and sweet spaghetti.

The weather on opening day, just before the weekend, dipped down to -25 deg C - but that didn't deter some hungry fans from waiting six hours to get in the door.

[embed]https://twitter.com/JethroRT/status/809470459746156546[/embed]

[embed]https://twitter.com/SteveAdamsWpg/status/809547308782252032[/embed]

The first customer in the door had waited in line overnight from 10:30 p.m., Jollibee posted on Facebook.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/jollibeecan/posts/1850869305202260[/embed]

The Filipino fast food icon initially pegged Toronto for its Canadian debut, but ended up having to scrap those plans because it had "difficulty finding a good location," Jollibee told shareholders last year.

Going by the enthusiastic reception, it looks like it was a good idea to choose Winnipeg. Just to deal with the crowd, the outlet has had to issue tickets to people in line, and put a price cap of US$50 (S$72) on each order.

[embed]https://twitter.com/TriciaCamillexo/status/806740034380394496[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BOK6m8wjBZ2[/embed]

Some local news stations reviewing the food appeared slightly confused by a couple of the dishes - in particular 'Jolli Spaghetti,' which comes with cut up hot dogs in its slightly sweetened bolognaise sauce.

One of the hosts from Virgin Radio Winnipeg remarked: "There are hot dogs in my spaghetti...which I love!"

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/VirginRadioWinnipeg/videos/1038184946309869[/embed]

Jollibee may be new in Canada, but it has 3,000 outlets worldwide, of which 750 are in the Philippines.

Filipinos in Winnipeg have been celebrating the city's coup:

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BOIUPSLj_KY[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BOJNJZ9hLz1[/embed]

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/jollibeecan/posts/1851882275100963[/embed]

And if that isn't enough excitement, let us leave you with a Jollibee toy singing his song "I'm Your Friend," sung at kids' birthday parties in outlets in the Philippines.

[embed]https://twitter.com/ChrisDca/status/809428846755872768[/embed]

Mashable is the go-to source for tech, digital culture, and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the world.