JERSEY CITY - The coronavirus pandemic did not stop Jollibee from setting up a new location in the United States despite the tough economic times, as it opened another branch in this city.

Diverse fans of the world-famous bee came to pick up their buckets of Chicken Joy from Jollibee Journal Square, the newest branch of the Filipino favorite fastfood restaurant.

"I always saw the sign, and then today a group us said, 'I really want Jollibee', and I, 'there goes it’s open.' It’s a sign. I parked my car, 'coz I did a little bit of shopping earlier, and now it’s a perfect way to end my shopping," said Kristle Richardson said, one of the Jollibee branch's customers.

"This is actually our first time trying it, we ordered the chicken bucket and I ordered the chicken sandwich," said Linda Quinones, another customer. "It’s such a treat and my family in Vietnam like loves Jollibee and I’ve never tried it before, so it’s nice that we have this here."

The 3,623-square-feet Jollibee Journal Square is located at the plaza level of the Journal Square transportation hub where about 8 million passengers traveled each year, before the pandemic.

"Pag-uwi mo from work, [bili ka]. And then papunta ng trabaho, maka-grab ka ng Jollibee on your way out," said customer John Briones.

The branch can seat 99 guests once in-dining is safely allowed. But due to COVID-19 restrictions, it's only open for to-go and pick-up orders.

Aside from installing plexiglass barriers, and implementing mask-wearing and social distancing rules inside the store, continuous disinfection of all surfaces and handles are strictly observed to protect the staff and customers from COVID-19 infection.

"We have to follow the 15 minutes interval of hand washing, and for the customer, they have to follow the social distancing, we already have marks on the floors for social distancing, we also provide them hand sanitizers," said Rose Francisco, branch manager.

In June, 4.8 million people were employed in the US and the unemployment in the country fell from 13.3 percent down to 11.1 percent, which means companies have been hiring – including Jollibee.

For the workers of Jollibee JSQ, who have been in lockdown for more than 4 months, they’re just happy to be back at work, especially during these tough economic times.

"Since matagal nga pong walang work, eager po kami na mag-work," said Jani Shin Que, one of the branch's staff.

"Since nagka-work na po uli, nakakatulong na po ulit kami sa pagbayad ng rent, sa mga gastusin."