Encouraged by early customer response, Filipino fast food chain Jollibee says it plans to open a second outlet in Singapore next quarter.

“We didn’t expect a very strong response. Our store opens at 9am and is supposed to close at 9pm but because of long queues of customers even during weekdays, we have to keep it open until 2am,” said a spokesperson.

The fast food chain debuted in the market on March 12 with outlet at Lucky Plaza despite the boycott threat from Singaporeans. The boycott campaign stemmed from Jollibee’s hiring ad calling on “Jollibee fans” to join the business which meant Filipinos as most Singaporeans have not yet tried Jollibee’s food.

However, VP for Asia and Middle East Dennis Flores said Jollibee Singapore has 62 staff, of which 79 per cent are locals.

The company says, it will hire more locals in its next opening.