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WINNIPEG — Dozens of people braved the cold early Thurday morning, in anticipation of a massive fast fast-food chain that has made its way from the Philippines to Winnipeg.

On Thursday the popular Asian restaurant, Jollibee, is opening its first-ever restaurant in Canada, located at 1406 Ellice Ave.

Many were lined up before the doors opened to the public and some even camped overnight.

Known as “the McDonald’s of the Philippines,” the restaurant has a diverse menu filled with fried chicken, spaghetti and peach mango pie.

“Winnipeg is a fitting choice for Jollibee’s first Canadian store because it has the largest density of Filipinos to the total population of the city,” said Maribeth dela Cruz, with Jollibee Foods Corporation North America.

“Every Filipino wants to be reminded of the taste of home, especially during Christmas, and I think there is no other fast food brand out there that can deliver that but Jollibee.”

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Before Jollibee opened its doors in Winnipeg, many flocked to social media to express their excitement.

I'm not joking around… once jollibee opens in Winnipeg I'm flying there just for it and bring peach mango pie back here. — kiki (@kceezy_) December 4, 2016

"Jollibee" has come to Winnipeg. Watch out McDonalds. pic.twitter.com/RqW6Pz99rB — Alfredo Velasco (@angelicajala) December 14, 2016

Is the Jollibee here in Winnipeg open yet? This filipina needs her peach mango pie and halo-halo 😋 — Jamille Dignadice (@JamilleRaye) December 1, 2016

This marks the first Jollibee store opening in Canada and the 35th in North America. In 2017, Jollibee plans to open three more stores in Canada, including one in Winnipeg.