Jack in the Box CEO out; to close 50 to 100 restaurants
The chief executive of Jack in the Box has left just 14 months after he took the job on a permanent basis.
Lance Tucker is out as CEO of Jack in the Box. He was named to the role on an interim basis in February 2025, following the departure of CEO Darin Harris, and on a permanent basis shortly after.
The quick-serve burger chain has appointed Mark King as executive chairman and interim CEO, effective immediately. King, a member of the Jack in the Box board since November 2025 and its chair since March 2026, is the former CEO of Taco Bell Corp.
The change in leadership came as the company reported that its same-store sales fell 3.8% in its second quarter (ending April 12), marking its fifth straight monthly decline. Total revenues fell 4.3% to $254.3 million.
In its earnings report, Jack in the Box said it plans to close approximately 50 to 100 locations, most of which will be franchise restaurants, in its current fiscal year. It also has plans for 20 new restaurant openings.
[READ MORE: DONE DEAL: Jack in the Box sells Del Taco]
As interim CEO, King will focus on accelerating Jack in the Box’s transformation, supported by strong knowledge of the company’s business and over four decades of experience at major global brands, Jack in the Box said.
“Mark is a proven leader with significant restaurant and retail industry expertise that will benefit Jack in the Box as we continue to advance our strategic initiatives with discipline,” said Alan Smolinisky, who has been appointed lead independent director. “Our board believes Mark is well positioned to increase the pace of our progress and capture the growth opportunities ahead for the brand while we conduct the search for Jack in the Box’s next CEO.”
After leaving Taco Bell, King served as CEO of Xponential Fitness, emphasizing franchisee health and a customer-centric culture. In a statement, he said he would continue the company’s transformation plan, known as “Jack on Track.”
“Jack in the Box is an iconic brand with a talented team and solid foundation,” he said. “We are committed to executing on our ‘JACK on Track’ plan with discipline and at speed. We will continue to empower our franchisees to deliver a high-quality guest experience as we grow same-store sales, expand margins and reduce debt.”
Headquartered in San Diego, Jack in the Box has 2,128 restaurants across 24 states.
