Quick-serve chain to open first Chicago stores in 40 years
Jack in the Box is making its return to one of America’s largest markets.
The San Diego-based quick-serve burger chain will open eight company-operated units in the Chicagoland area, and has identified more than 125 potential trade area opportunities for future corporate and franchise development in the area.
The first wave of new Jack in the Box locations is slated to open throughout 2025, marking the first new restaurants in the Chicagoland area in over four decades. The new locations will include traditional freestanding restaurants, end-caps with drive-thru, conversion of existing buildings and dark kitchens.
“This strategic expansion into Chicago allows us to not only satisfy long-standing customer demand for our brand, but also to become a key member in the region’s thriving restaurant scene,” said Darin Harris, CEO of Jack in the Box. “We’re excited to bring our unique menu where customers can order any item at any time – day or night and we’re confident Jack in the Box will quickly become a favorite local destination.”
The Chicagoland growth comes as Jack in the Box has continued to expand in recent months. Last month alone, the chain announced plans to open its first stores in Georgia in addition to planning a 15-unit expansion in Florida.
Earlier in the year, Jack in the Box shared that it would open in Michigan for the first time with five stores on the west side of the state. In 2023, Jack in the Box signed 123 new restaurant agreements.
Jack in the Box is known for its customer favorites like burgers, tacos, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, breakfast and late-night snacking options. The new Chicagoland locations will offer dine-in, drive-thru and mobile ordering options and will be open 24 hours per day.
San Diego-based Jack in the Box Inc. operates and franchises approximately 2,200 Jack in the Box restaurants across 22 states, and 600 Del Taco restaurants across 16 states.