Jack in the Box is closing up to 200 restaurants across the nation as part of a financial plan that includes the potential sale of its Del Taco brand.
A news release issued by the company on Wednesday detailed its “JACK on Track” plan, which includes shutting down 150-200 locations considered “underperforming” — with 80-120 restaurants closing by the end of 2025.
In a statement, Jack in the Box CEO Lance Tucker said, “In my time thus far as CEO, I have worked quickly with our teams to conclude that Jack in the Box operates at its best, and maximizes shareholder return potential, within a simplified and asset-light business model. Our actions today focus on three main areas: addressing our balance sheet to accelerate cash flow and pay down debt, while preserving growth-oriented capital investments related to technology and restaurant reimage; closing underperforming restaurants to position ourselves for consistent net unit growth and competitive unit economics; and, an overall return to simplicity for the Jack in the Box business model and investor story.”
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When it comes to Del Taco, Jack in the Box officials said it is “exploring strategic alternatives” for its Mexican fast-food chain, "including a possible divestiture of the business."
Jack in the Box purchased Del Taco in 2022 for $575 million.
As of April 2025, Jack in the Box has 2,200 restaurants across 22 U.S. states; Del Taco has 600 restaurants across 17 states.
This story was originally reported Jermaine Ong with the Scripps News Group in San Diego.
yarblls on April 26th, 2025 at 14:07 UTC »
He sounds like he'd be fun at parties. Fuck maximizing shareholder return. Make fucking good fast food that is affordable.
2401PenitentTangentx on April 26th, 2025 at 13:56 UTC »
Who would've thought using cheaper ingredients and charging more for them wasn't a sustainable long term business model
CurrentlyLucid on April 26th, 2025 at 11:57 UTC »
Fast food used to be cheap. Not great, just cheap. Now it is still not great, but no longer cheap.