Simpatico to California’s long-term fast-food scene, Jack in the Box is a bit of an American cult classic. Founded in 1951 in San Diego, the iconic chain now has over 2,200 locations, almost exclusively existing out west and along the coast. And now, after leaving Chicago in the 1980s, Jack in the Box is blowing back into the Windy City—and it's coming in hot with multiple locations set to open.
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The first Chicagoland eatery recently opened their doors in Plainfield, about an hour southwest of Chicago at 2101 Illinois Route 59, with several more locations in the works throughout Chicago and its suburbs.
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night, customers can order everything from breakfast croissants to chicken sandwiches to cheeseburgers, not to mention additions like curly fries and sweet desserts. In addition to Plainfield, other locations are expected to pop up this summer and fall in Wheaton, Lake in the Hills, Tinley Park, New Lenox, and Naperville.
And, in Chicago proper, Jack in the Box is expected to open on South Cicero Avenue in September.
According to an earlier statement from the brand: “This accelerated development plan includes eight company-operated units and as part of the brand’s strategic market plan, Jack in the Box has identified more than 125 potential trade area opportunities for future corporate and franchise development in the area.
The first wave of Jack in the Box locations is slated to open throughout 2025, bringing back the brand's iconic 24/7 craveable menu to Chicago residents for the first time in over four decades. This announcement marks a significant commitment to the region while offering exciting franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in expanding with a proven brand. Development venues will include traditional freestanding restaurants, endcaps with drive-thru, conversion of existing buildings, and dark kitchens.”
Saddle up, Chicago fast-food lovers—it’s all happening!