Jack in the Box, a fast-food chain known for its burgers and tacos, announced it will be returning to the Chicago area, including a location in McHenry County.
Jack in the Box CEO Darin Harris made the announcement during an interview with the Chicago Tribune.
Harris said the company plans to open eight stores in the Chicago area in 2025 and 2026.
The locations include Lake in the Hills, Chicago, Carol Stream, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Naperville, Plainfield and Countryside.
The company says they are actively looking for new franchisees throughout a large part of the United States.
Jack in the Box said in a statement Tuesday that it has identified more than 125 potential opportunities for future corporate and franchise development in the Chicago area.
“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, end-caps with drive-thru, conversion of existing buildings, and dark kitchens,” the statement said.
“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,” Harris said.
“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,” Harris added.
Jack in the Box previously had restaurants in the Chicago area until the chain exited the region in the 1980s.
The restaurant chain offers burgers, chicken, milkshakes, tacos and other options. Its restaurants operate 24 hours a day.
Jack in the Box was founded in 1951 with the opening of its first location in San Diego, California. It was one of the first restaurants with a drive-thru system.
The eight-store initial development in the Chicago area comes in addition to its expansion into new markets including Utah, Kentucky, Arkansas, Montana, Wyoming, Michigan, Florida, Georgia and internationally in Mexico.