Jack in the Box, a fast-food chain known for its burgers and tacos, is set to open in a former Arby’s location in Lake in the Hills amid the company’s return to the Chicago area.
Jack in the Box CEO Darin Harris previously said that the company was in the process of opening eight company-operated stores in the Chicago area in 2025 and 2026.
The locations, which include Lake in the Hills, Chicago, Carol Stream, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Naperville, Plainfield and Countryside, were announced in July but the exact locations of the restaurants was not released.
Village of Lake in the Hills Director of Community Development John Svalenka said Friday that the village recently received a building permit application from Jack in the Box for the former Arby’s at 320 North Randall Road.
The building permit application and architectural plans call for the remodeling of the building into a Jack in the Box restaurant and drive-thru.
“The Village will be completing our first review of the plans today, and will send a comment letter to the applicant listing necessary plan revisions,”Svalenka said.
“After the applicant submits revised plans back to the Village, we will review them to confirm code compliance before issuing building permits,” he added.
“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,” Jack in the Box said in a July statement.
The company additionally plans to open two CloudKitchens in downtown Chicago and has signed a franchising deal for 12 units in the Chicago area, which was announced in late September.
Jack in the Box said it has identified over 100 additional franchise opportunities still available in the Chicago area and the brand is actively seeking experienced multi-unit operators and business owners to join its franchisee network.
“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 operated 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.