Jack in the Box, a fast-food chain known for its burgers and tacos, officially opened on Monday in Lake in the Hills and police are warning motorists to expect heavy traffic in the 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 last summer. Some of the locations have already opened.
Village of Lake in the Hills Director of Community Development John Svalenka said in November that the village had 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 called for the remodeling of the building into a Jack in the Box restaurant and drive-thru.
“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 statement last summer.
The Lake in the Hills location officially opened on Monday. The restaurant will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Many other Jack in the Box locations operate 24/7 but it is unclear if the Lake in the Hills location will eventually move to a 24/7 model.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department said it welcomes Jack in the Box to the village.
Police said motorists should be prepared for possible heavy traffic in the area of Randall Road and Polaris Drive for the grand opening and in subsequent days.
Shortly after its opening on Monday morning, the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District was called to the restaurant after the building’s fire alarms activated. Firefighters found no hazards and they reset the alarm system.
In addition to the eight Jack in the Box-operated stores, which are all set to open by the end of September, the company also opened two CloudKitchens in downtown Chicago and signed franchising deals for 25 additional locations in the Chicago area in the coming years.
Jack in the Box said it has identified dozens more 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.