Jack in the Box
A drive-thru that sells more tacos than burgers and still makes a great Sourdough Jack.
About Jack in the Box
Robert Peterson opened the first Jack in the Box in San Diego in 1951, one of the earliest restaurants built entirely around the drive-thru, with a giant clown on the roof and a speaker to order through. In 1980 the company literally blew up the clown in a TV ad to announce it was growing up, and the ping-pong-ball-headed Jack who replaced him has been the face of the chain since 1994.
The chain is also why burgers across America are cooked the way they are. In 1993 undercooked patties from its restaurants caused an E. coli outbreak that killed four children and sickened hundreds. Jack in the Box nearly collapsed, then became one of the loudest champions of food safety in the industry, pushing cooking temperatures well above what regulators required.
Around 2,200 restaurants, mostly in the western and southern US.
Burger menu
Signature burgers first. Only burgers and sandwiches, no sides.Where to find Jack in the Box
1,940 locations on the map in 2 countries. Tap a pin for directions.Loading the map…
- United States 1,932
- Mexico 3
Locations as mapped by OpenStreetMap volunteers, updated October 2026. The count can trail the chain’s own figures; check the chain’s store finder before you travel. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Jack in the Box on YouTube
Copycats, taste tests and challenges from the channels in the encyclopedia.
If you like Jack in the Box
Chains whose signature burgers are built the same way.- Checkers & Rally's (United States, since 1986). Two names, one menu, double drive-thrus and fries everyone argues about. Also built on beef, bacon and cheese.
- Big Smoke Burger (Canada, since 2007). Toronto’s burger-and-poutine joint, named after the city’s nickname. Also built on beef, bacon and cheese.
- Hardee's (United States, since 1960). Biscuits in the morning, Thickburgers the rest of the day. Also built on beef, bacon and cheese.
- Nation's Giant Hamburgers (United States, since 1952). The East Bay diner chain known for giant burgers and pie. Also built on beef, bacon and cheese.
Not affiliated with Jack in the Box. Trademarks and logos belong to their owners. Descriptions are my own; nutrition figures come from the chain’s published information.