After a 7.1% drop in same-store sales, Jack in the Box Inc. is doubling down on technology upgrades, value promotions, and employee training to win back customers and boost same-store sales.
In its fiscal Q3 2025 earnings call with analysts, CEO Lance Tucker acknowledged the “very difficult” macro environment, with cautious consumers pulling back on spending—especially lower-income and Hispanic guests in core markets like California and Texas. These headwinds, along with the end of last year’s Smashed Jack promotion and the impact of California’s minimum wage hikes, contributed to a 7.1% same-store sales slide at Jack in the Box locations.
Recent quarterly earnings reveal some same-store sales declines across the industry.
Chipotle reported a comparable sales declined of 4% and Starbucks reported a 2% U.S. comparable sales drop for its most recent quarter.
Now in Q4, the parent company of Jack in the Box and Del Taco is investing $5.5 million in incremental marketing and refocusing on operational excellence. Plans include additional employee training, recognizing top-performing stores, and rolling out limited-time offers and value meals aimed at boosting traffic.
To help improve the guest experience, Tucker announced a multi-year plan to remodel an additional 1,000+ locations.
“We want our guests to enjoy a consistent experience from our mobile app all the way to the drive-thru,” Tucker said.
A Solid Technology Foundation
The QSR continues to invest in technology. “Underlying all of our plans around an improved guest experience is a solid foundation in technology,” stated Tucker.
As of last week, over 2,000 restaurants have a new POS. Jack in the Box is partnering with Qu to power its restaurant of the future. “We anticipate the new POS will be fully rolled out to the entire Jack system by the end of this month,” Tucker explained.
Jack in the Box's technology road map includes improvements to its digital platforms, loyalty program and data capabilities. “There is a lot of long-term upside from enabling our restaurants with better tech,” Tucker said.
Del Taco, which Jack in the Box acquired in 2022, has already completed kiosk installation at all company-owned restaurants. For Q3, Del Taco's digital mix reached 20% of sales; Jack’s digital mix reached 18.5%.
“While there are certainly a lot of activities occurring in Jack in the Box. I want to make it very clear that my No. 1 priority is improving performance at our restaurants to ensure long-term health across the system now and for years to come,” Tucker said.
Tags: Lance Tucker, Jack in the Box Inc.
