Operations

Jack in the Box comps down 1.1%, shifts focus to simplification, quality, customer experience

Photo: Jack in the Box

August 13, 2026 by Valerie Gritton

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Jack in the Box reported its fiscal third-quarter results on Aug. 12, following the July 5 close of its third quarter. The company operates on a non-calendar fiscal year, with fiscal 2026 scheduled to end Sept. 27.

Jack in the Box's third-quarter 2026 results were mixed, with the company beating earnings expectations but falling short on revenue and same-store sales. Same-store sales declined 1.1%, according to its earnings release, driven primarily by lower transactions. Restaurant-level margins also weakened.

Company revenue decreased 1.8% to $257.7 million, down from $262.4 million reported in the same quarter last year. Net income also decreased to $21 million, down 7.9% from $22.8 million in the prior-year quarter.

During the company's earnings call, interim CEO Mark King said his time spent in restaurants with employees, guests and franchisees reinforced the need to get closer to customers and focus on the fundamentals of the brand. The company is prioritizing five areas: understanding what customers want, improving food quality, upgrading the restaurant experience, simplifying operations and improving franchisee profitability.

"We need to listen to our guests first and use those insights to guide menu, marketing, and innovation decisions," King said during the Q3 earnings call. "We've been revisiting both first- and third-party research while increasing our engagement with current and lapsed customers. Those insights will shape how we market the brand, present our menu, and develop products that drive repeat visits. While Jack in the Box has historically differentiated itself through variety, we know we must strengthen our position around two things customers increasingly demand: quality and value."

This fall, the company will begin testing an updated menu layout designed to improve navigation. Meanwhile, under the guidance of their new CMO, Katelyn Zborowski, King said a new brand campaign is underway "designed to strengthen our connection with existing guests while reintroducing the brand to new and lapsed customers."

As the company focuses on its turnaround strategy overall, Jack in the Box is prioritizing five areas: understanding what customers want, improving food quality, upgrading the restaurant experience, simplifying operations and improving franchisee profitability.