Jack in the Box unveils takeout-only prototype; looks to reduce buildout costs by 20%

Jack in the Box’s restaurant of the future is designed to meet the continuing demand for drive-thru service and mobile ordering.

The quick-service burger chain debuted an off-premise-only prototype with the opening of a location in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At only 1,350-sq.-ft. and with no interior seating, the restaurant features a double y-lane drive-thru, a walk-up window for ordering and dual assembly kitchens. It also has a dedicated pick-up window for mobile and third-party delivery orders.

Eye-catching design elements include a “big red box” on the façade that pays homage to the brand’s namesake, and exterior lighting that turns to Jack in the Box’s signature purple to signify its late-night menu hours.

The goal of the new prototype is to reduce buildout costs by around 20%, while also increasing real estate flexibility, the company said. The new format was created for freestanding locations, but can be adapted to fit in a variety of spaces such as convenience stores, travel plazas and end-cap locations.

“The introduction of this new prototype is a huge boost to our nationwide growth efforts,” said Tim Linderman, Jack in the Box chief franchise and corporate development officer. “With the benefits of increased drive-thru efficiency and streamlined operations, this new model makes the Jack in the Box franchise opportunity more appealing for customers and franchisees alike.”

Based in San Diego, Calif., Jack in the Box Inc. operates and franchises Jack in the Box, which has more than 2,200 restaurants across 21 states, and Del Taco, the second largest Mexican-American quick-service restaurant chain by units in the U.S. with approximately 600 restaurants across 16 states.