Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois, has officially come back to the Chicagoland region after over 40 years, exciting long-time enthusiasts. The fast-food restaurant opened its first new unit in Plainfield on July 14, 2025, with dine-in capacity, a drive-thru, mobile ordering, and 24-hour operating hours.
This first opening is only the beginning of a broader expansion, with several additional restaurants in the works for suburbs such as Naperville, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Carol Stream, Lake in the Hills, and Countryside, and at least one within the city limits of Chicago.
Jack in the Box initially pulled out of the Chicago market during the early 1980s, but the brand is now making a big comeback, with long-term ambitions of as many as 125 stores in the area. Famous for its offbeat menu that combines tacos, burgers, curly fries, and breakfast food, the chain hopes to entice both nostalgic eaters and newcomers alike with its day-round fare.
Jack in the Box Chicago
Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois returns after 40+ years, opening its first new store in Plainfield on July 14, 2025. This heralds a broader rollout with eight suburban locations planned in Naperville, Carol Stream, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Countryside, Lake in the Hills, and one in the city.
Famous for its 24/7 operation and offbeat menu of tacos, burgers, curly fries, and breakfast fare, Jack in the Box abandoned Chicago in the early ’80s but is developing up to 125 locations in the city. Its comeback has residents abuzz, combining nostalgia with new growth.
Jack in the Box Chicago Expansion
Following over 40 years of absence, Jack in the Box is coming back to the Chicago suburbs with an aggressive expansion strategy. The company opened its first new restaurant in Plainfield in July 2025, with dine-in, mobile ordering, a drive-thru, and 24/7 operation. This is only the start—eight Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois restaurants will be opening in the current year, with long-term goals for up to 125 restaurants. Future openings are planned in major suburbs, several in updated old Arby’s locations:
- Countryside (5656 S. La Grange Rd.) – July
- Naperville (1600 E. Ogden Ave.) – August
- Carol Stream (441 E. Geneva Rd.) – August
- New Lenox (672 E. Lincoln Hwy.) – August
- Lake in the Hills (320 N. Randall Rd.) – September
- Tinley Park (9550 179th St.) – September
- Chicago (7807 S. Cicero Ave.) – September
Recognised for its distinctive menu of tacos, burgers, curly fries, breakfast foods, and snacks, Jack in the Box seeks to differentiate itself in a saturated fast-food marketplace. The growth also encompasses adaptive forms such as freestanding restaurants, drive-thru endcaps, and delivery-only kitchens, marking a significant expansion into the area.
Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois Opening Date
Jack in the Box has returned to the Chicago market after 40 years, starting with a Plainfield site on July 14, 2025. Additional openings are planned through July–September in suburbs such as Naperville, Tinley Park, Countryside, and Carol Stream, and a Chicago city location on South Cicero Avenue. This is the beginning of an aggressive plan for up to 125 Chicagoland stores.
Location and Opening Dates
| Location | Opening Date |
| Plainfield | July 14, 2025 |
| Countryside | July 2025 |
| Naperville | August 2025 |
| Carol Stream | September 2025 |
| New Lenox | September 2025 |
| Lake in the Hills | September 2025 |
| Tinley Park | September 2025 |
| Chicago (S. Cicero) | September 2025 |
Closest Jack in the Box to Chicago
The closest Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois, to downtown is at 850 W Superior St in West Town/River West, approximately 1.5 miles from downtown. This spot has dine-in seating, drive-thru, mobile ordering, and a complete menu of burgers, tacos, curly fries, and all-day breakfast. Hours are usually 9 AM–12 AM, with extended service on weekends.
The other close-by option is 4131 N Rockwell St in North Centre, convenient for city visitors who are on the North Side. For suburban dwellers, Plainfield/Joliet (2101 Route 59) reopened on July 14, 2025, roughly 35 miles from downtown. In short, the nearest location for most city dwellers is 850 W Superior St, with additional locations opening later in the year.
Jack in the Box Chicago Menu
Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois offers its full national menu, mixing classic fan favourites with new limited-time items. You’ll find everything from smashed burgers and tacos to all-day breakfast, spicy snacks, and signature curly fries. Recent menu additions include:
- Hot Popcorn Chicken
- Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Special celebrity meals like the T‑Pain Munchie Meal
| Category | Item Examples | Price Range |
| Burgers | Jumbo Jack, Big Smashed Jack, Ultimate Cheeseburger, Sourdough Jack | $3.50 – $8.00 |
| Chicken | Cluck Sandwich, Spicy Chicken, Chicken Strips, Nuggets | $4.00 – $8.50 |
| Tacos & Snacks | Monster Tacos, Tiny Tacos, Egg Rolls, Loaded Sauced Tacos | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Breakfast (All Day) | Supreme Croissant, Sausage Croissant, Breakfast Burritos, Biscuits & Gravy | $3.00 – $6.50 |
| Sides & Fries | Curly Fries, Regular Fries, Loaded Fries, Mozzarella Sticks | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Shakes & Desserts | Oreo Shake, Vanilla/Chocolate Shake, Stuffed Cookie, Seasonal Shakes | $2.50 – $5.50 |
| Value & Deals | Jr. Jumbo Jack, Jr. Chicken Sandwich, Tiny Tacos, Value Fries | Under $4.00 |
| Special Meals | T‑Pain Munchie Meal (burger/chicken melt, taco, fries, cookie, beverage) | $10 – $12 |
| Combos | Burger or Chicken combos with fries + beverage | $7.00 – $12.00 |
Limited-Time Highlights
- Big Smashed Jack Burger – a double smashed burger that competes against other fast-food staples.
- Monster Tacos – back by popular demand with huge tacos.
- Hot Popcorn Chicken & Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks – new spicy additions in 2025.
- T‑Pain Munchie Meals – unique meal combos with nighttime atmosphere.
Availability in Chicago
- Now open at Plainfield (opened July 14, 2025) and coming soon to Countryside, Naperville, Tinley Park, and South Cicero Ave Chicago (Sept 2025).
- Menu available 24/7, offering dine-in, drive-thru, mobile order, and delivery options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In what year did Jack in the Box reopen in the Chicago Illinois region?
Jack in the Box officially made its comeback in Chicago Illinois, by opening a new store in Plainfield on July 14, 2025, its comeback after more than 40 years.
2. Where is a new Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois store opening?
After Plainfield, more Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois, restaurants are soon to open at Naperville, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Carol Stream, Countryside, Lake in the Hills, and South Cicero Avenue in Chicago, from July to September 2025.
3. What are Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois, hours and services?
Most Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois restaurants operate 24 hours a day, dine-in, drive-thru, and mobile ordering with weekend extended hours to meet demand.
4. How many Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois, area locations are planned?
Jack in the Box is to open as many as 125 restaurants in Chicago Illinois, and the suburbs over a multi-year expansion in the market.
5. Why is Jack in the Box Chicago Illinois, reopening again?
After departing Chicago during the 1980s, Jack in the Box is back due to increased demand and seeks to provide its special menu to old fans and new customers in Chicago Illinois.