Fast-food chain Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK) fell short of the market’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales falling 9.8% year on year to $333 million. Its GAAP profit of $1.15 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy JACK? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

Jack in the Box’s second quarter results were met with a negative market response, as revenue fell short of analyst expectations and management acknowledged ongoing challenges in core markets. CEO Lance Tucker cited weaker demand from Hispanic and lower-income customers, particularly in regions where the brand is heavily concentrated, as a key headwind. Additionally, he pointed to the impact of recent price increases and difficult comparisons with last year’s successful promotions, stating, “The macro environment is very difficult, and consumers remain cautious.” Despite these setbacks, management emphasized renewed efforts to restore value and enhance the guest experience as critical to regaining sales momentum.

Looking ahead, Jack in the Box’s forward guidance is shaped by plans to balance pricing with value-focused promotions, investments in digital and operational improvements, and a major restaurant reimaging initiative. Management highlighted the company’s intention to pursue a “barbell” strategy, aiming to attract both value-seeking and premium customers, and to accelerate technology adoption in stores. Tucker noted, “We need to work on the entire guest experience, not just promotion or price,” with a focus on simplifying the menu, improving service, and modernizing restaurant formats. The company will also continue executing its JACK on Track closure program and explore strategic options for Del Taco.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management linked the quarterly decline to ongoing consumer caution, execution issues on value, and the impact of pricing changes, while outlining steps to improve operational consistency and guest engagement.

• Guest value perception weakened: Management acknowledged that the brand’s value proposition had eroded, particularly for lower-income and Hispanic customers who are core to Jack in the Box’s footprint. Recent price hikes and a lack of compelling entry-level menu options contributed to softer traffic.
• Return to “barbell” strategy: The company is refocusing on a barbell approach—combining affordable value items with premium products—to address gaps in the menu and restore traffic. Promotions like the Bonus Jack Combo and Spicy Chicken Strips are being supported by incremental marketing spend.
• Operational leadership changes: The return of Shannon McKinney as Chief Operating Officer was highlighted as a catalyst for renewed emphasis on service quality and operational discipline, with a focus on holding restaurants accountable and improving consistency across locations.
• Restaurant closure program advances: The JACK on Track initiative is proceeding, with closures of underperforming stores expected to improve franchisee profitability and allow for healthier same-store sales at remaining locations. Management expects these closures to benefit nearby stores through sales transfers.
• Digital and tech investments accelerate: Technology upgrades—including point-of-sale system rollouts and increased digital ordering—are ahead of schedule. Over 2,000 restaurants now have upgraded systems, supporting management’s goal of reaching over 20% of sales through digital channels.

Drivers of Future Performance

The company’s outlook hinges on restoring value, modernizing stores, and navigating ongoing consumer headwinds, while also managing the financial impact of store closures and strategic reviews.

• Menu and pricing rebalancing: Management plans to overhaul menu architecture, introducing more compelling entry-level price points and leveraging third-party expertise to ensure the menu appeals to a broader range of customers. This is expected to drive improved traffic and guest satisfaction.
• Expansion of reimaging efforts: A multiyear restaurant modernization program is set to touch at least 1,000 additional stores, building on strong franchisee interest. The company expects upgraded locations to enhance brand perception and operational efficiency, although the financial outlay will be significant.
• Execution of closure and divestiture plans: The ongoing JACK on Track program, including the closure of up to 120 stores and strategic review of Del Taco, is aimed at strengthening the core business. Management cautioned that while these actions should improve profitability over time, sales deleverage and transition costs may weigh on near-term results.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) whether value-focused menu changes and promotions translate into sustained traffic gains, (2) the pace and impact of restaurant modernization and technology rollouts, and (3) progress on the JACK on Track closure program and the outcome of the Del Taco strategic review. The effectiveness of incremental marketing investments and operational improvements will also be key markers for tracking the company’s turnaround.

Jack in the Box currently trades at $17.06, down from $18.93 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

Stocks That Trumped Tariffs

When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2025, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that’s already erased most losses.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.