Own a
Jack in the Box Franchise
in Illinois
Jack is back in Illinois for the first time in four decades. Our development team is actively awarding territories from Chicagoland to Southern Illinois.
The first new Illinois restaurant opened in Plainfield in July 2025. More followed across the Chicago suburbs within months. Now our development team is awarding franchise territories across nine open metro markets, from Chicagoland to Southern Illinois.
Why Franchise With Jack in the Box in Illinois?
A Top-Five State Economy
Illinois produces more economic output than any other Midwest state. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts 2025 state GDP at $1.2 trillion, fifth largest in the nation.
Density Where QSR Works
12.7 million residents statewide and 9.41 million in the Chicago metro alone, the third largest metro area in the country per the U.S. Census Bureau.
A Brand in Motion
Jack in the Box returned to Chicagoland in 2025 after 40 years away. Corporate restaurants are open and operating while franchise territories are awarded statewide.
Chicago Metro
9.41 million residents and the anchor market for the brand's Illinois return.
Rockford Metro
A hub on the I-90 corridor between Chicago and Madison.
Peoria Metro
River corridor with healthcare and manufacturing employment.
Bloomington Metro
Insurance and university anchor in the heart of the state.
Champaign–Urbana Metro
Home to the University of Illinois flagship campus.
Springfield Metro
The state capital, with steady government and healthcare traffic.
Decatur Metro
Regional agribusiness center with thinner QSR competition.
Kankakee Metro
I-57 corridor market south of Chicagoland.
Carbondale–Marion Metro
Southern Illinois gateway, anchored by SIU.
Not in Illinois? See every open state on our Available Markets page.
Is Jack in the Box Actually Growing in Illinois Right Now?
Yes, and it is verifiable. I work on the franchise development team behind the brand's return to Chicagoland. Our real estate group walked trade areas, evaluated conversion sites, and sequenced openings so early restaurants could support the ones that came next. When you talk to our team about Peoria or Springfield, you are talking to people who just did this in Naperville.
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First new Illinois restaurant opened in Plainfield on July 14, 2025, the brand's first in the region in more than 40 years
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Openings followed in Countryside, Naperville, New Lenox, and other Chicago suburbs through 2025
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Corporate locations now operating serve as proof of concept for franchise territories statewide
- Our first franchise location opened on March 30th, 2026 in Joliet, IL.
Why Is Illinois a Strong State for a Restaurant Franchise?
Illinois pairs the nation's fifth largest state economy with the third largest metro area in the country. State GDP passed $1.2 trillion in 2025, median household income sits at $83,211, and the Illinois Restaurant Association identifies foodservice as the largest private sector employer in the state. For a quick service brand re-entering after 40 years, that is proven demand density with almost no existing footprint to compete against.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franchising in Illinois
Ready to Talk About Illinois?
Cities and locations are awarded market by market. Tell us where you want to build.