Dustin Thompson

Stacked bar chart comparing the disclosed ongoing fee load (royalty plus advertising or marketing fee) as a percent of gross sales for Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, Five Guys, McDonald's, Wendy's, and Culver's, based on each brand's most recent FDD.

Best QSR Franchises for Multi-Unit Growth in 2026

ByDustin Thompson, Franchise Marketing and Development, Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box vs Smashburger: Which Burger Franchise is Best? (2026)

Key Takeaways Jack in the Box reported a 2025 franchise AUV of $1,913,335. Smashburger's 2026 FDD makes no financial performance representation in Item 19, so the franchisor discloses no average unit volume at all. That gap is the single most...
The compelling reason to buy a Jack in the Box in 2026

The Compelling Case to Buy a Jack in the Box Franchise in 2026

Key Takeaways A single Jack in the Box restaurant runs $1,909,500 to $4,041,500 to open (land excluded), with a $50,000 initial franchise fee, per the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Franchise-operated restaurants averaged $1,913,335 in gross...
A Flowchart to Help in Your Decision to Diversify Your Franchise Portfolio

How to Diversify Your Franchise Portfolio in 2026

By Dustin Thompson, Franchise Marketing & Development, Jack in the Box | Last updated June 11, 2026
QSR Franchise Due Diligence Checklist

QSR Franchise Due Diligence Checklist 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways QSR franchise investment evaluation is a four-part process: Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) review, unit economics modeling, franchise valuation, and risk assessment. Skip any one and you're not doing due diligence — you're...
What is an FDD?

What is an FDD? Understand the Financials and How to Not be Misled

A map with a thumbtack placed on the center of Indianapolis, IN.

Why Indianapolis Is a Strong Jack in the Box Market

Key Takeaways The Indianapolis metro sits above 2 million people and has added more than 100,000 residents since 2020, with growth spreading across the suburban counties (U.S. Census Bureau; Indiana Business Research Center). The regional economy...
A List of Every Major Burger Franchise.: AUV, Costs, and More (2026)

A List of Every Major Burger Franchise.: AUV, Costs, and More (2026)

Top 10 Burger Chains  (2026 Update)

Americans put away something like 50 billion burgers a year. That's a staggering amount of beef — and with demand like that, not every chain pulling up to the table actually deserves a seat. In 2026, the distance between the chains doing it right...