Q&A: Does Jack in the Box Franchise in the UK?

Becky Martin, writer

Published at 04/04/2019, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 6 min

Q&A: Does Jack in the Box Franchise in the UK? — Photo © jack-in-the-box-franchise.png

The UK is undeniably a nation of fast food lovers. Even with more and more Brits opting for healthier, locally sourced, vegetarian food options, the preference for cheap, on-the-go food has persisted. Today, we explore whether or not American fast food giant Jack in the Box franchises in the UK.

Jack in the Box is an American fast-food restaurant chain, headquartered in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1951 by Robert Peterson. Being one of the nation’s leading fast food chains, there are more than 2,200 restaurants in 21 US states and Guam.

Jack in the Box was the first major hamburger franchise to create and develop the drive-thru dining concept. Therefore, with 85 percent of its 500 million annual purchases sold at the drive-thru or as a takeaway, it has always put emphasis on on-the-go convenience. On top of the drive-thru windows, there are also indoor dining areas that are open between 18 and 24 hours a day. Jack in the Box Inc. has more than 16,000 employees. But does it offer franchising opportunities in the UK?

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Does Jack in the Box franchise in the UK?

No, it doesn’t. While it does operate a franchise model in the US, Jack in the Box is yet to launch in the UK and there aren’t any plans for it to do so anytime soon. If you would be prepared to relocate to America so you can start your own Jack in the Box franchise, we’ll now give a quick run-down of what the franchise opportunity looks like.

Becoming a Jack in the Box franchisee: You need a minimum of five years of multi-unit restaurant operating experience in the last seven years, real estate development experience and a passion for the restaurant industry.
How much you need to invest: You and your partners will need $250,000 to $750,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $1,500,000.
What you get for your investment: For over 65 years now, Jack in the Box has grown to become one of the largest restaurant chains in the country. Over this time, it has developed robust operating systems that franchisees can take advantage of, including in-restaurant, computer-based training systems, a single POS and back-office IT system and an Innovation Centre that is the hub of all research and development, marketing and food safety initiatives.

The fast food market in the UK

There are over 26,000 independent fast food outlets in the UK. So, whether you fancy a Chinese, Italian, Indian or American meal, you’re never far from a brand that can satisfy your hunger.

The BBC Good Food Nation survey discovered that on average, Brits consume fast food twice a week and 16 percent of 16 to 20-year-olds consume fast food at least twice a day. On top of this, figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that UK high streets have the highest number of fast food outlets of the decade, with a rise of 34 percent since 2010.

These statistics prove that opening a fast food restaurant is a viable business opportunity despite the nationwide push to watch what we eat more.

Although it isn’t possible to open your own Jack in the Box franchise in the UK, we have plenty of alternatives that you can consider. After all, fast food is one of the industries where franchising is used most widely.

Similar franchise opportunities

1. Rocket’s

Our top burger franchise opportunity, Rocket’s, is a fast-casual burger brand that has been franchising for 27 years. It currently has a network of 51 restaurants and serves “hamburgers, fries, hand-dipped milkshakes and buttermilk chicken; all made fresh-to-order from open-view kitchens”.

Rocket’s has developed a business model that balances high quality with convenience. All Rocket’s burgers are made with premium Irish meat that is never frozen. What’s more, all meals are made to order and served within six minutes.

Becoming a Rocket's franchisee: The restaurant franchise prefers investors to have previous experience in the industry, but this isn’t essential. It’s more important that you believe in the brand and are business oriented.
How much you need to invest: An initial investment of €200,000 to €600,000 is required.
What you get for your investment: Rocket’s will be on hand to help when you find your perfect premises.

2. Loaded Burgers

This UK restaurant chain boasts high-quality, meaty, flavoursome burgers with a large selection of toppings to contrast the ‘sad’ processed patties of other establishments. Founded in 2014, Loaded Burgers offers its customers affordable burgers in a cool setting.

Becoming a Loaded Burgers franchisee: Those looking to join the brand must have good managerial skills and a passion for the industry.
How much you need to invest: An investment of £150,000 will give franchisees access to the company’s franchise package, which includes enrolment onto a training programme and support in marketing and sales.

Did you know? There are over 26,000 independent fast food outlets in the UK

3. Mary Brown’s Chicken and Taters

You might not have heard of this franchise before, but it is in fact very well known and loved in Canada. There are currently over 150 stores serving up juicy chicken meals and the brand is keen to expand both in Canada and in the UK, Latin America and the Middle East.

Becoming a Mary Brown’s franchisee: Mary Brown’s is looking for master franchisees that have a proven track record of success in the restaurant industry. You also should be eager to try new ideas, take risks and play an active part in the brand’s innovation. It’s desirable to currently own multiple restaurants with an infrastructure.
How much you need to invest: The franchise opportunity starts at around $550,000.
What you get for your investment: As well as being able to operate under an iconic brand, you will have access to bespoke training programmes, highly effective marketing programmes, the help of real estate specialists and more.

To register your interest, you can find out more about its international franchising opportunities here.

4. The Flamin’ Chicken

This UK-based chicken franchise has over 25 years of experience in the industry.

Becoming a The Flamin’ Chicken franchisee: You need to have exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills to be accepted as a franchisee. It’s also a more hands on franchise opportunity, where you will be expected to have an active role in the daily operations of the business, rather than just overseeing.
How much you need to invest: It will cost around £95,000 to launch your average store.
What you get for your investment: You will take part in eight to 10 weeks of training prior to opening your restaurant.

>> Read more:

Start a fast food franchise

We’ve discussed just four of the many fast food franchise opportunities out there, but if you'd like to see a full list of available opportunities, consult our complete franchise directory. Whatever sector you decide to launch a franchise in, remember to keep in mind our official franchise start-up checklist. This way, you can rest assured you’ve not missed out any crucial steps.