The renowned California fast-food chain Jack in the Box is looking to set up shop in Augusta.
On June 11, the San Diego-based restaurant franchisor announced its plans to open 15 locations in Georgia, including Macon and Savannah, alongside the Garden City.
While those three cities were named in the announcement, they’re among 28 Georgia locations the Jack in the Box website list as available markets for prospective franchisees.
The company’s spread toward the Peach State is part of an overarching “strategic plan” to gain a greater foothold in the Southeast. Jack in the Box, which started in San Diego in 1951, has more than 2,000 restaurants across the U.S., mostly concentrated on the West Coast, with a significant presence in Texas.
The chain revealed its aim to come to Georgia a week after announcing development commitments for 15 new Florida locations, in Tallahassee and Orlando.
Tim Lindemann, the company’s chief development officer, did not name the “experienced multi-unit franchisee” who will be overseeing the proposed expansion, but did say that “with their multi-unit franchise background and deep understanding of the local community, we are confident they will be a tremendous asset to our brand.”
While Jack in the Box restaurants, many of which operate for 24 hours, are primarily a burger spots with a menu full of fast-food staples such as milkshakes, curly fries and chicken nuggets, it also bills itself as “the most popular burger franchise known for its tacos,” which it added to its menu in 1954.
Though its move toward the Southeast is recent, it has a modest presence in the region, east of Texas, such as southern Louisiana, Kentucky and North Carolina. Its closest locations to Augusta currently are in upstate South Carolina, including Rock Hill, Spartanburg and Greenville.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
