Brand Royalty
The Jack in the Box Franchise Royalty is 5% of Gross Sales.
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Understanding the Costs of Owning a Burger Franchise
Jack in the Box franchise costs range from $1,909,500 to $4,041,500 per location, excluding land and financing. This investment includes the $50,000 franchise fee, buildout costs, equipment, inventory, and three months of operating capital. With a $1,913,335 average unit volume and multi-unit incentives available, Jack in the Box offers strong opportunity for qualified restaurant investors. Below is a complete breakdown of all costs, fees, and financial requirements.
Understanding the Jack in the Box Fee's & Royalties
Jack in the Box assesses modest royalty fees, like other franchises, in part to ensure you have the best possible resources to run your business and draw customers to your location. Jack in the Box has a Royalty Fee of 5% of Gross Sales and a Marketing Fee of 5% of Gross Sales.
Marketing Royalty
The Jack in the Box Marketing Royalty is 5% of Gross Sales.
Franchise Fee
The Jack in the Box Franchise Fee is $50,000 per location.
Our Financial Requirements
Franchise Fee
The Jack in the Box franchise fee is $50,000 per store.
Net Worth
Jack in the Box has a minimum net worth requirement of $1,500,000.
Liquidity
Jack in the Box has a minimum liquidity requirement of $750,000.
Multi-Unit
Jack in the Box requires a minimum 3-5 store commitment for each market. These stores will open over a set period of time that can be found in your development schedule.
QSR Experience
Jack in the Box prefers potential franchisees to have multi-unit backgrounds but it is not required. If you do not have a QSR background, we will require you to have an operator who does have that experience.
Estimated Initial Investment
The Jack in the Box estimated initial investment is between $1,909,500 and $4,041,500 per location excluding real estate.
The 2026 Jack in the Box Item 7 Estimated Initial Investment
Understand the estimated initial investment of a Jack in the Box franchise
For more information, please see the Item 7 of our FDD. Need an FDD? Please complete the inquiry form on our website to request a copy from our team.
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Investment Low Range | Estimated Investment High Range | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Advertising and Promotion Fee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fee for trade area survey analysis |
$0 |
$7,500(plus all expenses) |
Lump sum |
As agreed |
Us |
|
Land |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
|
Fee for architect/engineering services |
$44,000 |
$216,000 |
As agreed |
As agreed |
Consultants |
|
Environmental assessment |
$2,500 |
$34,000 |
As agreed |
As agreed |
Consultants |
|
On-site improvements |
$337,000 |
$825,000 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Contractors, Vendors, Suppliers |
|
Building Improvements |
$626,000 |
$1,250,400 |
As agreed |
As agreed |
Contractors, Suppliers, Vendors |
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment |
$499,000 |
$967,000 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Suppliers |
|
IT equipment and installation |
$45,000 |
$60,000 |
As agreed |
As agreed |
Us or Suppliers |
|
Initial inventory |
$12,000 |
$20,000 |
As agreed |
As agreed |
Suppliers |
|
Pre-opening training and inventory expenses |
$110,000 |
$115,000 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Employees |
|
Pre-opening additional funds |
$14,000 |
$17,000 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Suppliers |
|
Uniforms |
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Suppliers |
|
Operating cash |
$1,200 |
$3,000 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Suppliers |
|
Business licenses and utility deposits |
$500 |
$3,000 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Utilities |
|
Additional funds (3 months) |
$165,300 |
$458,600 |
As agreed |
As incurred |
Employees, Suppliers, Utilities |
|
Total estimated cost for prototypical restaurant (excluding land, financing and certain other costs) *See the Item 7 of the Jack in the Box FDD for more details. |
$1,909,500 |
$4,041,500 |
Understanding the Jack in the Box Estimated Initial Investment Numbers.
When we provide a high and low range of estimated initial investment, the first question asked is "What is included in that range?"
Below, you will see the table from our Item 7 from our FDD(Franchise Disclosure Document). This provides to you a better understanding of the costs associated with opening a Jack in the Box location. Keep in mind, these numbers represent each restaurant.
There are many factors that impact where your costs will fall within that range:
Real Estate & Construction Costs
- The market you are developing
- Permitting and zoning costs
- Construction and labor rates
- Building codes
Market-Specific Factors
-
Health Department Requirements
- ADA compliance regulations
Site Specific Factors
- Existing infrastructure
- Utility hookup costs
- Environmental remediation
Geographic Cost Multipliers
- Material and equipment shipping
- Insurance premiums
The combination of these factors explains why the Item 7 in any FDD shows such wide cost ranges. A prototype in downtown Los Angeles will have very different costs than a location built in rural Georgia. If you have any questions, please speak to our team who can answer any questions you may have.
| Type of Expenditure | Estimated Low Investment | Estimated High Investment | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Initial Franchise Fee*
|
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
Lump Sum |
At Signing of Franchise Agreement |
Us |
|
Fee for trade area survey analysis*
|
$0 |
$7,500 (Plus all expenses) |
Lump Sum |
As Agreed |
Us |
|
Land*
|
Not Included |
Not Included |
Not Included |
Not Included |
Not Included |
|
Fee for architect/engineering services*
|
$44,000 |
$216,000 |
As Agreed |
As Agreed |
Consultants |
|
Environmental Assessment* |
$2,500 |
$34,000 |
As Agreed |
As agreed |
Consultants |
|
On-site Improvements*
|
$337,000 |
$825,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Contactors, Vendors, Suppliers |
|
Building Improvements*
|
$626,000 |
$1,250,400 |
As Agreed |
As Agreed |
Contractors, Vendors, Suppliers |
|
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment*
|
$499,000 |
$967,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Suppliers |
|
IT Equipment and Installation*
|
$45,000 |
$60,000 |
As Agreed |
As Agreed |
Us or Suppliers |
|
POS Software*
|
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
As Agreed |
As Agreed |
Us or Suppliers |
|
Initial Inventory
|
$12,000 |
$20,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Suppliers |
|
Pre-opening Training and Inventory Expenses*
|
$110,000 |
$115,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Employees |
|
Pre-Opening Additional Funds*
|
$14,000 |
$17,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Suppliers |
|
Uniforms
|
$3,000 |
$5,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Suppliers |
|
Operating Cash
|
$1,200 |
$3,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Suppliers |
|
Business Licenses and Utility Deposits*
|
$500 |
$3,000 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Utilities |
|
Additional Funds (3 Months)*
|
$165,300 |
$458,600 |
As Agreed |
As Incurred |
Employees, suppliers, utilities |
|
Total Estimated Cost for Prototypical Restaurant(Excluding Land, Financing and Certain Other Costs)*
|
$1,910,500 |
$4,032,100 |
- |
- |
- |
Does Jack in the Box Offer Franchise Incentives?
Yes, Jack in the Box offers an incentive for multi-unit franchisees who decide to sign up for three or more stores under our Development Incentive Program. Click the cards below to see our current incentives.
Click to see Incentive A - Our Select Market Incentive
The Jack in the Box Select Market Incentive:
We offer an incentive to certain franchisees who have signed a Multi-Unit Development Agreement pursuant to which they have committed to open at least three (3) Restaurants in a ”Select Market.” For the purposes hereof, a “Select Market” is one in which food or other operating costs for franchisees are higher than average costs for other franchisees, due to supply chain conditions, as determined from time to time by us in our sole discretion. If we, in our sole discretion, determine that any Restaurants opened pursuant to such Multi-Unit Development Agreement qualify for this incentive, your Royalty for each qualifying Restaurant (which is currently 5% of Gross Sales) will be reduced to 2% of Gross Sales for the first five years after the subject qualifying Restaurant opens.
Click to See Incentive B: Our Multi-Unit Franchise Incentive
The Jack in the Box Multi-Unit Franchise Incentive
If you open the Restaurant on or before the required date in the development schedule, we will loan you $150,000 at 0% interest to be used solely for development costs associated with that restaurant. The loan will be repaid by crediting 100% of the royalty payments for that restaurant otherwise due until the loan is paid in full (i.e., payments will be made by crediting the appropriate portion of royalty payments toward the principal balance outstanding). If the particular restaurant is sold or permanently closed and the loan has not been fully repaid, the remaining principal balance is due in full.
Nine Years of AUV Growth
Jack in the Box has experienced nine consecutive years of average unit volume (AUV) growth from 2013 to 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
-
Am I Required to Have the Full Investment Amount in Cash?
For most potential franchisees, the answer is no. While some franchisees choose to finance their store with cash, most choose to take advantage of low interest rates and borrow a vast majority of the investment from their bank or credit unions. There are many factors than can affect the amount of cash required by your bank such as credit history, specific bank requirements, debt-to-income ratio, SBA requirements, collateral, etc. See our page on the costs of opening a burger franchise in 2026 here.
-
Does Jack in the Box Offer Financing?
Jack in the Box does not provide financing at this time, but we work with many banks that have experience lending to our franchisees. We can share this list with you. There are many additional options for financing available:
-
Term loans from brick and mortar banks
-
Partnerships
-
Business Line of Credit
-
SBA Loans
-
Equipment Financing
-
etc.
With so many options for lending, it's important to understand what your options are and not rule out owning your own business until you've researched each option.
-
-
What's the Total Investment Range for One Location?
As outlined in our FDD, we estimate the initial investment in a Jack in the Box franchise is between $1,909,500 - $4,041,500 per location.
-
What Are the Jack in the Box Franchise Royalties?
The Jack in the Box franchise royalty is 5% of gross sales and the marketing fund is also 5% of gross sales.
-
Do I Have to Pay a Franchise Fee Every Year?
No, you’re only required to pay your initial franchise fee when you sign your franchise agreement. This is a one-time payment that gives you a license to own and operate your franchise business for an agreed upon number of years. The only time you’ll be required to pay this fee again, is at the end of your initial term if you decide to renew or extend the terms of your franchise agreement.
-
What's the Jack in the Box Franchise Fee?
The Jack in the Box franchise fee is $50,000 per location.
-
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Jack in the Box Franchise?
We estimate the investment in a Jack in the Box franchise will cost between $1,909,500 - $4,041,500 These figures include virtually everything it takes to start a new restaurant, including:
-
-
One-time initial franchise fee, up to $50K
-
Building improvements, up to $626,000+
-
Initial inventory starting at $12,000.
-
Three months of operating funds
-
We work with our franchisees every step of the way as they get their new restaurants up and running and provide them with guidance, training, and support to ensure they get the most for their investment. If you’re wondering how to start a Jack in the Box, all you need to do is work through our step-by-step process.
-
-
Does Jack in the Box Offer Multi-Unit Incentives?
Development Incentive Program:
We offer an incentive to qualified developers. Under our current Development Incentive Program, if you sign a Development Agreement for a minimum of three (3) restaurants to be developed and opened under the development schedule during the time frames specified in the Development Agreement, and certain other requirements are met, you may be eligible for the following incentive, at our sole discretion:
If you open the Restaurant on or before the required date in the development schedule, we will loan you $150,000 at 0% interest to be used solely for development costs associated with that restaurant. The loan will be repaid by crediting 100% of the
royalty payments for that restaurant otherwise due until the loan is paid in full (i.e., payments will be made by crediting the appropriate portion of royalty payments toward the principal balance outstanding). If the particular restaurant is sold or permanently closed and the loan has not been fully repaid, the remaining principal balance is due in full.If you close a restaurant and then open a replacement restaurant, it will not be eligible for this incentive. The Company may discontinue or modify this Development Incentive Program at any time.
Select Market Incentive Program:
We offer an incentive to certain franchisees who have signed a Multi-Unit Development Agreement pursuant to which they have committed to open at least three (3) Restaurants in a ”Select Market.” For the purposes hereof, a “Select Market” is one in which food or other operating costs for franchisees are higher than average costs for other franchisees, due to supply chain conditions, as determined from time to time by us in our sole discretion. If we, in our sole discretion, determine that any Restaurants opened pursuant to such Multi-Unit Development Agreement qualify for this incentive, your Royalty for each qualifying Restaurant (which is currently 5% of Gross Sales) will be reduced to 2% of Gross Sales for the first five years after the subject qualifying Restaurant opens.
-
How Much Does a Jack in the Box Franchise Make?
Based upon Federal Trade Commission guidelines, we are precluded from providing earnings estimates or profit potential. We encourage prospective franchisees to conduct significant due diligence prior to committing to a new business venture. We provide names and phone numbers of existing franchisees in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). A pro forma financial statement that shows the operating performance of our company owned locations is included in the FDD for your review. At the end of the day, you are in control of this question. Your willingness to adhere to our operating system and your dedication to customer service are the key factors in answering this question.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JACK IN THE BOX BY COMPLETING THE STEPS BELOW.
Why Jack?
Find out why Jack in the Box is the curly fry in a sea of french fries.
Our Ideal Candidate
This page outlines our requirements to become a franchisee.
Costs and Fees
Understand the costs and fees to open a Jack in the Box franchise.
Available Territories
Click below to see where we're growing across the U.S.!
Franchise FAQ's
Have Questions about franchising? Find answers in our FAQ videos.
Let's Connect!
Inquire now to speak with our franchise development team.
Jack in the Box Disclaimer: This website and the franchise sales information on this site do not constitute an offer to sell a franchise. The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have registered the franchise (or obtained an applicable exemption from registration) and complied with the pre-sale disclosure requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.