Jack in the Box appoints Lance Tucker as permanent CEO

USA – Leading fast casual restaurant chain Jack in the Box has officially named Lance Tucker as its permanent CEO, the company announced in a press release on March 31.

Jack in the Box has officially appointed Lance Tucker as its permanent CEO after he served in an interim capacity following the departure of Darin Harris in late February.

Tucker, who previously held two separate stints as CFO at the company, from 2018 to 2020 and again beginning in November 2024, brings extensive leadership experience in the restaurant industry, including a tenure at Papa Johns International.

Tucker outlined several immediate priorities for the company, including optimizing capital allocation, accelerating free cash flow, and furthering its transition to an asset-light, franchise-driven business model, a strategy that gained traction following Jack in the Box’s acquisition of Del Taco.

Despite the need for swift action on these initiatives, he affirmed that the company remains in a strong position, expressing confidence in its fundamentals and leadership team.

Jack in the Box has been grappling with declining same-store sales, a challenge shared by many quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands.

While both Jack in the Box and Del Taco experienced sales declines in fiscal 2024, the trend persisted for Del Taco in Q1 fiscal 2025 with a 4.5% drop, whereas Jack in the Box managed a modest 0.4% increase.

To strengthen brand engagement and sales, the company has reintroduced its iconic mascot, Jack Box, in a multimedia campaign spanning podcasts and other digital platforms.

Additionally, Jack in the Box has intensified its value-focused messaging through its Munchies Under US$4 menu, launched in late spring 2024.

Del Taco adopted a similar strategy, expanding its burrito offerings and introducing value meal packages.

Despite these efforts, macroeconomic pressures continue to impact sales.

On the most recent earnings call, Tucker acknowledged that both brands are currently experiencing negative quarter-to-date sales and anticipate a decline in Q2 same-store sales.

Nevertheless, Jack in the Box has sustained unit growth for two consecutive years, driven by new franchising agreements, including a 15-unit deal in Georgia and an expansion plan that marks the brand’s return to Chicago after decades.

To support leadership transitions, Dawn Hooper, who has served as Jack in the Box’s senior vice president and controller since 2022, will take on the role of interim principal financial officer.

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