Jack In the Box To Open In Shuttered New Lenox Arby's: Mayor

NEW LENOX, IL — Arby's is out, Jack in the Box is in.

New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann on Friday confirmed that California-based Jack in the Box will take over the now-vacant Arby's, 672 E Lincoln Hwy, which shuttered abruptly this week.

The chain announced a return to the Chicago area in July 2024, citing plans to open in several suburbs, including New Lenox, Tinley Park, Joliet, Naperville, Plainfield, Carol Stream, Lake in the Hills, Countryside, with an additional Chicago location near Midway.

The openings are slated for 2025, with some possibly extending into 2026, the company said. It's been more than 40 years since the chain last operated in Chicago and Illinois, the company said in a release. The company hopes to open 125 stores in the Chicago market.

Jack in the Box is known for its iconic menu that features customer favorites like burgers, tacos, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, breakfast and late-night snacking options.

"Development venues will include traditional freestanding restaurants, end-caps with drive-thru, conversion of existing buildings, and dark kitchens," the company said in a release.

The new locations will offer dine-in, drive-thru, and mobile ordering options and will be open 24 hours per day.

"We’ve spearheaded conveniences that would become industry standards like the drive-thru, breakfast sandwiches and portable salads," the company said on its website. "Now we feature one of the largest and most distinctive menus in the quick-serve restaurant space. Everything from burgers to tacos to egg rolls. All cravings are welcome here."

Burgers "make up the core" of its menu, the chain's website reads. The chain currently has more than 2,100 locations across 21 states, according to its website. In June, leaders announced its continued expansion in Florida, in addition to its first Georgia and Kentucky locations. Corporate also has plans to expand to Michigan, Arkansas, Montana and Wyoming, according to its website.

Baldermann said the chain's leaders have not yet said when the New Lenox location will open.