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How much does Jack in the Box cost?
Initial Investment Range
$1,910,500 to $8,070,000
Franchise Fee
$60,000 to $178,475
Different Rules, LLC franchises quick-service Jack in the Box® restaurants, which serve a variety of foods, including hamburgers, specialty sandwiches, french fries, tacos, salads, bowls, drinks and side items.
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Jack in the Box May 5, 2025 FDD Risk Analysis
Free FDD Library AI Analysis Date: August 22, 2025
DISCLAIMER: Not Legal Advice - For Informational Purposes Only. Consult With Qualified Franchise Professionals.
Franchisor Stability Risks
Start HereDisclosure of Franchisor's Financial Instability
High Risk
Explanation
The franchisor, Different Rules, LLC (Different Rules), is part of a complex securitization structure. Its parent, Jack in the Box SPV Guarantor, LLC, has a significant Member's Deficit (-$1.478 billion in 2024) and substantial debt. The FDD includes an explicit warning about the franchisor's financial condition and ability to provide support. Several states require that your initial fees be deferred until you open, which indicates regulatory concern over the franchisor's financial stability.
Potential Mitigations
- A franchise accountant should thoroughly analyze the audited financial statements for the franchisor, its parent, and the manager (Jack in the Box Inc.), including all footnotes and the auditor's opinion.
- It is essential to discuss the implications of the company's securitized debt structure and Member's Deficit with your financial advisor.
- Your attorney should review the terms of any state-required fee deferral to understand its protections and limitations.
High Franchisee Turnover
High Risk
Explanation
Item 20 includes a disclosure that the franchisor's parent, Jack in the Box Inc. (JIB), announced in May 2025 its intention to close 80-120 Jack in the Box restaurants during calendar year 2025. While historical turnover rates in the tables appear low, this forward-looking statement signals a significant, imminent wave of closures. This could impact brand perception, supply chain logistics, and overall system health, presenting a substantial risk to both new and existing franchisees.
Potential Mitigations
- A business advisor can help you assess the potential market impact of a large number of system-wide closures on brand perception and consumer confidence.
- Discuss with the franchisor their strategy for managing these closures and supporting the remaining franchisees through the transition.
- Your attorney should review the FDD for any further details or risk factors associated with this planned reduction in outlets.
Rapid System Growth
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified. The FDD data does not suggest that the franchise system is growing at a rate that would outpace its support capabilities. In fact, data in Item 20 indicates a slight contraction of the system in recent years and plans for future closures. However, franchisees should always be mindful of a franchisor's ability to support its network, whether it is growing or shrinking.
Potential Mitigations
- Your business advisor can help you evaluate whether the franchisor's stated support staff levels in Item 11 seem adequate for the current system size.
- When speaking with existing franchisees, it is wise to inquire about the timeliness and quality of support they currently receive.
- An accountant's review of the franchisor's financials can help determine if resources are being allocated to support rather than just sales.
New/Unproven Franchise System
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk is not present. The franchisor's predecessor, Jack in the Box Inc., has been franchising since 1971 and operates a large, mature system with thousands of outlets. The business model is well-established in the quick-service restaurant industry. The risk associated with an unproven concept is low.
Potential Mitigations
- It is still valuable to have your attorney review the corporate history in Item 1 to understand the current securitized structure.
- Engaging a business advisor to research the long-term performance of the brand and its competitive position is a prudent step.
- Discuss the brand's history and evolution with long-standing franchisees to gain historical perspective.
Possible Fad Business
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk is not present. Jack in the Box is a long-established brand in the quick-service restaurant industry, which is a mature and stable market segment. The business is not based on a new or fleeting trend, and its core products have demonstrated sustained consumer demand over many decades. The risk of the business model being a short-term fad is low.
Potential Mitigations
- A business advisor can help you analyze the brand's current competitive positioning and long-term strategy.
- Reviewing the franchisor's research and development disclosures in Item 11 can provide insight into how they plan to adapt to future market changes.
- It is prudent to discuss the brand's resilience through various economic cycles with long-tenured franchisees.
Inexperienced Management
Medium Risk
Explanation
The executive team disclosed in Item 2 has extensive experience with major national restaurant brands like Yum! Brands, CKE Restaurants, Starbucks, and Zaxby's. However, Item 4 notes that two executives were previously officers of GNC Holdings, LLC when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. While their overall experience is substantial, this prior association with a bankrupt company could be a point of concern for a prospective franchisee and warrants consideration.
Potential Mitigations
- A thorough review of the backgrounds of all key executives in Item 2 with your business advisor is recommended.
- It may be worthwhile to research the circumstances surrounding the GNC bankruptcy to better understand the context of the executives' involvement.
- You should inquire with existing franchisees about their confidence in and the performance of the current leadership team.
Private Equity Ownership
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. Item 1 discloses a complex corporate structure involving parent companies and a securitization trust, but it does not indicate that the franchisor is directly owned by a traditional private equity firm with a typical short-term hold-and-sell strategy. However, the Franchise Agreement gives the franchisor broad rights to assign the agreement to any successor.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney should review the assignment clauses in the Franchise Agreement to understand the implications if the system is sold.
- It's beneficial to ask the franchisor about their long-term vision and any potential plans for a sale of the company.
- A business advisor can help you research the ownership structure and reputation of the ultimate parent company, Jack in the Box Inc.
Non-Disclosure of Parent Company
Low Risk
Explanation
The franchisor entity, Different Rules, LLC, is a subsidiary within a larger securitization structure. Item 21 provides audited financial statements for the parent guarantor, Jack in the Box SPV Guarantor, LLC, and also for the ultimate parent, Jack in the Box Inc. The structure is complex, but the required financial disclosures for the relevant parent and guarantor entities appear to be present.
Potential Mitigations
- Your accountant must carefully review the financials for all disclosed entities to understand their interrelationships and individual financial health.
- It is crucial for your attorney to explain the terms and limitations of the Guaranty of Performance provided by the parent.
- Asking your financial advisor to clarify which entity's financial strength is most critical to your success is a key step.
Predecessor History Issues
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk is not present. The franchisor has a long history, and Item 1 clearly identifies Jack in the Box Inc. as its predecessor. The FDD provides relevant litigation and bankruptcy history for the predecessor, as required. The document does not appear to obscure any significant negative history related to the predecessor's operation of the franchise system.
Potential Mitigations
- It is still wise to have your attorney review the history detailed in Items 1, 3, and 4.
- A business advisor can help you research the public history of the predecessor, Jack in the Box Inc., for additional context.
- Asking long-term franchisees about their experiences under the predecessor entity can provide valuable insights.
Pattern of Litigation
High Risk
Explanation
Item 3 discloses several significant lawsuits filed by franchisees or their representatives against the franchisor or its parent. These include allegations of breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination, and bad faith. While the franchisor has prevailed in some instances, the pattern of serious, franchisee-initiated litigation and costly settlements suggests a potentially contentious relationship between the franchisor and some of its franchisees, which is a significant risk factor.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney must conduct a thorough review of every litigation summary in Item 3 to understand the nature and severity of the claims.
- It's important to discuss the litigation history with current and former franchisees to get their perspective on the system's legal climate.
- A business advisor can help you assess whether this litigation history indicates a broader systemic problem.
Disclosure & Representation Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Financial & Fee Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Legal & Contract Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Territory & Competition Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Regulatory & Compliance Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Franchisor Support Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Operational Control Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Term & Exit Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Miscellaneous Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems