US-based fast food chain Jack in the Box has reported a decline in first-quarter (Q1) fiscal 2026 (FY26) revenue and profit, weighed down by a drop in same-store sales and a smaller overall restaurant footprint.
For the quarter ended 18 January 2026, revenue stood at $349.5m, down 5.8% from $371.1m a year earlier.
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Same-store sales, including from franchise and company-operated restaurants, decreased 6.7% in the quarter.
The company said the performance reflected lower transactions and an unfavourable sales mix, partly offset by higher prices.
Systemwide sales for the period fell 7.1% year-on-year.
The chain’s footprint during the quarter also dropped, with six new openings offset by 14 closures.
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By GlobalDataNet earnings from continuing operations were $14.4m, down from $31m in the same quarter of the previous year.
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations also declined to $0.75 in Q1 FY26 from $1.61 in Q1 FY25.
Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter stood at $68.2m, compared with $88.8m in the first quarter of the prior year.
During the quarter, the company completed the sale of Del Taco, transferring its Del Taco restaurant operations to Yadav Enterprises and Anil Yadav.
Jack in the Box CEO Lance Tucker said: “Our results for the quarter were in line with our expectations.
“We remain focused on the fundamentals, simplifying the business, and delivering on our ‘JACK on Track’ commitments as we build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.”
Jack in the Box also reiterated the guidance it issued on 19 November 2025 for the fiscal year ending 27 September 2026. It continues to target a Jack in the Box restaurant count of between 2,050 and 2,100.
The company is projecting same-store sales in a range of -1% to +1% versus fiscal 2025, with company-owned restaurant-level margin expected between 17% and 18%.
