After decades away from the Sunshine State, Jack in the Box is officially returning to Florida. The iconic fast-food brand has confirmed plans to open its first two Florida locations in Orlando and Longwood, marking a major expansion milestone and signaling long-term ambitions across the state.
First Florida Locations: Orlando and Longwood
Jack in the Box’s Florida comeback will begin in Central Florida, with two restaurants planned in Orlando and Longwood, FL. These locations represent the brand’s first presence in Florida in more than 30 years and are expected to open in early 2026.
The Orlando and Longwood restaurants are strategically positioned in high-traffic corridors, allowing the brand to reintroduce itself to longtime fans while attracting new customers who may be experiencing Jack in the Box for the first time. The return is already generating buzz among residents familiar with the brand from the West Coast and Southwest.
Expanding Across Florida Through Franchising
The Orlando and Longwood openings are just the beginning. Jack in the Box has made it clear that Florida is a priority growth market and is actively seeking franchise partners to develop additional locations throughout the state.
According to the company, Florida’s population growth, tourism economy, and strong demand for quick-service dining make it an ideal environment for expansion. The brand is targeting multi-unit franchisees interested in developing clusters of restaurants across major Florida metros, including Central Florida, Tampa Bay, South Florida, and beyond.
This franchise-led strategy allows Jack in the Box to scale efficiently while partnering with experienced operators who understand local markets. For entrepreneurs, the Florida rollout represents an opportunity to help establish a legacy brand in a market where demand is already high.
What Makes Jack in the Box Stand Out
Jack in the Box has built a loyal following by offering something few fast-food chains can: menu variety without time restrictions.
The brand is known for serving breakfast all day alongside burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and late-night favorites. Signature menu items include the Jumbo Jack, Sourdough Jack, Tiny Tacos, curly fries, breakfast burritos, and indulgent milkshakes. Seasonal and limited-time items also play a major role in keeping the menu fresh and culturally relevant.
Another defining feature of Jack in the Box is its convenience-first approach. The company pioneered drive-thru ordering technology decades ago and continues to lean into fast service, extended hours, and late-night availability — a combination that resonates strongly with younger consumers, shift workers, and travelers.
They also have an enormous menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I cannot stress the number of options for a fast food chain seems surreal. So it might be late at night, but when they say have it your way at a fast food chain, this chain might actually be providing that in reality.
What Fans Are Saying
The announcement of Jack in the Box’s return to Florida has sparked enthusiastic reactions online. Fans frequently cite nostalgia, menu flexibility, and unique items like Tiny Tacos and all-day breakfast as reasons they’ve missed the brand.
Many Florida residents who previously lived in California, Texas, or Arizona have expressed excitement about no longer needing to wait for road trips or flights to enjoy their favorite Jack in the Box meals. The early response suggests the brand’s Florida debut could be met with strong opening-day demand.
A New Chapter for Florida’s Fast-Food Landscape
With its first two locations planned in Orlando and Longwood and a broader franchise strategy underway, Jack in the Box’s return represents more than just new restaurant openings — it marks the reintroduction of a nationally recognized brand poised for statewide growth.
As development expands and franchise partners come on board, Jack in the Box is positioned to become a familiar name once again across Florida’s fast-food and drive-thru landscape.
