Jack in the Box makes its return to the Midwest after 40 years of its absence. In the 80s, the chain left initially overwhelmed by other competition, but then shifted its focus onto expanding to more Southern areas. Known for its wide variety menu and late night hours, the fast food restaurant has made an undeniable entrance on the Plainfield area after only two months of operation. 

Just off of Route 59 and Vermette stands the contemporary restaurant, donning its red and purple composition. When walking inside, I was greeted by a friendly security guard, his manners unmatched, holding the door for others entering and exiting. Couples and families were conversing and enjoying their meals. The environment felt welcoming, accented by the vibrant decor of the establishment. Hues of darkened purple blended with richened red in the art, lights, and seating arrangements. 

The menu consists of an extensive selection of food items, ranging from diverse burgers and chicken sandwiches to snacks, tacos, and milkshakes. From kids meals to breakfast, chicken tenders to grilled cheese, all items were at feasible prices. Meals sold for around 12 dollars and the lowest costing items were four dollars and under. Choosing was arduous, but eventually I decided on trying a few items.

For my starter,  I had the Bacon Ultimate Burger, which included two slim meat patties, pieces of bacon, two different cheeses, ketchup and mustard, and an interesting sauce that was able to tie the fare together.

The fries that were included as a side were soft, and just the right amount of salty. The curly fries on the other hand were crispy and delightful, the dash of salt acting as the perfect accompaniment. 

I then tried the snack sized tacos filled with ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and a faintly tangy sauce. They are fried, creating a crunchy, tasty sensation. 

As a fan of chicken tenders, I knew I had to try them. They were soft with a crispy breading, cooked to perfection. And with a sauce of choosing, the flavor is immaculate.

The drinks included in the combo were a reasonable size, and an assortment of Coke products were available for selection. 

While impressive, it was very clear that the restaurant is still in its infancy, as seen in the virtual kiosks still wrapped in plastic, and the manager openly tending to her employee’s recent training. Despite the learning curves, all customers were served promptly, and with exceptional customer service. By the end of my visit, my cravings were definitely satisfied, as were my expectations.