jack in the box

In hopes of boosting sales, Jack in the Box is thinking, well, outside of the box. Amidst criticism that the fast food chain has lost brand focus, the company has announced plans to drop toys from kids' meals, add new menu options for children such as apple bites, and cut a number of premium food items, among them the mini sirloin burgers, steak teriyaki bowl, pita snacks, and chorizo burger. These changes, Jack in the Box executives hope, will help the staggering chain distinguish itself from competitors.

Jack in the Box claims that the move to kill toys in kids' meals wasn't in response to outside pressure, but the hubbub surrounding Happy Meal bans couldn't have hurt its decision. Note that while other fast food establishments like McDonald's and Chipotle have been seeing growth, Jack in the Box sales still haven't managed to return to pre-recession levels. Do you think dropping the toys from kids' meals and simplifying the menu will kick-start sluggish sales?

Source: Flickr User Roca Chang

• A collection of sweet and savory snacks for your desk drawer. — Chow
• The FDA on radiation safety: "There is no risk to the US food supply." — FDA
• Was it the Noma book that cost René Redzepi a third Michelin star? — Grub Street SF
• Food trucks have officially jumped the shark: even Jack in the Box has one. — Eater
• How foodies are raising money for Japan. — Epi-Log
• As food prices soar, so will your restaurant tab. — Walletpop
• Amidst Japan's nuclear crisis, Chinese shoppers are stockpiling iodized salt. — Eatocracy
• Must make: Middle Eastern lamb pizza. — Serious Eats

Is there anything better out there than tacos? Not that we know of — except, well, maybe free tacos.

Today only, mosey over to your nearest Jack in the Box anytime after 2 p.m. and score dos tacos, gratis. Although there isn't much explanation in the promotion's advertisements, officials did say it's intended to highlight improvements made to the menu item.

Want to know if Jack's tacos are better? Find out for yourself and get to a participating location.

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The latest twist in the fast food breakfast wars shows Americans are hungry for a hearty — but healthy — start.

Four months after debuting its calorie-conscious morning sandwiches, Subway has declared its breakfast a success, with sales exceeding expectations and more sandwiches on the way.

Meanwhile, Jack in the Box announced its latest product, The Breakfast Pita Pocket, will also be a fit-friendly morning option. The fast food chain's new item, priced at $2.69, will feature a whole-grain pita pocket with eggs, bacon, ham, and American cheese.

I'm not surprised to learn that specialty coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches are the fastest-growing items in fast food. Wendy's and Taco Bell are both rolling out programs next year, and I'm willing to bet there'll be at least one healthy morning option on each. Are you happy to see these chains offering healthier breakfast? Do you ever eat fast food in the morning?

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We love Slashfood so much that every Thursday we round up their most delicious stories. Here are this week's finds:

• Jack in the Box is responding to feedback and revamping its French fries.
• How Oscar winner The Cove is helping to bring down illegal sushi operations.
• Make a craveworthy shrimp po'boy with none of the grease.
• Chef and restaurant owner Bobby Flay will throw down $800,000 in back wages.
• Fat: Australian researchers think it's the sixth taste.
• Food Networker Ingrid Hoffman is back in the restaurant biz — this time, with a food truck.

Source: Flickr User VirtualErn

Taco Tuesday promos are, in my opinion, the best thing to ever happen to Tuesday, an otherwise uneventful day of the week. And for no apparent reason, fast-food chain Jack in the Box wants to get in on the action with its own version. Today only, print out this coupon, bring it into a store near you, and walk away with two free tacos — no purchase necessary.

Although I haven't been there since trying the chain's cheesy macaroni bites last year, I'm thinking tonight I'll head over to my local Jack to score a deuce. Will you do the same?

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