As a pioneer in the fast-casual dining industry, Jack in the Box (JACK) has been serving American families for decades. With 2,200 locations across the U.S. and Guam, and 500 million guests served annually, the company has long been at the forefront of providing convenient, affordable and high-quality food. Recently, however, Jack in the Box took a bold step forward—embracing sustainability and environmental responsibility as key drivers of future success. And to ensure they met their goals, they turned to RSM for support on their journey.
JACK’s commitment to innovation has always been central to its business model. From refining drive-thru service to introducing breakfast sandwiches and portable salads, JACK has built a legacy of convenience and customer-centricity. Today, as one of the largest and most recognizable brands in the quick-service restaurant space, they are setting their sights on making a meaningful impact not only through the food they serve but also in their approach to environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Their mission is clear: deliver great food while also making a positive impact on their communities and the environment.
In working with RSM, JACK recognized the importance of integrating sustainability into every facet of their operations. With evolving consumer expectations, regulatory pressures and the increasing focus on ESG factors, the company was ready to align their business strategy with long-term sustainability goals. They knew RSM's experience and knowledge would be critical in helping them assess their current ESG maturity, understanding their reporting obligations and helping chart a course for future success.
Identifying gaps, aligning goals
RSM’s engagement with JACK began with an ESG Rapid Assessment®, designed to evaluate the company’s current ESG maturity and provide recommendations for next steps. This assessment included a materiality analysis that involved feedback from both internal and external stakeholders, as well as a review of JACK’s existing ESG report. With this data, RSM identified potential gaps and suggested frameworks and metrics aligned with JACK’s ESG goals.
“As part of our rapid assessment,” said Matthew Hamilton, JACK’s senior director, corporate counsel and assistant secretary, “one of the issues [RSM] identified was the climate regulations, and then a couple of months later, it just so happened that the California regulations and the SEC regulations on climate both came through. So, we're very thankful … we were able to hit the ground running.”
After completing the assessment, RSM worked closely with JACK to develop their inaugural ESG report, structured around the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board rules for the restaurant industry and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures recommendations. This report showcased JACK’s commitment to transparency and accountability in their ESG efforts, presenting data-driven insights and strategies for future growth.
“We wanted to get the story out as a comprehensive package of what we do to be a good corporate citizen,” said Hamilton.
The process also included the design and launch of a sustainability landing page on JACK’s website, offering stakeholders easy access to the report and real-time engagement data. RSM’s support ensured that JACK could deliver a comprehensive ESG package to customers, investors and the public, further strengthening their reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.
Achieving ESG maturity
JACK’s experience with RSM underscored how ESG initiatives can drive operational efficiencies, meet investor and consumer expectations, and create shared value for all stakeholders. The engagement with JACK was not only about achieving compliance but also about fostering innovation, improving business performance and positioning the client as a leader in sustainability.
Thanks to RSM’s guidance, JACK now has a clear understanding of their ESG maturity and a roadmap to continue building on their sustainability efforts. The next phase will focus on advancing their ESG practices, particularly around greenhouse gas emissions reporting and preparing for the evolving ESG regulation landscape which includes the California climate bills. RSM will be there every step of the way, helping JACK navigate the evolving landscape of ESG regulations, industry best practices and new opportunities for growth.
As Hamilton noted, “RSM has advised us on both short-term and long-term challenges, keeping us up to date on regulations and providing us with the tools we need to navigate the complexities of ESG.”
To learn more about Jack in the Box’s ESG journey, watch our case study video.
