Jack in the Box Inc. Reiterates Confidence in David Goebel-Led Board of Directors in Overseeing Successful Execution of “JACK on Track” Plan
Highlights Biglari’s Self-Interested Campaign and Contradictory and Volatile Behavior that Hindered the Board’s Attempts at Constructive Engagement
Urges Shareholders to Vote “FOR” all 10 of
Visit www.KeepJackonTrack.com for More Information
In the letter, the Company highlights Jack in the Box Independent Board Chair
In addition, the letter highlights the Board’s conviction that the “vote no” campaign run by
The full text of the letter follows:
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
The 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of
Our Board is dedicated to driving shareholder value as
Importantly, we believe that we have the right Board and management team in place to build on this strong foundation. In particular, our Independent Board Chair,
Jack in the Box’s business model is unique, and our Board benefits from Mr. Goebel’s highly specific skillset and hands‑on experience in restaurant operations, concept development, and supply‑chain management. After his notable career as an executive in the quick-service restaurant and casual dining sector,
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David Goebel’s Continued Service to 2027 Annual Meeting Serves Shareholders’ Best Interests |
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A Proven Large-Scale Operator |
Franchise & Governance Expertise |
Critical Continuity as Board Chair |
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Why It Matters |
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As a 93% franchised system, we need directors with hands-on franchise operating expertise |
Helps ensure the Board remains closely attuned to operator dynamics, governance best practices, and system health |
Removing a seasoned Board Chair now would disrupt the efficient execution of our turn-around plan. |
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Mr. Goebel’s expertise and commitment to mentorship are widely recognized across the industry, including by
“In my years working with Dave as my executive coach, his knowledge of the restaurant industry, deep experience as a CEO of a large multi-unit chain, and push to make sure that shareholders are at the heart of every decision made have been critical in my development as a leader and a key influence in our turnaround at Chili’s.” |
Under Mr. Goebel’s leadership as Board Chair, and as part of the Board’s ongoing succession planning, we have added three independent directors over the past three years to bring fresh perspectives. These new directors bring relevant expertise in restaurants, franchising, retail, and real estate – especially in
As part of an orderly Board refreshment process, the
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“Dave’s expertise and leadership have been tremendous assets to the Jack in the Box Board and to me personally as I stepped into the CEO role. Dave has been more than generous with his time, going above and beyond in sharing his expertise and counsel as we have worked to identify and address challenges with the launch and execution of our ‘JACK on Track’ plan.” |
The Board Believes Biglari’s Campaign does not Serve Shareholders’ Interests – Only Those of
The Board believes the “vote no” campaign against
Although the Board, after giving
The Board engaged extensively, attempting to work towards a mutually agreeable outcome. However, it is clear to the Board that
Since
- Conducted a robust and independent director evaluation process
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Interviewed
Mr. Biglari as a potential director candidate - Interviewed Mr. Biglari’s second proposed director nominee
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Interviewed an additional third director candidate privately proposed by
Mr. Biglari after the nomination window had closed and his other nominees had been withdrawn -
Attempted further engagement through an in-person meeting with
Mr. Goebel , making clear when scheduling thatRachel Webb , the Company’s Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations, would be joining but never suggesting that any advisor participate. Attendance at this meeting required lengthy travel byMr. Goebel andMs. Webb , only to haveMr. Biglari be a “no show” - Offered to add Mr. Biglari’s third director candidate or a mutually agreeable director
Contrary to Mr. Biglari’s recent mischaracterization, throughout our engagement with
- Maintained a passive public securities position while accumulating stock and seeking a Board seat for himself and raising the potential to engage on various transactions involving the Company
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Reacted with extreme anger upon learning that the Board had not accepted his initial request to serve on the Board, with multiple directors witnessing
Mr. Biglari threatening that what he would do toJack in the Box would pale in comparison to other proxy fights he has waged, saying that his proxy fight would “get bloody” and expressing directly toMr. Goebel that he would come after him - Launched a proxy contest, nominating himself and one other individual
- Continued to privately push for a singular Board seat for himself as he withdrew his own nomination, and subsequently, that of his other candidate
- Privately proposed a third candidate during discussions regarding a potential resolution but subsequently informed the Company that any resolution would depend on him being added to Jack in the Box’s Board
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Was historically supportive of the Company’s direction and leadership but then launched a “vote no” campaign after it was clear the Board would not reconsider its decision that he was unsuited to serve as a
Jack in the Box director
We urge shareholders to reject the kind of behavior that
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In support of the Company’s efforts,
“We believe that the Company is taking the right steps with the ‘JACK on Track’ plan to create long-term value and we are enthusiastic about the Company’s future. In contrast, we believe a ‘vote no’ campaign is a distraction and a step in the wrong direction. We urge our fellow shareholders to support the Jack in the Box Board so they can continue working with management to capitalize on the positive evolution underway.” |
Your vote is important. We encourage you to protect the value of your investment in
Thank you for your continued support,
The Jack in the Box Board of Directors
If you have any questions or require assistance with voting your shares,
please call the Company’s proxy solicitor:
(877) 750-8198 (toll free from the
+1 (412) 232-3651 (from other countries)
About
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goals,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate. These estimates and assumptions involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are in some cases beyond our control. Factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the success of new products, marketing initiatives and restaurant remodels and drive-thru enhancements; the impact of competition, unemployment, trends in consumer spending patterns and commodity costs; the Company’s ability to achieve and manage its planned growth, which is affected by the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites, the performance of new restaurants, risks relating to expansion into new markets and successful franchise development; the ability to attract, train and retain top-performing personnel, litigation risks; risks associated with disagreements with franchisees; supply chain disruption; food-safety incidents or negative publicity impacting the reputation of the Company's brand; increased regulatory and legal complexities, risks associated with the amount and terms of the securitized debt issued by certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries; stock market volatility. These and other factors are discussed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and its periodic reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available online at http://investors.jackinthebox.com or in hard copy upon request. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as the result of new information or otherwise.
Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
The Company has filed a definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) and a WHITE proxy card with the
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260209866578/en/
858-522-4556
rachel.webb@jackinthebox.com
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