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Exclusive: Clowning around with ‘Jack Box’
June 20th, 2008, 12:02 am · 13 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer and Blogger
When I started the Fast Food Maven blog last summer, one of the first interviews I wanted to nab was a conversation with “Jack Box” — the iconic smiley-face head czar of Jack in the Box.
I finally landed a phone interview with him this week. We talked about his recent Effie ad award, the chain’s rivalry with Carl’s Jr., the sexiness of bald heads, clown work and his future at Jack in the Box.
He also revealed some news about a freebie taco event slated for June 26. (see details below)
Listen to Hear my interview with Jack. For a partial transcript, CLICK HERE.
Why I like Jack?
Jack is a fast-food legend.
He allegedly bit the dust after his round, speaker-box clown head was blow
n up in a 1980 commercial. Then, in true soap-opera fashion — and perhaps with the aid of some Hollywood plastic surgery — Jack came back to life in 1995.
Ever since, the fictitious chief executive of Jack in the Box has become one of the most recognized fast-food characters on TV. His website boasts photos of fans posing with antenna-ball Jacks in international locales from Iraq to Rome.
Part of his allure is Jack’s deadpan wit — whether he’s in a boardroom dissecting the anatomy of a cow (Sirloin vs. Angus ad) or in a steaming hot tub mulling over a swinger lifestyle.
He’s hilarious, which is why I’ve been pestering “Jack’s people” for months — waiting for his calender to free up. Finally, I got the call a few weeks ago: he had some time in mid-June.
But, there was a catch.
Like any savvy businessman, Jack wanted to use the interview as an opportunity to give me the exclusive news on his latest marketing campaign: a free taco event scheduled for June 26.
Jack in the Box is giving away two free tacos Thursday to any customer with a gas receipt. The day-long freebie is a goodwill gesture by Jack — who says he wants to give some relief to diners feeling the pinch of soaring fuel prices.
Details of the freebie event will be released later this morning by Jack in the Box. Bu
t, you heard it here first. For more information, go to www.2freetacosday.com.
Final thoughts
Now that my interview is over, I must say: Jack is a bit feisty. He challenged me on some questions — even denying his past life as a clown. Maybe he’s got amnesia after suffering severe head trauma in 1980?
No matter. Jack, you’re the best. Thanks for the chat.
LISTEN Q&ADon’t forget to CLICK on the audio icon here, or above to listen to my Q&A..
For some fun Jack facts and history, click here.
Related stories:
- Maven talks fast-food wars with CBS reporter
- Fast-food chains target fuel-frustrated diners with recession-busting deals
- Jack in the Box’s sassy snub of Angus burgers nabs top ad award
- Carl’s Jr. to Jack in the Box: stop copying us
- Burger wars: CKE Restaurants, parent company of Carl’s Jr., sues Jack in the Box (MSNBC)
- Carl’s Jr. suit against Jack in the Box rejected (OCR)
June 20th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Great interview, but but the audio was very echoey. Next time, instead of placing a microphone near the speakerphone, use a direct phone tap or simply use a phone with an answering machine and just press the record button. The audio will come out much better.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I think this interview was great. I can feel the chemistry between interviewer and interviewee. Jack is Hilarious and I love his humor!!!
Santa Ana Cali out!
June 20th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Jack in the Box Rocks the Mic!
Carls Jr. can lick balls!!!
June 20th, 2008 at 10:19 am
I like Jack in the Box, like the food and appreciate all the new items, different kinds of sandwiches they have from time to time. McDonalds is for kids and kid’s meals, ditto Burger King and its giant playgrounds in their “stores”. Carls and it smarmy ads is for teen boys but Jack and Company seems to me to be for adults in their funny ads on TV football games and with their more sophisticated food oferings. I will defitiely be there with a gas receipt for my free tacos next week.
Thanks for the “heads up”!
June 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am
a classic! i love the clown kicker!
June 20th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Kudos to Jack in the Box. I think all of the Shell gas stations should remove the “s” from their name and rename themselves Hell gas stations. The high gas prices have made it so hard for everyone.
June 20th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Jack is a fraud. Like Santa. I can’t believe you fell for it.
June 20th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Jack for President!!!!!!
June 20th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I’m a fan.
Of both Jack and the Maven.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Sir Jack, you have certainly outdone yourself yet again! Cheerio old feller, best of luck with your “illegal” taco campaign. I sure hope you haven’t sold your secret sauce on that hot blonde. But rest assured, I will return and I will be BIGGER than ever before!!
Regards,
Bob Bigboy
June 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Jackman:
Please remove your head so we can see your face.
Gratefully,
Halo player
July 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hey jack,
Your so sexy. How about calling me. I want to sit on your round head….
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Hey Jack
Why is your food have so much sodium in it ? Favor is good but much sodium in your food stops me from enjoying your food . Do you REALLY need to have that much soduim in your food……………………
DP FRESNO/CA.