SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 10, 2026--
Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK) fans have been asking for its return for years, and now, more than a decade later, Jack in the Box is finally bringing it back – the Hot Mess Burger returns for a limited time at participating Jack in the Box locations nationwide and in the Jack app on February 16th. But, in true Jack fashion, the most requested item on social media isn’t just being added back to the line-up this year. Its return will be marked by a remake of the original ad, the launch of a limited-edition collectible, and even an official anniversary tour.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260210416334/en/
Featuring a 100% beef jumbo patty seasoned as it grills, topped with white cheese sauce, shredded pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapenos, and crunchy onion rings on toasted sourdough bread, the Hot Mess Burger quickly became one of those items you never forget. Now, more than a decade later, Jack in the Box is bringing it back to give fans another shot at the chaos, fun, and flavor that made this burger so iconic.
Rock & Roll Resurgence
The Hot Mess Burger first made its debut in 2013, featuring Jack on tour with 80s rockband, Meat Riot, where he met his wife, Cricket. To mark the Hot Mess return, and in celebration of the brand’s 75th anniversary, Jack Box reprises his role as frontman of Meat Riot in a remake of the original ad. Featuring Jack fondly looking back on his days as lead singer in the band, fans are given an insider look at Jack and Cricket’s early days.
A Fan-Favorite Collectible Returns
Back and bolder than ever, Jack’s iconic antenna balls also return as a tribute to decades of delicious chaos and cult fandom, making your ride (or anything else you can stick an antenna ball on) an official part of the celebration. The new rendition of the nostalgic merch item drops alongside the Hot Mess Burger and features the iconic Meat Riot Jack head.
The Hot Mess Anniversary Tour
Kicking off in Jack’s hometown of San Diego, CA, the Hot Mess Anniversary Tour runs from February 13 through February 21, landing in Austin, Texas on Jack in the Box’s official anniversary. With a stop in Los Angeles along the way, fans will be welcomed by an exclusive, limited-time installation designed by LA-based streetwear brand The Hundreds, building on the brand’s year-long partnership with Jack. Like Los Angeles, each tour stop will feature its own distinct experience and the chance to try the Hot Mess Burger—keeping every stop unexpected and worth the visit.
For more information on the Hot Mess launch, including limited edition collectibles, anniversary tour, and availability, visit jackinthebox.com or follow Jack in the Box on socials.
About Jack in the Box Inc.
Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), founded and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation's largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,135 restaurants across 21 states. For more information, including franchising opportunities, visit www.jackinthebox.com.
Category: Corporate
The Hot Mess Burger first made its debut in 2013, featuring Jack on tour with 80s rockband, Meat Riot, where he met his wife, Cricket. To mark the Hot Mess return, and in celebration of the brand’s 75th anniversary, Jack Box reprises his role as frontman of Meat Riot in a remake of the original ad.
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Riot police fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters throwing Molotov cocktails and flares during a demonstration Tuesday night in central Tirana by thousands of opposition supporters demanding the resignation of Albania’s government.
Sixteen protesters were treated in a hospital for burns and other injuries, police said, adding that 13 protesters were arrested.
Prime Minister Edi Rama's government has come under fire over corruption allegations involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, but Rama has resisted calls to dismiss her. There have been growing demands that lawmakers lift Balluku's immunity from prosecution, which can only be done in a parliamentary vote.
Anti-corruption prosecutors have accused Balluku, who is also minister for energy and infrastructure, of interfering in public procurement for construction projects to favor certain companies, and has called for her immunity to be lifted.
Tuesday night’s protest in the Albanian capital was attended by thousands of people. It was the third such demonstration in recent months demanding Rama’s resignation. More than 1,300 police officers had been deployed to ensure security. Previous protests also turned violent, with demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks at police and a government building, and with authorities responding with tear gas and water cannons.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, a former prime minister who has also faced corruption charges himself, described the protest as a “peaceful uprising” at a critical moment for Albania. Speaking at the protest, he accused Rama of “declaring war on the justice system.”
Political analyst Mentor Kikia said it was unlikely that any major change would result from the protests. “Citizens are distrustful, having consistently voted for the lesser evil to remove the greater evil from power,” he said.
“The current perception is that if Rama leaves, Berisha will return. One left power because of corruption, the other must also leave power because of corruption,” Kikia said.
Albania hopes to join the European Union, and is under close monitoring by the bloc as part of its accession process, which it hopes to complete by 2027.
However, international watchdogs say the country continues to suffer from widespread corruption.
Hooded youth protesters throw flares and fireworks during an anti-government rally outside Prime Minister's office over corruption scandals and broader political issues, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Protesters throw Molotov cocktails, flares and fireworks during an anti-government rally outside Prime Minister's office over corruption scandals and broader political issues, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Protesters throw Molotov cocktails during an anti-government rally outside Prime Minister's office over corruption scandals and broader political issues, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Protesters throw Molotov cocktails, flares and fireworks during an anti-government rally outside Prime Minister's office over corruption scandals and broader political issues, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Hooded youth protesters throw flares and fireworks during an anti-government rally outside Prime Minister's office over corruption scandals and broader political issues, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
