There’s no Jack-in-the-Box franchises this side of the border that I’m aware of, but it’s been around our more South-bound neighbours a long time.

Here’s an old commercial for Jack-in-the-Box from the 70’s, brought to us by RetroJunk.com and YouTube user blank77:

Hard to believe people really did speak into a large, scary clown to place their greasy food order.  Bring those things back and I bet the obesity rates would drop.  Or perhaps not.

Now, compare it to a modern Jack, brought to us by maybe-not-quite-safe-for-work planetvids.com and YouTube user sgondesen:

The modern Jack-in-the-Box ads have a lot more bite to them, and given that the giant clown head is likely to given children nightmares, they might as well cater to a more adult audience (especially since there’s no competing with Ronald)

Not that McDonald’s commercials are without bite.

If your business is planning to be around for a long time, something that you’re going to have to think about is “What will my business have to be when it grows up?”.  Included in those thoughts is how you’ll be able to let people know you’ve changed.

Best have either a maturity plan, or an exit strategy prepared.

Tags: advertising then and now, Jack-in-the-Box, McDonald's, scary clowns