Sunday, November 1, 2026

Question: In 1951, a San Diego businessman converted his drive-in into a hamburger stand built around a drive-thru window and a two-way intercom, topped by a giant clown. What fast-food chain did he launch?

Answer: Jack in the Box. Founded by Robert O. Peterson on El Cajon Boulevard, it became one of the first major fast-food chains to make drive-thru service its central concept. A smaller clown head sat atop the ordering speaker, which instructed customers, “Pull forward, Jack will speak to you.”