MarketInk: Growing up, she ate at Jack in the Box. Now she’s their lead marketer.

While growing up in Canada, when crossing the border into the U.S., Katelyn Zborowski’s family would often enjoy a meal at a Jack in the Box restaurant.

“I actually grew up in Canada, so I didn’t have access to Jack in the Box day-to-day, but I was definitely aware of the brand and its following,” Zborowski told Times of San Diego. “Anytime my family traveled across the border, it was a must-stop. It always felt a little special because it wasn’t something we could get at home.”

Today, Zborowski is leading Jack in the Box’s marketing strategy as the company’s new chief marketing officer (CMO).

“I’m excited to join Jack in the Box and lead the brand’s marketing strategy to drive sales and inspire brand loyalty,” said Zborowski. “I look forward to working with the Jack team to build on the brand’s strong foundation, deepen our connection with guests, and drive demand through bold, insight-led marketing.”

A statement said she will focus on driving demand through innovation, delivering profitable value and bringing Jack’s way to life across the brand.

Zborowski has more than 15 years of experience in senior marketing roles in the food sector. She spent more than a decade with Yum! Brands, most recently serving as head of brand strategy and marketing at Pizza Hut.

Prior to Pizza Hut, Zborowski led global brand management and portfolio strategy as director of brand marketing at Taco Bell, where she drove sales growth through more than 40 innovative limited-time offers (LTOs).

Zborowski explained why she was attracted to join the San Diego-based Jack in the Box, Inc. (JITB), one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,125 restaurants across 22 states.

“Jack in the Box has always stood out to me because it doesn’t try to fit neatly into a category, it embraces being a little unexpected. The irreverent voice, the incredibly passionate fan base, and the brand’s cultural relevance made it really compelling,” Zborowski said to Times of San Diego. “But just as important, there’s an exceptional team already here that’s hungry to keep pushing boundaries.”

Zborowski fills a position that has been open for more than a year. Ryan Ostrom, JITB’s previous CMO, was promoted to chief customer and digital officer in late 2024.

“One of the most unique things about Jack in the Box is its freedom to experiment, both creatively and on the menu,” she said. “It’s not boxed into a single identity in consumers’ minds, which gives us permission to surprise people. After all, it’s a burger place famous for its tacos.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Katelyn to Jack in the Box as we continue to strengthen our brand and improve how we show up for guests,” said Lance Tucker, JITB CEO. “Katelyn’s proven ability to translate deep consumer insights into relevant marketing that drives traffic and builds lasting brand connection will be pivotal to driving sustainable, long-term growth.”

Zborowski joins JITB at a time when the chain is marking its 75th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong promotion that includes returning throwback menu items, collectibles, LTOs and surprises designed to thank fans who’ve been riding with Jack since 1951.

Earlier this year, JITB brought back the Chicken Supreme sandwich, which was introduced in 1980 and removed from the menu in 2004. The sandwich is available in three options, including Chicken Supreme Combo, Double Chicken Supreme Combo featuring a double-stacked Chicken Supreme and Double Chicken Supreme Munchie Meal.

Additional nostalgic menu returns are planned throughout the year, the company said.

Earlier this month, JITB introduced a new Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal, a limited-time drop that brings bold flavor, new collectibles and a chance to win $75K. Each slider features a two-ounce, smashed beef patty with melted American cheese layered on both sides of the patty, topped with a pickle and Smashed Jack sauce, all served on a soft slider bun.

The Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal also includes two of Jack’s famous tacos, medium curly fires, a small drink and a limited edition Surprise Cup hiding a collectible Jack pin inside. Every pin includes an entry for a chance to win the $75,000 grand prize and unlocks an exclusive digital offer in the Jack app.

Another 75-anniversary promotion has included partnering with Los Angeles-based streetwear brand The Hundreds for the launch of a new “Jack Was Here!” collection.

The first drop featured the Adam Bomb mascot and The Hundreds logo. The Adam Bomb character is a cartoon-style depiction of a bomb with a lit fuse, often illustrated with a mischievous expression, which is popular in skateboarding, hip-hop, punk and street culture, according to JITB.

The first drop with Jack in the Box featured an Adam Bomb graphic transformed with Jack’s signature face and stamped with the phrase “Jack Was Here!” It is available on a T-shirt, sweatshirt and trucker hat.

However, also during the 75th anniversary year, Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) is facing financial challenges, including a 6.7% drop in same-store sales and shares that have dropped close to 50% in value over the last year, according to news reports.

JITB has hired three chief executives and eight chief financial officers over the past five years, while shares have fallen around 80% over the same period, reported the Los Angeles Times. The company also is planning to close 50 to 100 stores this fiscal year.

Restaurant industry trade publications acknowledge a JITB misstep was the acquisition of Mexican fast-food chain Del Taco in 2022 for $575 million. Last year, JITB sold Del Taco for $115 million, a loss of more than $400 million.

SDSU alum Allen Sliwa comes home to join Sports 760 show

IHeart Media San Diego, operator of eight local radio stations, reports it has reshaped its afternoon sports-talk lineup on KGB-AM, San Diego Sports 760 with the addition of San Diego native and San Diego State graduate Allen Sliwa as co-host with Jon Schaeffer.

“Schaeffer and Silwa” airs during the weekday afternoon drive slot from 3 to 6 p.m.

Industry news outlet Barrett Sports Media said Sliwa “brings both national exposure and local credibility to the role.”

With more than 16 years of sports coverage experience, Silwa returns to his hometown after making his mark as a key voice with the Los Angeles Lakers Radio Network and host of “Hoops Talk” on YouTube.

He has been serving as an National Basketball Association (NBA) analyst for iHeart’s KLAC-AM AM-570 since November after previously co-hosting middays and serving as the Lakers’ pre-game and post-game host from 2019 to 2024, preceded by 10 years as  host of “Lakers Talk” on KSPN-AM 710-ESPN.

“I love San Diego, and it’s an honor to represent it,” said Sliwa. “I believe in the potential of our sports market, and I’m eager to be a part of it day to day. I look forward to working with Jon and building on the great foundation he’s created.”

Schaeffer, the radio voice of San Diego State football and basketball, has been part of KGB-AM’s afternoon programming roster since July 2017.

“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Allen to our team,” said Mary Ayala, program director, San Diego Sports 760. “His experience, sports knowledge and natural connection with listeners make him an outstanding addition to our station. Pairing Allen with Jon creates a team we believe will deliver one of San Diego’s premier sports talk shows.”

An iHeart statement said Schaeffer and Sliwa “will deliver strong opinions, smart analysis and engaging conversations focused on the big sports stories in San Diego and beyond.”

Sliwa replaces Jim Russell, who stepped away from the station in December reportedly for family reasons.

Vanguard Culture celebrating 10-year anniversary

Vanguard Culture, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to advancing San Diego’s creative industries, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

The nonprofit’s upcoming 2026 season, themed “Ten Years Bold,” will celebrate a decade of boundary-pushing programming across the culinary, visual, performing and storytelling arts, a statement said.

“Over a decade ago, I dreamt of an organization that could bring together creative professionals from all industries for meaningful connection and creative collaboration,” said Susanna Peredo Swap, founder and executive director. “Today, Vanguard Culture has become a home for artistic risk-taking and community care, a place where culture is not just consumed, but co-created.”

The nonprofit said its organization its impact since 2016 has included 21,000 community members served at events, 800 published arts journalism stories, 78 workshops and panel discussion hosted, 3,600 arts and culture events promoted, nine film awards for an original series titled “The History of Joy” and a “Best Entertainment Website” award from the San Diego Press Club.

Vanguard’s additional impact has included 1,200 creative jobs created, 7,200 volunteer hours received and hosting 37 internships.

An upcoming event, titled, “Purchase a Bowl, Sow a Seed,” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 30 at the UC San Diego Craft Center, 9605 Scholars Drive North, La Jolla. Handmade ceramic bowls created by the center’s artists will be available for a $15 donation. Also, information will be presented about the Jimi Appleseed Initiative, a cultural storytelling movement. Proceeds will be donated to the San Diego Rescue Mission.

For more information, visit www.vanguardculture.com.