Taco John’s was founded in 1969 by John Turner in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The company operates a chain of Mexican style restaurant franchises.
The company operates one of the fastest growing Mexican food chains in the US. They have a partnership with the Army and Air Force Exchange, as well as Steak Escape and Good Times Burgers and Custard. The company has created their own niche in Mexican/American food, calling it West-Mex. This combination includes food items such as chicken taco salads, potato “Ole” dishes, and breakfast items.
In June 2021, the company announced that “the fried chicken war is over” as they open a new chain called Cluckin’ John’s.
Taco John’s currently has 425 franchises in 25 states, with 15 locations opening in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana, area in 2015 and 40 locations in New York and Tennessee in 2016.
In July 2023, Taco John’s was forced to give up its infamous Taco Tuesday trademark after Taco Bell sued the company saying that no one should be able to trademark such a common phrase.
The company maintains a corporate office in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Taco John’s was founded in 1969 by John Turner in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The company operates a chain of Mexican style restaurant franchises.
History
The company operates one of the fastest growing Mexican food chains in the US. They have a partnership with the Army and Air Force Exchange, as well as Steak Escape and Good Times Burgers and Custard. The company has created their own niche in Mexican/American food, calling it West-Mex. This combination includes food items such as chicken taco salads, potato “Ole” dishes, and breakfast items.
In June 2021, the company announced that “the fried chicken war is over” as they open a new chain called Cluckin’ John’s.
Taco John’s currently has 425 franchises in 25 states, with 15 locations opening in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana, area in 2015 and 40 locations in New York and Tennessee in 2016.
In July 2023, Taco John’s was forced to give up its infamous Taco Tuesday trademark after Taco Bell sued the company saying that no one should be able to trademark such a common phrase.
The company maintains a corporate office in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
I live in Paducah, Kentucky and visited the Taco John’s on Highway 60. I spent $30 and for the second time in two weeks, I didn’t received food I paid for. When I called the store there was an Eh attitude both times. I’m done with Taco John’s and will share my experience with anyone who will listen. How hard is it to double check an order?!?!
Just stopped through the taco johns in Riverton at the ta truck stop just to learn that the gentleman behind the counter was rude as heck and asked if we needed a minute and then turned around and literally took the change tip jar out of my sons hands and he’s disabled. And put it behind the very back back counter and then gave attitudes about it had to go run his mouth to another cashier in the actual gas station as well.
Get a grip people its freaking change in a change cup. My son who is 5 is not going to steal your tips for the day.
The guys name is Demetrius and again he’s at the Riverton Illinois TA location.
Educate this kid on children with disabilities. What a disgrace. We will not be back to that location. Take me back to champaign where I belong.
I would give a 0 star if I could. We’ve gone to Taco Johns for years but will never again. Long story, but here we go.
**Employee at TJ Westminster, CO essentially accused me of stealing soda!
We ordered our food and each ordered a LARGE soda and told them we had our own reusable insulated cups. We’ve always done this. Well, when I went to refill my drink, one of the workers, maybe the MOD, and not the one who took our order, shouted from behind the counter, “Hey, you can’t do that”, I was taken aback and looked at her and she again said, “You can’t use your own cup, you have to pay for that”. So, essentially she accused me of stealing soda in front of everyone in the restaurant. I was humiliated and appalled! So much so, I had my husband dig our receipt out of the trash to prove we paid for drinks. I went up to the counter to “quietly” speak to her, but all she did was become aggressive and talk over me. I tried to tell her that if she thought we were stealing, she could have consulted the young man who took out order first, and also to never, ever accuse somebody of stealing in front of others. That’s defamation!
I did call to talk to the manager named Diane and unfortunately she was just as rude and kept saying, “Well ,you can’t use your own cup”. Never once apologized for how we were treated.
This location has gone WAY downhill since it opened. The food tastes different and there used to be such nice young men and their mom, I believe running it.
FINALLY, I reached out to their corporate office in Cheyenne, WY as I thought they’d care to know that this type of thing is happening . . . . been a couple of weeks and a few calls, emails . . . . nothing . . . . crickets.
Too bad! We grew up on Taco Johns and I’m afraid it’s going to be another one bites the dust!
On November 26th I used your Taco Johns app to order food for my family. I arrived at the store at 12:45pm, and was told they did not have a “slip” for my order, and needed to “check-in”. I asked if they could show me how to do this, but they refused as the lobby was closed. I asked the manager if she would be able to show me through the locked door how to check in, they refused again.
At this point I had no idea how to proceed as the workers and manager would not provide assistance. They said I would need to call “corporate” and provided myself a phone number. I called but they are only open until 5pm Monday through Friday.
I was completely confused and frustrated by the lack of care nor understanding, that I left without my food that I paid for on the app, for my family. I need some help on how to have my money refunded to me. I also submitted a “feedback” survey but have not heard back from them.
I feel as if I’m hostage to a restaurant that refused to provide the food I ordered and a refusal to refund my money. Please provide assistance with this matter asap. I have been waiting for a week now to hear back.
Thank you,
Tim Herr (I provided a screen shot of the order as well to this email)
The Taco John’s on East Broadway in Council Bluffs, IA is by far the worst establishment. I ordered through Grubhub and had it delivered and my order was wrong. I called she said to come on in. I go thru the drive thru and she goes you need to come inside because we are busy. She refused to remake the food if I didn’t come in. The most worst customer service. I just left and went somewhere else. This was 8/20/22 at 8:10ish pm. I will never go to a Taco John’s again.
I have a complaint I live in iowa and tbe taco John’s by my house every time I go there my food is cold and I live 3 minns away, then you have rude employees whn u ask if it be hot..
Went to the store on bracket ave in eau Claire Wisconsin, on 6/17/22 and ordered my kid and I some food, because we had a puppy in the car we didn’t dig through it right away. Got all the way home and realized her tacos weren’t in there. (this is by far not the first time they’ve messed up, or forgotten items) when I called they acted like making new ones was a big deal, and we’re pushing coupons. I’m sorry but I can’t feed my kid with coupons. And I really didn’t want to drive all the way back for only 2 tacos… The gas cost more to get there and that’s their fault. And then when I make an email about this, saying I’d rather go the extra 2 miles to the other one, the store manager gets the email and basically tells me off ‘oh well it’s actually 8 miles away’ instead of trying to make it better. This store has a history of hiring deadbeats and drug addicts (I knew a group of closers for a long time), and it’s starting to look like these managers are their close friends.
Long story short, GM is instantly combative when you try to make any sense of them f-ing up your order.
The entire staff at the Altoona, Iowa Taco John’s needs to be fired and they need to start fresh with employees that know how to read. Literally every time I place an order there is something wrong. 3 times I have paid extra to have them put guacamole on my stuffed grilled taco, and they didn’t put it on or even give me a side so I could put it on myself. Once they forgot the drinks entirely, but charged me for them. Tonight they gave me the wrong drink. Every time I call the store, they tell me there is nothing they can do for me and that I have to file a complaint through the Taco Johns app. But every time I file a complaint through the Taco Johns app I get an email telling me there is nothing they can do, that I need to call the store.
They were out of beef and chicken (althought they had the fried chicken) I ordered the chicken tacos and asked what was on it. They kid taking the order not only was quiet he was also mumbling. And my husband ordered the taco salad and asked for fried chicken because that was the only meat they had. Got to the window and asked the kid what kinda sauce was on the tacos to which he replied “I don’t know” and we asked if we could get whatever sauce it was on the side. We get home and my chicken tacos had some kind of spicy sauce on it which is why I asked what was on the tacos because I cannot have anything spicy. Therefore I couldn’t eat either tacos. My potato oles were far from seasoned. My husband’s taco salad had two strips of fried chicken on it. One of which wasn’t cooked and the other barely had meat as it was extremely thin. His Sierra mist was just soda water and my raspberry iced tea was extremely watered down yea. And we didn’t even receive a single napkin. And upon looking at my receipt I noticed we were charged for the fried chicken for the taco salad. Now I understand fried chicken doesn’t usually come on a taco salad but you would think you wouldn’t be charged extra for it if they’re completely out of any other meat that normally comes with the taco salad. I would have much rather spent the $20 I wasted at taco johns at taco bell.
Your location in machesney park IL is being run into the ground by GM Pete Didier. He is allowing drugs to be sold inside the restaurant even at the drive thru window. Sexual harassment is rampant and a couple female employees have had to resign due to the hostile work environment.
This is absolutely unacceptable behavior and he should be held accountable.
I used to work at the Taco John’s in Waseca, Minnesota. I don’t think I’ve ever worked in a more unprofessional environment. First thing’s first. Breaking of health codes. The bugs. . There was a huge grease ant problem, and so many flies in the kitchen, and there were a few bugs like mosquito and flies smashed into the tortillas. THANK GOD I noticed them before putting them on the grill. Some of my coworkers did not wear gloves, and we’ve gotten complaints about that many times. Some of my coworkers cannot control their anger and have yelled/screamed at me, my coworkers, and even customers. When I started working there, my boss didn’t give me my W2 until about 3 weeks after I started. THEN She didn’t submit my W2 until about 2 MONTHS after I started working there. The next issue I have the most problems with is my most recent check. My boss didn’t print them correctly. My actual check had my coworkers name and money amount on the back and I didn’t even know if it would go through the ATM (it did thankfully). My pay stub had one of my coworker’s paystub information on the back of mine, which includes their address, their pay rate, and HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS!!!!!!! My boss didn’t even bother to remake them correctly. I went back to the TJ’s and let my manager know and he said it happened with EVERYBODY’S checks. That could quite possibly mean that MY information was on another check. I should’ve quit earlier. Very sketchy to say the least.
Taco John’s used to be my go to restaurant when I lived in Des Moines. Now that I live in an area without a Taco John’s I try to get my taco fix when I visit my mother. However, I’m very disappointed with my latest experience a will think twice before going there again. I stopped in at the Army Post Road location in Des Moines, Iowa to get tacos for a family gathering. Got back to my mother’s house to find that a taco was missing. I went back, knowing it was a big order and mistakes happen. However, as soon as I said a taco was missing multiple employees started arguing with me and refused to replace the missing taco. I guess I need to find a new place to get tacos, where they treat customers with respect and are willing to work with the customer to fix an error.
I once again went to the Helena Montana location. I love Taco Johns but I’m about to boycott. I understand staff shortage and other issues. I have managed multiple fast food establishments and the service here provides sucks to be nice. I have sat in the DT line being the 6-7 car and waited for up to 45 minutes and then I get the wrong order, cold food, and watered down drinks for sitting so long since I ordered. I have spoke to the manager multiple times and promised coupons for another meal and never receive it. Tonight I was in the DT for over 30 minutes, ordered the Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potato Oles and requested that they be hot as the last few times they have been cold and the cheese congealed. Absolutely awful. I threw them away as I was not going to sit in the DT for another 30+ minutes. I use DT’s because of my difficulties in walking so NO I COULD NOT JUST GO IN. If it was possible I would have left but once you are in the DT you can’t get out.
Like I said before I have managed many various fast food restaurants and this was totally unacceptable.
I made the mistake yesterday of being in a taco mood I orderd 3 soft shell tacos with pico de guio I got 2 tacos and 2 pico deguio and it was food poisoning after a few hours I started throwing up and sever diarrhea I’m in a brain injury program and the nurse said I got food poisoning I tried calling with no luck. I usally get super potato oloes and I have no problems with them I don’t know If I will ever be back to taco John’s it has been a weekly event for me because the brain injury program goes and gets us take out maybe another restraunte wants my business and money
Went to taco Johns in Brandon SD, ordered food for me and the boyfriend. Two meat and potato burritos, two stuffed tacos, and two snack quesadillas. Got home around a half an hour later to find that they didn’t put half the food in the bag. This is not a rare occurrence, and I normally check the bag before I leave. I call and request a refund but they won’t do anything for me unless I’m in store. They also tell me that due to policy I have to go today otherwise they can’t/won’t do anything for me. It’s ridiculous that this happens almost every time I go to this location, and when I have an issue I have to drive 20 minutes BACK to the store to get the situation fixed and it has to be SAME DAY. I would’ve been fine if they mailed me coupons or were able to work with me on a next day thing seeing as I work in the same town but they’re always unwilling to try to work with me. Something NEEDS to be done because nobody seems to care whether or not you get your food and it shouldn’t be that hard to make sure it all makes it into the bag.
Apparently we all have to start recording when we order. At the local business in Havre, MT if the order isn’t correct we need to have video of us ordering to prove. And the sad thing was I wasnt upset about it being messed up but just wanted to let them know. The manager got attitude and defensive before even coming on the phone. I wasn’t looking for free food or money back. When asked why not use the order screen for better accuracy, was told it still broke don’t know or care when it gets fixed.
Store 9954 in Fargo ND. Was at the store at 5:18pm today 6-8. I ordered at the drive thru as dine in was closed. They had missed my kids drink with my order and i realized it just after pulling out. I parked in the lot and called the store. Explained that they had missed my drink and if they could run it out to me. They said no, I would have to go through the drive thru again. There were 9 cars in line and I already had my food. I told him my food would be cold if I had to sit in the drive thru again. He said oh well, you will have to if you want your drink. I asked for his name. He replied Xavier, Do you want me to spell that for you? Very rude and disrespectful. I asked for a manager. He said he was the supervisor. I asked if he had a manager and what the name was. He then hung up on me.
I proceed to the drive thru to get my kids soda. I waited another 15 mins to get the drink I should have received in the first place. My food is now cold. I then asked for the GMs name at the window. Shante (another supervisor) gave me Trista’s name which I will be contacting in the morning to explain the situation. I explained that you should not have supervisor’s hanging up on customers. This does nothing for your business. This is not a person you want representing Taco Johns. I frequent this location often but will not be returning after the rude and condescending attitude of mr. Xavier(supervisor).
Second day at Taco John’s in Miles City Montana and the GM, who’d had the job for a day … FIRED ME… NEVER BEEN FIRED IN MY LIFE… REASON GIVEN TO ME WAS BAD ATTITUDE. SHE PROCEEDED TO TEXT SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS AND GAVE EACH ONE A DIFFERENT REASON WHY I WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIRED. THIS WAS 3 WEEKS AGO ROUGHLY. I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN MY CHECK CAME IN… ALSO A LIE! I TURNED IN MY UNIFORM AND WAS TREATED LIKE GARAGE AND TOLD MY CHECK WAS RETURNED TO CORPORATE!
I frequently go to the Bellevue Nebraska location and I really enjoy going there. The facility is always clean and the staff is very friendly. The food is always hot and tastes great!!! Scott, the store manager is a great guy who is willing to stop and say hi and you can tell he cares about his employees. Melanie the cashier is so sweet and funny!
My name is Marcellus Smith I worked at the Marion Illinois Taco John’s I had to he released due to personal reasons I was issued a check and I only had 90 days to cash the payroll pay check when I did receive the check I has about 3 weeks to cash it before the 90 day period, unfortunately my Tim has fun out I still have the check, my question is can I have another check issued to me or can I simply give the check to my GM and have the check balance given to me with in store money and the original check be deposited with the drop money or am I simply out of luck. In my defense the check was not mailed to me and in the defense of my GM she did give me the check on happen chance that I went in to get something to eat. Both parties are at some fault here but I should still be paid for the work I did do. I would be greatly appreciative if I could be compensated for the labor I gave to taco John’s
Thank you sincerely Marcellus Smith
No one read my complaint from July 2nd we are now the 18th this is Rapid City South Dakota on Campbell street Taco John’s
I’m going to report this the Health Inspectors Department next a policeman here is beyond filthy
This is the last complaint I’m filing if I don’t get a response I’m going down to Taco John’s on Campbell street in Rapid City South Dakota and have it out with the management I have messaged just corporate three times and you guys know it and nobody has the courtesy to notify a customer I am more than pissed off at this point and angry that you have spoiled meat in that damn fast food restaurant I want my 25-25 back
The food is just horrible last to times. MEAT spoiled…. made us all damn sick I’m going to let the inspectors Health and Human Services know about this.. you called down there and all you get is kids kids kids kids nobody never calls you back they don’t want me going in there raising hell cuz I will I’m still having stomach issues from a week ago this is bulsh*t and I spent $25.25 I got my receipt you bet I do.. Taco John’s on Campbell Street Rapid City South Dakota and you damn right I want my money back before I spread it all over Rapid City South Dakota. We are pissed off. Date June 29, 2019. Store # (9190)Rapid city SD. Dumb girl up front that had no experience charges for onions a dollar and two potato lays at we didn’t have I’m going to go back there and shove this receipt in her damn face I’m pissed off 2025 that’s what I better get back
Wht the hell with spoiled meat I’ve sent an email several weeks ago no one respond back I’m going to report this to the board of inspectors have helped I want my $20.25 back my number is 605-716-XXXX. Lord what do you have a bunch of kids working there and drug addicts. This is not the first complaint in this will not be the last I have never done nothing before but this time I will take charge of my complaint
I was wondering if and when are they bring the serria chicken back. I live that item and want to know if it will be back.
STOPPED BY ONE OF YOUR TACO JOHN’S IN MY TRAVELS AND REALLY ENJOYED IT. NOW WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE 1 IN OKLAHOMA,, I HAVE A LOCATION IN OKLAHOMA CITY AREA AND CLOSE TO TINKER AFB THAT WOULD BE GREAT FOR IT. IF YOU HAVE A NEED FOR A PROPERTY IN MY AREA PLEASE CONTACT ME.
We have shopped at your business on the Great Falls by-pass often. We have always been very satisfied. Last evening, however, I was tired and we decided on nice hot tacos from Taco John’s, I ordered a 6 pack and a pound. They must have been made up a long time before I got there. The tacos were cold, flat, soggy and open at the bottom. Those were supposed to be hard shells, NO, THEY WERE BAD. I am only 4 minutes from the shop. They looked like they had been sitting there for a long time. VERY SAD. This was through the drive thru window. I did not get an invoice so I cannot tell who she was or what my customer number I was.
Thank you for listening.
have you ever thought about doing anything for the arm forces? I thought maybe people could donate their free meals from your app. or at least their recipes so stores could add them up for free meals as a show of support making it a contest between stores that has the most community support for the service men and woman. then on a pre set day they could come i for a free small meal.
Ordered potato oles with no seasoning on them. Watched employee take seasoned oles from warmer and put them back into the fryer then put in container and into my bag. One I am not paying for product that has been refried a second time because to lazy to make fresh. New product was made and served to me but I now have the question how many times is this happening. No faith in business. Two-is this company policy to do this sort of thing
Thank You
Went to the Sheldon, Iowa Taco John’s location, service was great, drive thru times were great, but the food was horrible. I ordered a number 6, tasted like taco meat instead of chicken and the oles were flavorless discs, no seasoning. Not much corporate can do, but very disappointed.
Are there still plans to open a store in Shelbyville indiana
Hi I’ve worked at taco johns on 13 ave west fargo nd for about five months I’ve let them know that I’m allergic to dish soap I get allgeric reaction that is usually with a rash shin peel itching and sometimes blisters and I’ve had allergic reactions at work they do not have the right gloves for me to wear they give plastic glove they wear while making food today I got a letter that says if I don’t wash dishes I am fired and i have only done dishes a few times because they were short on staff so I said it was fine if I did a few of them but I ended up getting rashes on my arms and skin peel on hands I do not think I should be getting a letter that says if I don’t touch something I’m allergic to ill be fired please help me with this I do not want to lose my job but I also do not want to have to have an allergic reaction and have to get medicine thank you for your time
My family and I ate at Taco John’s the day after Thanksgiving at the Oskaloosa, Iowa location. Lori took our order and was one of the most friendly, wonderful cashiers I have ever encountered. She was upbeat, happy, and patient with our large group. I told her I would be contacting the corporate office to tell how pleased we were with her service. Thank you for making our day great!
I took a serve safe test and passed. I’m no longer working for your company, but requested a copy of it from Lori who told me it was to much work to get it for me. So would you please get a copy for me and send it to ktfritzy@ hotmail.com or mail it to me? , Ne. Phone number 402-719-XXXXX. Thank you Travis Rohloff
A quick response would be appreciated
Well I went to your east eucild . On 8,15,17 I wanted to have lunch with my daughter as she wrk there.. as I was getting ready to order.it don’t knw if she was an manger or want but whn I order my food, she rolled her eyes, at me I told her not to put lettuce on it and she added extra lettuce. She was just bout rude. Her name was katie, that’s the the myrecipts said.. I will not be back thank u….
I went to the 101 Jordan Creek Parkway West Des Moines Iowa location on 6/20/17. I went through the drive thru. Ordered 6 pack and a pound with no lettuce on tacos. I have an allergy to the lettuce. I repeated the no lettuce at the window when he repeated my order. When I go home 3 out of the 6 had lettuce. I tried to call to talk to a manager and the man that answered the phone said he was on a restroom break. Waited 30 minutes and called back, same man answered the phone, didn’t give his name. He said manager wasn’t available and asked if he could help me. I again told him that I wanted to talk to the manager. He said he was out and he wasn’t sure where he went and wasn’t sure when he was coming back. I didn’t want anything free. Just wanted the manager to be aware. The last time I went to the same location and they gave me the complete wrong order. Luckily I checked it before I left the parking lot and had to go inside to get my order corrected. Food was cold. I really believe they need new management.