Del Taco was founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson. The first restaurant was called Casa Del Taco and was located in Yermo, California.
In 1966, Dick Naugle joined the founders to create Red-E-Food Systems whose purpose was to franchise the Casa Del Taco system. Naugle would leave 5 years later to start his own Mexican fast-food chain.
In 1973, the company dropped “Casa” and became just Del Taco.
In 1976, the company is purchased by a group of investors.
By 1978, there are 100 Del Taco locations. By 1981, there were 350 stores.
In 1988, Del Taco merges with Naugles under the leadership of Anwar Soliman.
In 1990, the management team purchases the company from Soliman. Kevin K. Moriarty is named as CEO.
In 2006, the chain is purchased by Sagittarius Brands, LLC.
In 2008, the 500th restaurant opens in Burbank, California.
Today, there are over 560 Del Taco restaurants in the US, with 310 corporate locations and 241 franchises.
The company introduced a vegan, meatless taco in early May 2019.
The corporate office is still located in Lake Forest, California.
Del Taco was founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson. The first restaurant was called Casa Del Taco and was located in Yermo, California.
In 1966, Dick Naugle joined the founders to create Red-E-Food Systems whose purpose was to franchise the Casa Del Taco system. Naugle would leave 5 years later to start his own Mexican fast-food chain.
History
In 1973, the company dropped “Casa” and became just Del Taco.
In 1976, the company is purchased by a group of investors.
By 1978, there are 100 Del Taco locations. By 1981, there were 350 stores.
In 1988, Del Taco merges with Naugles under the leadership of Anwar Soliman.
In 1990, the management team purchases the company from Soliman. Kevin K. Moriarty is named as CEO.
In 2006, the chain is purchased by Sagittarius Brands, LLC.
In 2008, the 500th restaurant opens in Burbank, California.
Today, there are over 560 Del Taco restaurants in the US, with 310 corporate locations and 241 franchises.
The company introduced a vegan, meatless taco in early May 2019.
The corporate office is still located in Lake Forest, California.