Who Owns Del Taco?

• Parent Company:
• Ownership Type: Wholly owned
• Company Type: Publicly Traded

• Founded: 1964
• Founders: Ed Hackbarth, Nils Hackbarth

• Founded:
• Headquarters:
• Company Type: Publicly Traded

• Headquarters: Lake Forest, California, USA
• Manufacturing / Operations: United States

Del Taco operates under Yadav Enterprises' comprehensive business framework, implementing sustainability initiatives focused on operational excellence, ethical supply chain management, and community engagement. As a quick-service restaurant chain with over 600 locations, Del Taco has developed programs to address environmental responsibility while maintaining its commitment to quality Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Project Sunrise Sustainability Framework: Del Taco launched "Project Sunrise" in March 2026, an 18-month overhaul aimed at strengthening performance, innovation, and guest reconnection. The initiative focuses on returning to original preparation methods and expanding the brand's reach while creating a foundation for sustainable future growth. The framework emphasizes getting back to what makes Del Taco special while positioning the brand for future growth with accountability to deliver a new brand promise.

Ethical Supply Chain and Quality Assurance: Del Taco maintains robust supply chain management under Ellen Sasada, VP of supply chain, food safety, and quality assurance. The company implements comprehensive food safety protocols and quality assurance measures across all locations. Sasada's leadership ensures sustainable sourcing practices while maintaining the high standards expected by Del Taco customers. The supply chain strategy emphasizes responsible vendor partnerships and consistent quality control.

Operational Excellence and Energy Efficiency: Del Taco focuses on operational excellence through energy-efficient restaurant designs and sustainable operational practices. The company works to reduce energy consumption across its 600+ locations while maintaining food quality and service speed. Operational efficiency initiatives include optimized kitchen workflows, energy management systems, and waste reduction programs that support both environmental and business sustainability.

Food Waste Reduction Programs: As a quick-service restaurant chain, Del Taco implements food waste reduction strategies to minimize environmental impact while managing food costs effectively. The company focuses on inventory management, portion control, and donation programs where feasible to reduce food waste while supporting community food security initiatives.

Community Engagement and Employee Development: Del Taco invests in people and contributes to society through employee development programs and community engagement initiatives. The company operates in 17 states and maintains local community relationships through franchise operations and corporate social responsibility programs. Employee development focuses on career advancement opportunities and skill building within the restaurant industry.

Responsible Franchising Practices: Under new ownership by Yadav Enterprises, Del Taco emphasizes responsible franchising practices that support franchisee success while maintaining brand standards. The company provides franchise support systems, training programs, and operational guidance to ensure sustainable franchise operations across diverse markets.

Menu Innovation and Sustainable Options: Del Taco's menu innovation process considers sustainability factors, including ingredient sourcing, nutritional considerations, and environmental impact. The company balances traditional Mexican-inspired offerings with contemporary consumer preferences while working toward more sustainable menu options and preparation methods.

Quality Assurance and Food Safety: Del Taco maintains comprehensive food safety and quality assurance programs across all locations. The company's focus on quality includes regular audits, staff training, and adherence to food safety regulations to ensure customer safety and satisfaction while maintaining brand reputation for quality Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Del Taco has received recognition within the quick-service restaurant industry for its operational excellence, brand innovation, and leadership development. While the brand maintains a focused presence in the Mexican-inspired fast-casual segment rather than pursuing extensive independent awards programs, it has achieved recognition for business performance and industry leadership.

Industry Leadership Recognition: Del Taco's leadership team has received acknowledgment within the restaurant industry for their experience and expertise. Ulyses Camacho, named chief transformation officer in 2026, brings 30 years of restaurant industry experience and has been recognized for his operational leadership roles. His appointment as chief transformation officer reflects industry confidence in Del Taco's turnaround strategy and operational excellence.

Marketing and Brand Strategy Recognition: Noah Chillingworth, Del Taco's chief marketing officer, has received industry recognition for his marketing expertise. Chillingworth returned to Del Taco after serving as CMO for Farmer Boys Restaurants, bringing 15 years of previous Del Taco marketing experience. His leadership in brand strategy, menu development, and promotional marketing has been acknowledged within the quick-service restaurant marketing community.

Supply Chain and Quality Assurance Excellence: Ellen Sasada, VP of supply chain, food safety, and quality assurance, brings expertise from her previous roles at Panda Restaurant Group and eight years with Del Taco. Her leadership in supply chain strategy and quality assurance has been recognized within the restaurant industry for maintaining high standards across franchise operations.

Franchise Business Performance: Del Taco's franchise model has received recognition within the quick-service restaurant sector for its growth potential and operational support systems. The company's requirement of minimum liquidity of $500,000 and minimum net worth of $1 million for franchisees reflects industry standards for successful franchise operations and has been acknowledged as responsible franchising practices.

Turnaround Strategy Recognition: Del Taco's Project Sunrise initiative has received industry attention as a comprehensive turnaround strategy for a quick-service restaurant chain. The 18-month overhaul aimed at reversing recent menu changes and addressing negative guest feedback has been recognized within restaurant industry publications as a structured approach to brand revitalization.

Quick-Service Restaurant Innovation: Del Taco has been acknowledged for its position in the Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant segment, particularly for its ability to combine traditional Mexican flavors with American quick-service efficiency. The brand's focus on fresh, made-to-order cuisine has been recognized within the fast-casual restaurant industry for quality and innovation.

Employee Development Programs: Del Taco's investment in employee development and career advancement has received recognition within the restaurant industry for creating opportunities for growth within quick-service restaurant operations. The company's focus on operational excellence includes staff training programs that support career development and skill building.

Del Taco has faced significant operational challenges and franchise-related controversies, particularly during its ownership transition from Jack in the Box to Yadav Enterprises. These issues include franchisee bankruptcies, location closures, and declining same-store sales that have impacted the brand's market position and franchisee relationships.

Georgia Franchisee Bankruptcy and Location Closures (2026): Del Taco faced a major controversy when Matadoor Restaurant Group, a franchisee operating 22 Del Taco locations in Georgia and Alabama, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025. This bankruptcy led to the abrupt closure of all 14 Georgia locations in February 2026, including restaurants in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, and Chattanooga. The closures occurred without prior notice to Del Taco corporate management, disrupting operations and leaving approximately 336 employees affected.

Colorado Franchisee Issues: Another franchisee, Newport Ventures, abruptly closed 17 of Colorado's 18 locations in March 2026 following disputes with Del Taco and bankruptcy filings. The Tallahassee, Florida location also closed about a year after opening. These closures represented significant market presence losses and demonstrated ongoing challenges in franchisee relationships and operational support.

Same-Store Sales Decline: Del Taco experienced seven straight quarters of same-store sales declines, not including the end of 2025. This prolonged period of declining performance prompted Jack in the Box to sell the brand just three years after acquiring it, and at a significantly lower price than the original purchase price. The sales decline reflected operational challenges, menu changes that received negative guest feedback, and competitive pressures in the fast-casual Mexican segment.

Ownership Transition Challenges: The sale from Jack in the Box to Yadav Enterprises for $115 million in December 2025 represented a significant devaluation from the original acquisition price. This ownership change occurred during a period of operational challenges and required immediate strategic intervention through Project Sunrise to address declining performance and franchisee issues.

Franchisee Relationship Strain: Del Taco has faced challenges in maintaining positive relationships with franchisees, as evidenced by multiple bankruptcy filings and abrupt closures. The franchisee bankruptcies suggest underlying issues with franchise support, financial viability of certain operations, and potentially misaligned expectations between corporate and franchise operations.

Menu Change Backlash: Del Taco implemented menu changes that received negative guest feedback, prompting the Project Sunrise initiative to return to original preparation methods. The need to reverse recent menu changes indicates that the brand's innovation efforts may have strayed too far from its core value proposition, alienating loyal customers.

Market Expansion Difficulties: Del Taco has struggled to grow outside its core markets, particularly in regions where it faces stronger competition from other Mexican-inspired quick-service chains. The closure of Georgia and Colorado locations demonstrates challenges in establishing sustainable market presence outside its California stronghold and other core operating areas.

Financial Performance Challenges: The combination of same-store sales declines, franchisee bankruptcies, and market exit costs has created significant financial challenges for Del Taco. These issues have required substantial investment from the new ownership to stabilize operations and implement turnaround strategies.