Del Taco, Inc.

Who owns Del Taco?
Del Taco is owned by Jack in the Box Inc., a publicly traded American restaurant company (NASDAQ: JACK). Jack in the Box acquired Del Taco in March 2022 for approximately $575 million.

Is Del Taco publicly traded?
No, Del Taco is no longer publicly traded. It was acquired by Jack in the Box Inc. in March 2022 and operates as a private subsidiary of Jack in the Box.

When was Del Taco founded?
Del Taco was founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth in Yermo, California.

How many Del Taco locations are there?
Del Taco operates more than 600 locations across the United States, primarily in California and the western United States.

What is the difference between Del Taco and Taco Bell?
Del Taco and Taco Bell both specialize in Mexican-inspired quick-service food, but Del Taco differentiates itself by also offering American items like hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes. Del Taco also emphasizes fresh ingredients, including fresh-grated cheddar cheese and hand-sliced avocado.

Del Taco was founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth in Yermo, California. Hackbarth opened the first Del Taco as a small stand selling tacos for 19 cents, tostadas for 24 cents, and burritos for 24 cents. The concept was inspired by the growing popularity of Mexican-American food in California.

The brand expanded throughout California and the western United States during the 1970s and 1980s. Del Taco differentiated itself from Taco Bell by offering a broader menu that included American items like hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes alongside its Mexican-inspired offerings.

Del Taco went public in 1992 and was subsequently acquired by various private equity firms and restaurant companies over the following decades. The company went through multiple ownership changes, including acquisitions by Sagittarius Brands and other investors.

Del Taco went public again in 2015 through a merger with Levy Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), listing on NASDAQ under ticker TACO.

In August 2021, Jack in the Box Inc. announced an agreement to acquire Del Taco for approximately $575 million, or $12.51 per share. The acquisition was completed in March 2022, taking Del Taco private as a subsidiary of Jack in the Box Inc.

Under Jack in the Box ownership, Del Taco has continued to operate its more than 600 locations while benefiting from shared services and resources with the Jack in the Box brand.

Del Taco has implemented sustainability initiatives focused on sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and ethical business practices within the quick-service restaurant industry. The company recognizes its role in the food service ecosystem and is committed to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining quality and value for customers.

The company has invested in sustainable sourcing practices, including partnerships with local suppliers, responsibly sourced ingredients, and seasonal menu offerings that reduce transportation costs. Del Taco's sustainability strategy includes energy-efficient restaurant operations, waste reduction programs, and sustainable packaging initiatives that minimize environmental impact.

Del Taco maintains strong ethical standards for food safety, ingredient quality, and employee welfare. The company's ethical framework includes comprehensive food safety protocols, transparent ingredient sourcing, fair labor practices, and community engagement programs focused on local support and charitable giving.

The company participates in restaurant industry sustainability initiatives and collaborates with suppliers and industry organizations to advance environmental performance across the food service sector. Del Taco's sustainability reporting includes progress metrics on waste reduction, energy efficiency improvements, and community impact across its restaurant locations.

Del Taco has received recognition for its innovation in quick-service Mexican cuisine and restaurant operations:

• Quick Service Restaurant Innovation: Recognition for differentiated menu combining Mexican and American items
• Food Quality Excellence: Multiple awards for fresh ingredients and food preparation standards
• Franchise Development Awards: Recognition for franchise support and growth programs
• Customer Satisfaction Awards: High ratings for customer service and food quality
• Restaurant Technology Recognition: Acknowledgment for digital ordering and operational efficiency
• Community Engagement Awards: Recognition for local community involvement and charitable programs
• Menu Innovation: Recognition for creative menu combinations and seasonal offerings
• Employee Development Awards: Recognition for training programs and career advancement opportunities

These awards reflect Del Taco's commitment to innovation, quality service, and responsible business practices while maintaining its position as a leading Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant chain.

Del Taco has not been subject to significant public controversy. The company's acquisition by Jack in the Box in 2022 was reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and approved without conditions. Like all restaurant chains, Del Taco is subject to food safety regulations and labor laws across the states where it operates.