Del Taco, Inc.

Who owns Del Taco?
Del Taco is owned by Yadav Enterprises Inc., a private California-based restaurant franchisee operator owned by Anil Yadav. Yadav Enterprises acquired Del Taco from Jack in the Box Inc. in December 2025 for $115 million in cash. Yadav Enterprises also operates Taco Cabana, Nick the Greek, and franchise locations of Jack in the Box, Denny's, and TGI Friday's.

Is Del Taco publicly traded?
No, Del Taco is not publicly traded. The company was previously listed on NASDAQ under ticker TACO from 2015 until it was acquired by Jack in the Box Inc. in March 2022 for $585 million. Jack in the Box then sold Del Taco to Yadav Enterprises in December 2025 for $115 million, and Yadav Enterprises is privately held.

When was Del Taco founded?
Del Taco was founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth in Yermo, California. The first location was a small stand selling tacos for 19 cents, tostadas for 24 cents, and burritos for 24 cents.

How many Del Taco locations are there?
Del Taco operates more than 550 locations across 18 states, primarily in California and the western United States. The number has fluctuated due to franchisee bankruptcies and location closures in 2025-2026.

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. Taco Bell, owned by Yum! Brands, has over 8,000 locations compared to Del Taco's approximately 550.

Why did Jack in the Box sell Del Taco?
Jack in the Box sold Del Taco in October 2025 for $115 million after experiencing seven straight quarters of same-store sales declines. CEO Lance Tucker described the divestiture as "an important step in returning to simplicity" and focusing on the core Jack in the Box brand. The sale price was significantly lower than the $585 million Jack in the Box paid in 2022, representing a $470 million loss.

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 $585 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. Jack in the Box acquired Del Taco to create a two-brand restaurant company with complementary daypart coverage.

Under Jack in the Box ownership, Del Taco experienced seven straight quarters of same-store sales declines. The brand faced challenges including menu changes that received negative guest feedback, competitive pressures in the quick-service Mexican segment, and franchisee difficulties. In April 2025, Jack in the Box announced its intent to sell Del Taco.

In October 2025, Jack in the Box announced the sale of Del Taco to Yadav Enterprises for $115 million, completing the transaction by January 2026. The sale price represented a $470 million loss compared to the 2022 acquisition price. Jack in the Box CEO Lance Tucker described the divestiture as "an important step in returning to simplicity" and focusing on the core Jack in the Box brand.

In March 2026, Del Taco launched Project Sunrise, an 18-month turnaround initiative aimed at strengthening performance, innovation, and guest reconnection. The initiative focuses on returning to original preparation methods and reversing menu changes that had alienated customers.

Del Taco has faced significant operational challenges in 2025 and 2026, including franchisee bankruptcies and location closures. Matadoor Restaurant Group, a franchisee operating 22 Del Taco locations in Georgia and Alabama, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025, leading to the abrupt closure of 14 Georgia locations in February 2026. Newport Ventures abruptly closed 17 of Colorado's 18 Del Taco locations in March 2026 following disputes and bankruptcy filings.

The seven straight quarters of same-store sales declines under Jack in the Box ownership prompted the sale to Yadav Enterprises at a significant discount. The $470 million loss on Jack in the Box's investment raised questions about the brand's viability and strategic direction. The Project Sunrise initiative was launched to address declining performance and reverse menu changes that received negative guest feedback.

The franchisee bankruptcies highlight the financial pressure on Del Taco operators. When franchisees fail, it results in abrupt location closures that damage brand reputation and reduce system-wide revenue. The Colorado and Georgia closures in early 2026 reduced Del Taco's footprint and raised concerns about franchisee economics.