All Brands Owned by 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.