Del Taco, a restaurant chain that has nearly 60th Anniversary has never been hotter.
USA Today recently released a list of the “10 Best Fast Food Restaurants in the U.S.”, as voted by readers, with the number one spot being Del Taco, a California-based chain with nearly 600 locations.
“Del Taco’s popularity is likely due to a combination of competitive pricing and menu innovation,” said RJ Hottovy – head of analytical research at Placer.ai – The Food Institute“We have observed over the past two years that consumers are turning more to value-oriented chains. However, the chains that stand out in particular are those that can combine value with innovative products.”
USA Today’s The top 10 list of QSRs looked like this:
10) Arby’s
9) Zaxby’s
8) Popeye’s
7) Taco Bell
6) Captain D’s
5) Hardee’s
4) In-N-Out Burger
3) Chick-fil-A
2) KFC
1) Taco Bell
It’s probably no surprise that well-promoted, national chains like Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A and KFC are on this list, but seeing Del Taco at the top of the list is undoubtedly eye-opening.
USA Today’s The explanation for Del Taco’s number one pick was brief. The newspaper noted, “This popular taco joint, which serves all kinds of tasty Mexican dishes like burritos, quesadillas and nachos, also offers burgers and fries.”
What other explanations are there for Del Taco’s rise?
“Del Taco’s popularity probably reflects a more price-conscious consumer,” Hottovy said.
A somewhat creative menu with fish tacos, homemade guacamole, large Epic Burritos, and Strawberry Lemonade Poppers is helpful, so make an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu. And yes, a budget menu with several dishes that cost $2 or less never hurts, either.
Perhaps Del Taco is benefiting most from the chain’s significant growth. The Mexican chain – which was acquired by Jack in the Box in 2022 for $585 million – recently opened two new locations in Florida, for example, and has seven new restaurant commitments in the Carolinas.
“We are incredibly proud of the success of our recent store openings, each of which has exceeded previous sales records,” said Tom Rose, Del Taco brand president, in a press release.
According to the chain’s website, Del Taco has an average sales volume of $1.63 million.
“Under Jack in the Box’s leadership, Del Taco will likely continue to maintain its tradition of innovative menu items at competitive prices,” Hottovy said. “Like many QSR chains, we expect to expand locations with a focus on markets that have experienced population growth due to migration.”
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