RISE - Menu Monitor

Expansion Plans |
Del Taco opened its first Illinois location in Machesney Park. The unit is the first of five expected to open. (Company Release
11/29/06)
Del Taco opened its first unit in Illinois in Manchester and expects to open 16 more in the state by year’s end. One of those will
be in Chicago. The Lake Forest, CA-based restaurant, which is owned by Sagittarius Brands, currently has 470 outlets
nationwide. (NRN Daily NewsFax 12/04/06)
Del Taco and Golden Corral are looking at sites in Janesville, WI, also known as “Chainsville.” The Golden Corral unit would
become the town’s biggest restaurant, while Del Taco would be smaller, at 2,538 sq. ft. with a drive-thru. The restaurants’
applications were introduced to the city’s plan commission on July 2. Applications are scheduled for a public hearing on July
16. (Gazetteextra.com 6/29/07)
Del Taco is planning to open 10 Florida units in the next four years. The new restaurants, which are slated for the Gainesville
and Orlando markets, will be opened with new franchisee Floridel LLC. (Restaurantnewsresource.com 11/21/07)
Menu Development |
Del Taco debuted Crispy Shrimp Taco, made with warm flour tortillas, crispy shrimp, crunchy cabbage, secret sauce, salsa
and a fresh lime wedge. The item is priced at $1.79 for one taco and $5.69 for a meal, including two tacos, small fries and a
small drink. (Company Website)
Del Taco is adding more seafood items to its menu after the popularity of its crispy fish and shrimp tacos. New items include
Fish and Papas and Shrimp and Papas, both featuring seafood and fries. Both items are priced at $2.99. (Qsrmagazine.com
2/22/07)
Del Taco has added new fish and shrimp items to its menu, including Fish and Papas and Shrimp and Papas. Fish and Papas
features two fresh fish filets with a jalapeño tartar sauce. Shrimp and Papas includes 10 shrimp pieces with an ancho chile
dipping sauce. Both items are priced at $2.99 and come with crinkle-cut "papas" (fries).(QSR Magazine 2/22/07)
Del Taco rolled out Taco Del Carbon, with two warm corn tortillas, shredded beef, California chili sauce, diced onions and
fresh cilantro, and Shredded Beef Combo Burrito, featuring a warm flour tortilla with shredded beef, slow-cooked beans,
grated Cheddar cheese and green sauce. (Company Website)
Del Taco is relaunching its Spicy Chicken Burrito that now comes with twice the meat for the same $1.99 price. The burrito
comes with grilled chicken, rice, beans, green sauce and grated Cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The relaunch
will include a new seasonal ad campaign. (Businesswire.com 11/15/07)
Franchise Activity |
Del Taco will open seven franchised restaurants in Tennessee as part of its plan to expand beyond its West Coast locations.
The quick-service Mexican brand offers tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as hamburgers, fries and milkshakes.
All items are made from scratch using fresh produce and other ingredients. Sagittarius Restaurants LLC is parent of Del
Taco’s 500-plus units. (QSR Magazine Online 10/3/07)
Personnel |
C. Ronald Petty, President of Development
Shirlene Lopez, CEO
Jenet Erickson, V.P. of Purchasing
James Stoops, V.P. of Operations
Mimi Somerman, CMO
Del Taco hired Barry B. Barnhart as vice president of franchise operations. Previously, Barnhart served as region vice
president for Yum! Brands Inc. (Company Release 1/19/07)
Del Taco hired Mimi Somerman as chief marketing officer. Previously, Somerman served as senior vice president of marketing
for Johnny Rockets. (Nation’s Restaurant News 10/9/07)
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Technomic believes that its sources of information are reliable, but does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information
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