For the past three years, Del
Taco’s Paul
Hitzelberger has been instrumental in taking the 35-year-old brand to
new
territories and new customers as he oversaw an aggressive franchise
program.

Today, Del Taco announced that Hitzelberger, executive vice president of
franchising and franchise relations, will become one of its largest
franchisees — taking over the entire Utah territory of eight existing
restaurants and completing a five year development agreement to build
six
more.

In his 14 years with the company, Hitzelberger bridged the gap between
the
company’s former management leveraged with GE Capital and the
turnaround
headed by chairman and CEO Kevin K. Moriarty. Hitzelberger also headed
marketing and product research and develpment where he focused the
chain’s
brand message on value, quality and taste.

“No one knows the Del Taco brand and its value better than Paul ,” said
Kevin
K. Moriarty, chairman and CEO of Del Taco, Inc. “He is like the guy who
loves the food so much he buys the whole restaurant. In this case, he
is
getting eight, with plans for six more.”

For Hitzelberger, the desire to be an entrepreneur has been a longtime
force
and the opportunity has never been better for him and his wife of
35-years,
Jane. Jane, a CPA with a background in administration, brings the
corporate
structure expertise to their new venture.

“Jane is as excited as I am. The Del Taco brand is strong in Utah. There
isn*Äôt a better brand in this category. I’m looking forward to using
all of
my experience in growing our Del Taco business in Utah,” said Hitzelberger.

“The upcoming Winter Olympics provides a tremendous opportunity to
introduce
our taste and value to an even broader audience. The timing couldn’t
be
better,” he added.

Del Taco is a privately held company that operates, or franchises, 380
Mexican quick service restaurants throughout the United States of America.