Del Taco, the nation’s second largest Mexican quick service restaurant chain, is carrying tremendous momentum into the first quarter of 2021. Despite pandemic-induced pressures, the brand was resilient during the initial COVID-19 slowdown and began to thrive during the second half of 2020. This led to their eighth consecutive year of positive franchise same store sales growth which provides a great trajectory for the brand as it continues through 2021. Underscoring their tremendous performance, franchised locations have enjoyed topline sales strength that far exceeds industry trends.*
In Del Taco’s recent financial reports, the following notable highlights were included:
- In Q3, franchised same store sales increased 6.5%;
- In Q4, franchised same store sales increased 7.5%;
- For fiscal year 2020, franchised same store sales increased 1.4%
“Our brand’s [quick-service restaurant]-plus positioning continues to resonate with fans across a wide geographic footprint, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our systemwide results led by strong franchise same store sales growth,” says John D. Cappasola, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco. “Moving forward we are focused on systemwide growth led by franchising and we are excited to work with active developers to bring the Del Taco brand to guests in new and existing territories. These strong franchised same store sales results and the launch of the new Fresh Flex prototype make it an exciting time be part of our great brand.”
Existing Del Taco franchisees are riding this wave into 2021 as multi-unit developers continue to sign franchise agreements in both established and untapped markets. Recognizing the opportunity to meet accelerating demand, seasoned multi-unit owner Dennis Ekstrom recently signed a new development agreement to add more units to his existing portfolio. He is opening his 12th restaurant in Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico this March, which is one of several existing franchisee openings occurring this month.
“After 20-plus years in restaurant franchising, Del Taco has far exceeded my expectations with clever marketing, smart operations and strong development support,” says Ekstrom. “We’re well aligned with the leadership team as they make decisions to enhance our bottom line, and I’m confident in the growth opportunities that are on the horizon.”
Beyond existing franchisee growth, Del Taco continues to make progress partnering with experienced operators to help grow the brand through new development agreements in both established and emerging markets. Most recently, the brand signed an 11-restaurant development agreement with multi-brand franchise operator Peachtree Development. Bringing strong development and restaurant experience, the group is focused on growing the brand in South Carolina and Georgia.
The focus on franchisee growth and recruitment is helped by the recent unveiling of the bold new Fresh Flex design that reconceptualizes Del Taco restaurants inside and out. Striking exteriors and distinctive interiors evoke a fresh, fun and contemporary feel, all while improving real estate access for franchisees, and providing ultimate convenience for guests and operators.
With tech-savvy, innovative additions like third-party pick-up stations and double drive-thru lanes with a dedicated lane for mobile orders and delivery pickups, the future-focused model optimizes operational efficiencies and caters to modern consumers’ expectations: accessibility, speed of service, and brand transparency.
Del Taco is leveraging the Fresh Flex design to offer multiple buildout options, maximizing growth opportunities through a “Menu of Venues” strategy with building prototypes that vary in size from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet. The various prototypes allow company or franchise developers more flexibility in choosing real estate opportunities, including small footprint drive-thru only models, drive-thru endcaps, conversions and freestanding sites. Likewise, the design will also play an integral role in the brand’s remodeling program to contemporize the fleet and help drive returns.
