Del Taco Restaurants Inc. signed a franchise development agreement to open the brand’s first Pennsylvania locations. The agreement outlines a commitment for six stores slated to begin opening by 2018. As part of the brand’s continued expansion efforts, Pennsylvania will be yet another one of the growing number of states where guests can find Del Taco’s fresh, made-to-order Mexican and American menu items.
Pennsylvania franchise group GK Enterprises has been granted exclusive development rights in Northampton, Lehigh, and Bucks counties. The group, which also operates several Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the region, signed an agreement to open six freestanding Del Taco restaurants by 2022.
“There’s a continued demand on the east coast for what Del Taco has to offer, and that’s delicious food made with fresh, quality ingredients served at a great value,” says Prakash Dave, franchisee and spokesperson for GK Enterprises. “There are limited options for guests who demand freshly prepared food at the price point and convenience of traditional quick service, and Del Taco fulfills this need. We’re thrilled to bring Del Taco to Pennsylvania and to expand our franchise portfolio with a strong brand that has unlimited growth potential.”
Del Taco’s made-to-order menu items, prepared in every restaurant’s working kitchen using fresh ingredients from fresh sliced avocado to marinated chicken grilled in-house, enable the brand to stand out with offerings not typically found in the quick-service segment.
The Mexican quick-service category is one of the fastest growing industry segments, and Del Taco attracts a broad customer base across age groups, income levels, and demographics. Having recently transitioned into a public company, Del Taco is poised for significant growth and there has never been a better time to invest in the brand.
“Del Taco has performed extremely well in new markets and we’re confident Pennsylvania will be no exception,” says Laura Tanaka, director of franchise development. “We’ve developed a proven market entry model that sets our franchisees up for success and we’re actively seeking new franchise partners to grow with us during this very exciting time for the Del Taco brand as well as the limited service industry as a whole.”
Del Taco is continuing to recruit franchise candidates with foodservice operations and real estate experience in Pennsylvania. The company offers extensive training, as well as hands-on operational and marketing support to franchisees.