In a strategic move that bolsters franchisee leadership in Arizona, Del Taco announced that Desert Taco, its largest franchisee in Arizona, acquired the company’s remaining six Phoenix locations.

Lead by Brent Veach, Desert Taco presently owns and operates 14 Del Taco restaurants and will bring its total ownership to 20 of the area’s 26 locations with this acquisition. Desert Taco opened its first Del Taco in 1999 and opened eight more restaurants over the next nine years. Three years ago, Desert Taco acquired additional locations to reach a total of 14 restaurants.

“Brent Veach is an outstanding operator and champion of the Del Taco brand in Phoenix. These six additional locations give his organization valuable market penetration and demonstrate his long term commitment to Del Taco,” says Jim Lyons, Del Taco’s chief development officer and COO/Franchise.

For Veach, the decision to expand was based on his long-term belief in the brand and the Phoenix market.

“I have confidence in the Del Taco brand, the company’s executive leadership, and strategic direction. I am also confident in the long -term viability of the Phoenix market. It is the right time to invest in both,” Veach says.

Del Taco has more than 525 restaurants in 17 states.