Taco Bueno has received four awards from Sandelman & Associates’ Quick Track® “Awards of Excellence” for quick-service restaurant chains. Taco Bueno, the Mexican segment leader, ranked highest overall for Mexican quick-service chains, as well as in the categories of taste or flavor of food, quality of ingredients, and temperature of food. Taco Bueno scored second highest on menu variety and convenience of locations.

“I am extremely proud of the contributions of each of Taco Bueno’s 3,000 employees,” said Frank Morales, executive vice president at Taco Bueno Restaurants, Inc.

The chain, which was founded in 1967, features authentic Mexican food, made from scratch, and a diverse menu with generous portions. Many of the ingredients, including, hot sauce, guacamole, chips, refried beans, queso and taco meat are freshly made throughout the day. In addition to traditional Mexican fare and combination meals, Taco Bueno’s menu includes many proprietary products including MexiDips and Chips®, Chilada® Platters, Muchaco®, the Two-Handed Taco(TM) and BOB(TM) (a.k.a. Big Ol’ Burrito).

The honors, which are being awarded for the first time, are based on 1999 results from Sandelman’s Quick-Track® syndicated research study that tracks key consumer behavioral and attitudinal measures for all major fast-food chains in individual markets. Villa Park, Calif.-based Sandelman & Associates has conducted the program on a quarterly basis since 1988. The large base on respondents surveyed throughout the year provides data with a high level of statistical reliability.

Taco Bueno Restaurants, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: CKR) with 124 restaurants in Texas and Oklahoma.