Del Taco to add three units in Fort Worth, Texas; first unit expected to open in April

Nevin Barich

LAKE FOREST, California , January 26, 2012 (press release) – Del Taco announced today that it has signed a three-unit development deal with DT Restaurants of Texas. The first location will be at Hawk's Creek Center, 520 State Hwy 183 in Fort Worth, and is expected to open in April.

This latest announcement is part of the continuing expansion of the popular chain into the Dallas/Ft. Worth market. In 2010, Del Taco announced plans to expand in the market with approximately 80 restaurants. To date, Del Taco has opened six restaurants in Dallas and area communities including Denton, Hurst, Irving, McKinney and Plano.

The owners of DT Restaurants of Texas, Ryan and Chris Blake, are brothers who grew up on Del Taco in Southern California. When the chain announced plans to come to Texas, the Blakes knew it was the right time to join the expansion effort and bring Del Taco restaurants to their community in Texas.

"Del Taco is a familiar taste from our childhood and we know consumers -- kids and adults alike -- will love it just as much as we do," said Ryan Blake. "We believe there is a great opportunity here and look forward to bringing the great taste of Del Taco to Ft. Worth."

Accountants by trade, the brothers have teamed with an operating partner who will manage the restaurants.

Ryan Blake cited Del Taco's strong financial position, history of operations excellence, commitment to the Texas market and long-term brand success as solid business reasons he and his brother chose the chain.

"The Blakes' personal history with the brand give them a strong passion for Del Taco and bring the kind of long-term brand loyalty to development that few franchisors can boast," said Michael Vogel, vice president of franchise sales at Del Taco. "We warmly welcome the Blakes to the Del Taco family."

For more than 40 years, Del Taco has been offering menu items that appeal to a broad range of tastes with a strong emphasis on quality and value. The menu includes Mexican offerings of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as American favorites like burgers, fries and shakes. Each item is made to order with quality ingredients including lard-free beans made from scratch daily, real cheddar cheese grated on site, chicken grilled fresh every hour, hand-made salsa and fresh produce.

Del Taco has more than 530 restaurants in 16 states.

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