Del Taco announces limited-time return of three 'classic' menu items in honor of company's 50th anniversary: Bun Taco, small taco salad and orange shake

Nevin Barich

LAKE FOREST, California , June 16, 2014 (press release) – Company Will "Throwback" With Classic Menu Items, Promotions, Collector's Cups and In-Store Celebrations

2014 marks the 50th anniversary of Del Taco, and to commemorate the milestone, Del Taco is offering its guests a variety of exciting promotions and "Throwback Classics Menu" items.
Beginning June 19th, Del Taco will honor its golden anniversary with the return of three beloved, classic menu items, available for a limited time. These delicious items, being offered on the company's "Throwback Classics Menu," will share a taste of Del Taco's history over the past five decades. The "Throwback Classics Menu" items include:

Bun Taco featuring seasoned beef, freshly hand-grated cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce and a fresh tomato slice in a sesame seed bun.

Small Taco Salad featuring seasoned beef, freshly hand-grated cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes and Del Taco's secret sauce, served on a bed of crisp lettuce with tortilla chips.

Orange Shake a thick, creamy orange and vanilla milk shake topped with whipped cream.

"We want to thank the generations of loyal customers that have supported us and have helped Del Taco grow over the past five decades," said John Cappasola, chief brand officer, Del Taco. "As we celebrate this significant milestone, we hope our 'Throwback Classics Menu' items will spark fond memories for our longtime guests, and engage new fans that will help us celebrate future milestones for years to come."

In addition, Del Taco's 546 restaurants nationwide will host 50th Anniversary parties on Saturday, June 21st at 2 p.m. local time. Enjoy cake and coupons for summertime offers. The parties will help celebrate five decades of tacos, burritos, burgers and fries.

The company is also introducing a series of Collector's Cups, comprised of four commemorative designs, available at any Del Taco restaurant nationwide through September 3rd or until supplies last. The cups are free with any Macho Drink purchase.

50 Years of Tacos, Burritos, Burgers and Fries

Ed Hackbarth opened the first Del Taco in Barstow, California, in 1964. With a menu of 19 cent tacos, tostadas, fries and 24 cent cheeseburgers, Del Taco brought in $169 in sales on its first day of business. By the 1970s, the company was thriving with 50 restaurants operating by 1977, and by 1978, the company grew to a total of 100 restaurants nationwide. Based on increased customer demand, in 1988, Del Taco began keeping many locations open 24 hours a day. By 2008, Del Taco nearly doubled in size with the opening of its 500th restaurant. In 2013, Del Taco launched a rebranding effort, the "UnFreshing Believable" advertising campaign, and its Buck & Under Menu to communicate the lengths the company goes to in order to deliver fresh quality, made-to-order menu items at an incredible value.

About Del Taco

2014 marks Del Taco's 50th anniversary. At Del Taco, all menu items taste better because they are made to order with fresh ingredients including cheddar cheese grated from 40-pound blocks, handmade pico de gallo salsa, lard-free beans slow-cooked from scratch, and marinated chicken grilled in the restaurant. The menu includes classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as American favorites including hamburgers, crinkle-cut fries and shakes. In 2013, Del Taco announced a rebranding effort and the "UnFreshing Believable" advertising campaign to communicate the lengths the company goes to in order to deliver quality, made-to-order menu items created with freshly-prepared ingredients. Del Taco also serves breakfast featuring a full line of breakfast burritos. Del Taco has 546 restaurants in 17 states serving more than three million guests each week. Consumers can receive coupons for free food by "liking" Del Taco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deltaco or joining our Raving Fan eClub at www.DelTaco.com/RavingFan. For more information, please visit www.deltaco.com.

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