Lake Forest, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Del Taco, the nation’s second-largest Mexican quick service restaurant* is ushering in a new era with the launch of Project Sunrise, a transformational framework that will strengthen brand performance, embrace innovation and, most importantly, reconnect Del Taco to its passionate guests. Project Sunrise establishes a clear 18-month roadmap to reinforce the foundation of the business while reigniting innovation and guest engagement. The initiative prioritizes consistency and quality across core menu favorites and beverages, introduces bold yet operationally executable innovation to drive trial and excitement and unlocks incremental growth through smarter check-building platforms, catering expansion and a more impactful loyalty strategy. Project Sunrise follows months of executive planning and alignment across marketing, R&D, operations, and sourcing, ensuring clear ownership of menu strategy, innovation cadence and performance accountability as the brand moves forward with renewed focus.
“Project Sunrise is about getting back to what makes Del Taco special and positioning the brand for future growth with a roadmap that gives us the focus and accountability to deliver to guests a new brand promise, while strengthening our foundation and creating meaningful momentum for a successful and sustainable future,” said Anil Yadav, Chief Executive Officer of Yadav Enterprises, which recently acquired the Del Taco brand. “We’ve listened closely to our guests, and the message is clear: deliver the food they know and love with the consistency and quality and value they expect; simplify where it matters and bring bold innovation that excites,” added Ulyses Camacho, Chief Transformation Officer of Del Taco.
Addressing negative guest feedback on changes made to products and ingredients over the past two years is an immediate opportunity under Project Sunrise. As a result, Del Taco is returning its Classic Burrito line to both the original preparation methods with the signature Del Taco open-end burrito fold as well as to the original product names. As a result of these changes, guests will see the return of:
- Del Combo
Burrito (formerly Combo Beef & Bean) - Del Classic Chicken Burrito (formerly Grilled Chicken)
- Del Beef Burrito (formerly Beef & Cheddar)
- 8 Layer Veggie Burrito
Each burrito weighs in at over half a pound and is crafted with the quality ingredients and bold flavors that have long defined the unique Del Taco experience, reinforcing a renewed focus on consistency, flavor and the “Del Way” that guests fondly remember. Del Taco will celebrate the return with an exclusive offer for Del Yeah! Rewards members for any Classic Burrito, small fries and small drink for just $6 in the app or online from March 3 to 15.
In addition, back by popular demand, Del Taco is expanding its flavor-forward lineup with the return of its Jack’d Up menu featuring the bold, creamy kick of Spicy Jack cheese that fans have been missing. The following items will be available beginning March 3:
- Spicy Jack Quesadilla
- Spicy Jack Chicken Quesadilla
- Jack’d Up Bean, Rice & Cheese Burrito
“Project Sunrise gives us the structure to move simultaneously with urgency and discipline,” said Noah Chillingworth, Chief Marketing Officer of Del Taco. “We’re taking action based on the feedback of our guests and implementing product and ingredient improvements for core items, better leveraging our five dayparts and expanding into new territories with innovation.”
Del Taco plans continued unit growth with an expected seven new locations in 2026 including two units in South Carolina. Additional future expansion to new states includes already announced deals to open 10 locations in Indiana and five locations in Kentucky. The brand also is actively exploring the reopening of recently closed restaurants in Georgia.
For more information and to find the nearest Del Taco location, visit DelTaco.com.
*By number of units.
About Del Taco
Voted Best Fast Food Restaurant in USA Today’s 2025 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards, Del Taco offers a unique variety of Mexican and American favorites, such as burritos and fries, prepared fresh in every restaurant’s working kitchen with the value and convenience of a drive-thru. Del Taco’s menu items taste better because they are made with real, quality ingredients like freshly grilled chicken and carne asada steak, fresh house-made guacamole, fresh house-grated cheddar cheese, slow-cooked beans made from scratch, and signature creamy Queso Blanco.
Founded in 1964, Del Taco now serves more than three million guests each week at nearly 600 restaurants across 17 states. Del Taco’s commitment to providing guests with real food at a real value for their money originates from cooking, chopping, shredding and grilling menu items from scratch. For more information about the Del Taco brand, and to find your nearest location, visit DelTaco.com.
Media Contact:
Kristyna Otto
Powerhouse+Co.
kristyna@powerhouseandco.com
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