15 Best Taco Businesses to Start in 2024

Are you looking for a list of the best taco businesses to start from this year?

At Del Taco, we understand it can be difficult to pick just one because there are so many great options to choose from.

In this article, we’ll take a look at fifteen of the best taco businesses to start in no particular order.

Del Taco

We simply had to put ourselves on this list because of our freshly prepared menu, streamlined restaurant prototypes, and franchise opportunities in existing and untapped markets.

Since 1964, Del Taco has been serving freshly prepared, craveable food at an unbeatable value. This rare combination is one of the reasons we are the second largest brand in the Mexican Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) Industry.

Our classic Del Taco was voted the 2022 Best Fast-Food Taco by Thrillist. Plus, we offer a wide range of other taco favorites including:

• The Del Taco (Crunchy & Soft)
• Crunchtada Tostada
• Guac’d Up Tacos
• Stuffed Quesadilla Taco
• Crispy Chicken Taco
• Beer Battered Crispy Fish Taco
• Taco Del Carbon

Today, we have grown to +590 locations in +15 states thanks to our incredibly loyal fan base. We are aggressively expanding across the United States and currently seeking multi-unit restaurant operators.

To get started, please submit this form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is one of the most well-known taco franchises in the world. In 1962, their first location was opened in Downey, California by Glen Bell.

In the United States, Taco Bell and their franchisees operate over 7,200 restaurants that serve more than 40 million customers each week.

Their brand is also growing internationally with more than 1,000 restaurants located in 30 countries across the globe.

Chipotle

Chipotle is a chain of Mexican restaurants that has become popular due to their specialty menu with a focus on natural ingredients.

The first Chipotle was opened in Denver, CO in 1993. Fans of this Mexican grill love their burritos, bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads.

As of 2023, all of Chipotle’s +3,100 locations are company-owned, and they do not offer franchising opportunities at this time.

Qdoba

Qdoba is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise that was founded in 1995 as “Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill” in Denver, CO.

Today, they have grown their taco franchise to over 700 locations across 47 different states along with Canada and Puerto Rico.

Their made-to-order menu features burrito bowls, quesadillas, and tacos. Plus, catering selections when you need to feed a large crowd.

TacoTime

TacoTime has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most popular Mexican restaurant franchises in the industry.

In 1960, Ron Fraedrick set out to feed the hordes of hungry college kids in his hometown of Eugene, OR by opening the first TacoTime restaurant.

Since then, they have expanded to nearly 300 locations and are seeking savvy entrepreneurs who are interested in bringing Mexican food to their communities.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s Southwest Grill is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchise that was founded in Atlanta, GA by Raving Brands on December 9th, 2000.

The Moe’s menu is known for burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads. They even offer taco meal kits able to feed 4 to 6 people.

They’re looking for franchise owners interested in building a loyal following in their market while embracing their own independent spirit.

Taco John’s

What started as a single taco stand in Cheyenne, WY has become one of the nation’s largest taco franchise restaurants.

More than 50 years later, they have grown to over 380 restaurants in 22 states with further plans to expand their taco franchise brand.

Taco John’s has available markets throughout the United States. Target areas include Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kansas, and Missouri among others.

Taco Bueno

In 1967, Taco Bueno opened their first location in Abilene, TX with a mission to share fresh, authentic Mexican food with the community.

Taco Bueno has grown their brand across the USA with more than 180 stores in 7 states, and they are looking to grow.

The ideal candidate for a Taco Bueno franchise is someone with restaurant operating experience, desire to be hands-on, and strong work ethic.

Rusty Taco

In 2010, Rusty Fenton - along with his wife Denise and business partner Steve Dunn - opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas, TX.

By offering an authentic, street-taco inspired menu, Rusty Taco brings the flavor of a traditional taco stand to local communities.

They offer a fast casual Mexican experience with a menu that offers breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and catering options.

Maui Taco

Maui Taco is a fast-casual franchise known for serving Maui-Mex food mixed with a fusion of Hawaiian flavors across the menu.

This distinctive taco franchise combines a cool, hip dining experience with exceptional food and the spirit of Aloha.

Today, they have locations across Hawaii and are interested in bringing their franchise opportunity to select mainland U.S. locations.

Chronic Tacos

Chronic Tacos is a unique taco business with a variety of menu options and a vibe inspired by their Southern California roots.

They take pride in offering authentic third-generation recipes with an opportunity to celebrate the art and individuality of their customers.

Surcheros

Surcheros is an emerging taco business with 24 restaurants located across the Southeastern United States.

Since 2007, they have been serving freshly prepared Tex-Mex favorites like burritos, tacos, nachos, bowls, and more.

They began franchising in 2017 and are looking to grow their existing footprint throughout the USA.

Taco Rico

Taco Rico began as a hole-in-the-wall style restaurant serving college students and has grown to be a popular brand with multiple locations across South Florida.

This Mexican franchise combines unique recipes sourced from top-grade ingredients with remarkable customer service.

Taco Rico takes pride in delivering a laid-back atmosphere to help their customers feel like they’re part of the family.

Jimboy’s Tacos

Jimboy’s Tacos began out of a 16-foot trailer with a mobile kitchen which happened to be one of the first “food trucks” in the United States.

For six decades, Jimboy’s has focused on serving their unique and original ground beef taco with a variety of other Mexican favorites.

They are seeking franchise development partners who are interested in taking their brand throughout the Southeastern and Southwestern USA.

Pancheros

Pancheros Mexican Grill is a Midwestern quick-service restaurant famous for their fresh, handmade tortillas and burritos able to stand up on their own.

Their tacos are served on freshly made flour tortillas with your choice of marinated and grilled meat or tofu accompanied with lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

Over the past 30 years, Pancheros has expanded to 74 restaurants in 13 states. They are actively seeking entrepreneurs with a passion for Mexican food.

Check Out These Additional Resources

We hope this list of the best taco businesses to start helped you narrow down your search.

At Del Taco, we serve freshly prepared, craveable food at an unbeatable value and are looking for franchisees who want to grow with our brand.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

• Which Taco Franchise Makes the Most Money?
• 7 Best Taco Franchises with Drive-Thru Lanes
• How Much Does a Taco Franchise Cost?

If you have any questions, please contact our franchise sales and support team.