Franchise News

**This article was originally posted on franchising.com on January 25, 2022** Del Taco, the nation’s second largest Mexican QSR restaurant*, proudly opened the doors to its highly anticipated Fresh Flex location in Orlando last month. The new Fresh Flex design is fully tech enabled and includes options such as mobile app and third-party pick-up lockers, double drive-thru lanes with dedicated lanes for mobile orders and delivery providers, and designated parking lot areas for those who want to park and eat on the go. Fresh Flex locations are easily differentiated from the classic Del Taco look, as the new aesthetic glows brightly with the brand’s signature green palette and sun logo against contrasting grey and white walls. The first of many planned locations to feature the new, modernized format, Del Taco’s Fresh Flex prototype has been a major driver in the brand’s accelerated franchise signings over the past year, which boomed especially in the Southeast region of the US. “We are so incredibly proud of the ongoing momentum we have in our franchise business and in terms of signings over the past year throughout key markets in the Southeast and are looking forward to continuing that growth in 2022,” says John D. Cappasola, President and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco. “By giving our franchise partners options like the new Fresh Flex layouts, it opens up a new realm of real estate possibilities and allows them to grow in a variety of new spaces while maximizing square-footage.” Del Taco’s new Fresh Flex design has helped fuel a record year of franchise growth signing nine new multi-unit franchise deals in 2021 for 68 new restaurants across 10 states. The agreements will add restaurants across the country in states such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, while also infilling western geography in California and Nevada. “Access is key, now more than ever, and Fresh Flex is a great example of how we as a brand have adapted to becoming more relevant for our guests and franchisees,” says Cappasola. “We believe this model solidifies Del Taco’s ability to continue providing delicious, fresh food in a convenient and accessible format and that’s something we are proud to bring to the table.” Del Taco’s most recent deal was signed late last month in partnership with a Travel Centers of America franchisee for a five store multi-state development agreement. This deal is expected to place Del Taco in five state-of-the-art travel centers, a new channel for the brand and yet another example of the flexibility of its Menu of Venues model. Del Taco’s unique QSR+ positioning within the Mexican quick-service segment, and non-traditional growth capability presents great growth potential for experienced multi-unit operators and private equity firms looking to diversify portfolios. With development areas open across the U.S., Del Taco is continuing to seek multi-unit operators who are looking for the opportunity to claim a territory and grow alongside the company. To learn more about Del Taco’s franchise opportunity, visit www.deltacofranchise.com. *By number of units