Del Taco is one of America’s most popular Mexican-American fast-food chains, known for tacos, burritos, burgers, and value menu options.
Over the years, the company has gone through several ownership changes, which often confuses customers and restaurant industry followers.
If you’re wondering who currently owns Del Taco, this detailed guide explains its ownership history, current parent company, and business structure.
Who Owns Del Taco in 2026?
As of 2026, Del Taco is owned by Yadav Enterprises Inc.
In late 2025, restaurant company Jack in the Box Inc. officially sold Del Taco Holdings Inc. to Yadav Enterprises for approximately $119 million, completing the transaction in December 2025.
Yadav Enterprises is a large restaurant franchise operator that manages hundreds of restaurant locations across multiple brands. The acquisition marked a new chapter for Del Taco as it moved from corporate chain ownership to a more franchise-focused ownership model.
About the Current Owner – Yadav Enterprises Inc.
Led by CEO Anil Yadav, Yadav Enterprises is one of the most powerful restaurant franchise groups in the United States. Anil Yadav’s story is a classic industry “success story,” having started as a teenage fry cook at Jack in the Box before building an empire that now includes:
- Operates 300+ franchise restaurant locations
- Manages well-known brands including:
- Jack in the Box
- Denny’s
- TGI Fridays
- Owns and operates other restaurant concepts like Taco Cabana and Nick the Greek
- Focuses heavily on franchise growth and restaurant operations efficiency
The acquisition of Del Taco gives Yadav Enterprises control over a chain that operates and franchises more than 550 Del Taco restaurants across the United States.
Previous Owner: Jack in the Box (2022 – 2025)
Before being sold, Del Taco was owned by Jack in the Box Inc., another major American fast-food company.
Key Ownership Timeline
✔ 2022 – Jack in the Box Buys Del Taco
- Jack in the Box purchased Del Taco for about $575–585 million.
- The goal was to expand menu variety and strengthen growth opportunities for both brands.
✔ 2025 – Jack in the Box Sells Del Taco
- Jack in the Box later decided to sell the chain to simplify operations and reduce debt.
- The company finalized the sale to Yadav Enterprises in December 2025.
Ownership History: The Path to 2026
To understand the current state of Del Taco, it’s essential to look at the “hands” the brand has passed through over the decades.
| Era | Ownership | Key Milestone |
| 1964 – 1976 | Ed Hackbarth & David Jameson | Founded the first “Casa Del Taco” in Yermo, CA. |
| 1976 – 1990s | Various Investors / W.R. Grace | Massive expansion and the merger with Naugles. |
| 2015 – 2022 | Public (NASDAQ: TACO) | Acquired by Levy Acquisition Corp; went public. |
| 2022 – 2025 | Jack in the Box Inc. | Jack in the Box bought Del Taco for $585 million. |
| 2026 – Present | Yadav Enterprises | Del Taco returns to private ownership under Anil Yadav. |
Original Founder of Del Taco
Del Taco was originally founded in 1964 by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson in Barstow, California.
The brand started as a small taco stand and quickly grew into one of the largest Mexican-American fast-food chains in the United States.
Why Did Jack in the Box Sell Del Taco?
The 2025-2026 divestiture (sale) of Del Taco came as a surprise to many, especially after Jack in the Box paid $585 million for the chain just a few years prior.
According to our 10+ years of market experience, the move was driven by Jack in the Box’s “Return to Simplicity” strategy. By selling Del Taco to their own largest franchisee (Yadav), Jack in the Box was able to:
- Reduce Corporate Debt: The cash proceeds were used to strengthen their balance sheet.
- Focus on Core Growth: Jack in the Box shifted 100% of its corporate energy back to its namesake burger brand.
- Ensure Brand Stewardship: Since Anil Yadav was already the top franchisee for Jack in the Box, they trusted him to protect the Del Taco legacy.
How Many Del Taco Locations Exist?
Today, Del Taco operates approximately:
- 550+ restaurants
- Locations across 18 U.S. states
- Serves millions of customers weekly
The chain remains the second-largest Mexican-American quick-service restaurant brand in the United States.
Does Yadav Enterprises Run All Del Taco Restaurants?
No. Like many major fast-food brands, Del Taco uses a franchise business model.
This means:
- Some locations are corporate-managed
- Many locations are owned and operated by independent franchisees
- Yadav Enterprises oversees brand strategy, operations, and expansion
What Ownership Change Means for Customers
Most customers will not notice major immediate changes. However, ownership shifts can influence:
- Menu innovation
- Digital ordering and rewards programs
- Store expansion and remodeling
- Pricing and promotional strategies
Restaurant industry analysts often expect franchise-focused companies like Yadav Enterprises to focus strongly on operational efficiency and expansion growth.
Del Taco Ownership Timeline Summary
| Year | Owner |
| 1964 | Founded by Ed Hackbarth & David Jameson |
| 1990s–2021 | Publicly traded / Corporate ownership changes |
| 2022 | Acquired by Jack in the Box |
| 2025–Present | Owned by Yadav Enterprises Inc. |
Expert Verdict: What This Means for You
As experts who have tracked Del Taco’s evolution since its IPO days, we believe the move to Yadav Enterprises is a net positive for the consumer.
Unlike a massive publicly traded corporation that must answer to quarterly stock fluctuations, a private franchisee-led owner like Yadav often focuses on unit-level execution—meaning better service, cleaner stores, and more localized deals. In 2026, expect to see Del Taco Lean into more “Cross-over” promotions with Taco Cabana and a renewed focus on digital rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Del Taco still part of Jack in the Box?
No. While Jack in the Box owned Del Taco from 2022 to 2025, the brand was sold to Yadav Enterprises in early 2026.
Where is Del Taco’s headquarters located?
Even under new ownership, Del Taco maintains its corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, California.
Is Del Taco a public company?
No. Since its acquisition by Jack in the Box in 2022, and its subsequent sale to Yadav Enterprises in 2026, Del Taco is a privately held company and is no longer traded on the NASDAQ.
Final Verdict
Del Taco is currently owned by Yadav Enterprises Inc., which purchased the brand from Jack in the Box in late 2025. The company is now focused on growing the chain through franchise expansion, operational improvements, and brand development.
