Del Taco Debuts Reimagined Store Design with 'Fresh Flex' Prototype

Rhea-AI Summary

Del Taco, a recognized Mexican-American fast-food brand, has launched its new store prototype named "Fresh Flex" aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. This modernized design includes improved accessibility, multiple service options like drive-thru lanes for mobile orders, and transparent kitchens showcasing fresh ingredients. The adaptable prototype allows flexibility for real estate opportunities ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet, supporting Del Taco’s growth strategy and appealing to multi-unit franchise operators. With approximately 600 locations nationwide, Del Taco continues to focus on quality and value.

Positive

• Launch of the 'Fresh Flex' prototype enhances guest experience and operational efficiency.
• Flexible building sizes (1,200 to 2,400 sq ft) allow for a variety of real estate opportunities.
• New design supports growth potential, appealing to multi-unit franchise operators.
• Focus on kitchen efficiency aims to improve overall performance and profitability.

Negative

• None.

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Del Taco, the iconic Mexican-American concept, is debuting its highly-anticipated new store prototype — a sleek, contemporary model that brings the brand to life through a collection of enhancements advancing its leading position in the QSR-plus category.

The bold, new Del Taco "Fresh Flex" prototype reconceptualizes the restaurant inside and out. Striking exteriors and distinctive interiors evoke the brand's contemporized feel. At the same time, the new design expands real estate opportunities to help lower net investment costs, provides ultimate convenience for guests and optimizes operational efficiencies.

"Continuing to adapt and evolve is the lynchpin for Del Taco to remain ahead of the curve in the restaurant industry," said Del Taco CEO John Cappasola. "Our new prototype solidifies our relationships with new and longstanding fans by offering them the most efficient, convenient and enjoyable environment possible. Equally as powerful, 'Fresh Flex' propels broader growth opportunities."

Checking all the boxes for today's consumer, the new store design aims to strengthen key areas that impact guest satisfaction: restaurant accessibility, speed of service and brand transparency. A future-focused model at its foundation, the latest design features innovative additions to facilitate the multiple ways guests now experience Del Taco, including third-party delivery pick-up stations, double drive-thru lanes dedicated to mobile orders or delivery driver pickups and dedicated parking lot areas for those who want to park, eat and go.

In collaboration with hospitality design firm MY Studio ID, Del Taco's reimagined exterior and interior designs better communicate the brand's commitment to being "Fresh as Del." The new "Fresh Flex" model exudes curb appeal with its open, well-illuminated building structure, back-lit towers and vibrant color palette. Inside the restaurant, built-in freshness coolers provide a transparent display of the high-quality ingredients that are prepped daily. Additional visibility extends to the brand's working kitchen format where guests can see "Fresh as Del" come alive— avocados sliced for fresh guacamole, fresh-grated cheddar cheese and fresh chicken and carne asada grilled to perfection.

Del Taco is leveraging this new store design to offer multiple buildout options to maximize growth opportunities through a "Menu of Venues" strategy with building prototypes that vary in size from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet. The various prototypes allow company or franchise developers more flexibility in choosing real estate opportunities, including small footprint drive-thru only models, drive-thru endcaps, conversions and freestanding sites. All buildings feature the fresh, modernized design and provide strategic operational enhancements to improve overall performance.

"We put a major emphasis on optimizing kitchen efficiency. It is the production engine of our brand, so each new restaurant size scales around the kitchen," added Del Taco Chief Operating Officer Chad Gretzema. "The operational enhancements in the kitchen as well as in the front of the house strengthen our four-wall economics, and align us with our franchise partners' top priorities while we drive new unit growth."

As Del Taco continues to accelerate expansion with new and existing franchisees, the design's consistent operational elements will help facilitate the development process, from the construction phase to crew member training. Beyond new locations, the fresh design will also be applied to current Del Taco restaurants as a remodeling opportunity to drive sales. In both cases, the new store design acts as a strategic growth catalyst to support restaurant economics.

"First and foremost, we needed a design that was going to support our aggressive growth goals," said Billy Jensen, an operating partner of Jetz Foods, a multi-unit franchise group in the Southeast. "In site selection, a 'one-size-fits-all' model doesn't work because every market is different. Del Taco understands that, and they've provided solutions to address common issues developers and operators see every day. As we look to the future, we truly have significant growth potential and are well positioned for the myriad of traditional and emerging ways guests want to interact with our brand."

Del Taco's unique QSR-plus positioning within the Mexican-American segment presents great growth potential for experienced multi-unit operators looking to diversify their portfolios. With development areas open across the United States, Del Taco continues to seek experienced individuals and groups who are looking for the opportunity to claim a territory and grow alongside the company. To learn more and to inquire about available franchise opportunities, visit the "Fresh Flex" design web page.

About Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.
Del Taco (NASDAQ: TACO) offers a unique variety of both 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 quality ingredients like fresh grilled chicken and carne asada steak, sliced avocado, freshly grated cheddar cheese, slow-cooked beans made from scratch, and creamy Queso Blanco.

Founded in 1964, today Del Taco serves more than three million guests each week at its approximately 600 restaurants across 16 states. Del Taco's commitment to providing guests with the best quality and value for their money originates from cooking, chopping, shredding and grilling menu items from scratch. For more information, visit www.deltaco.com. 

 

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SOURCE Del Taco

FAQ

What is the Del Taco 'Fresh Flex' prototype released on January 6, 2021?

The 'Fresh Flex' prototype is Del Taco's new store design aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, featuring modern design elements and multiple service options.

How does the new Del Taco store design improve customer service?

The new design includes features such as double drive-thru lanes for mobile orders, dedicated pickup areas, and transparent kitchen displays to improve accessibility and speed of service.

What are the size options for the new Del Taco store prototypes?

The 'Fresh Flex' prototypes range from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet, allowing for various real estate opportunities.

How does the 'Fresh Flex' design support Del Taco's growth strategy?

This design allows flexibility in site selection and aims to attract multi-unit franchise operators, facilitating expansion and enhancing operational performance.

What type of food does Del Taco offer?

Del Taco offers a unique variety of Mexican and American favorites, including burritos and fries, made with quality ingredients.