This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Del Taco franchisee Matadoor Restaurant Group, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections in July, has closed all of its 14 locations in Georgia as of last week, Del Taco confirmed in an email to Restaurant Dive. Del Taco no longer lists any locations open in Georgia on its website and only lists one Alabama location — where Matadoor als ...

Del Taco's Georgia locations have abruptly closed as the franchise owner of the restaurants navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company said. As of Friday, Feb. 20, when searching for the American-Mexican fast-food chain's Georgia locations, its website says, “Sorry, this location no longer exists." When reached by email on Feb. 20, Del Taco said the franchisee operating its Atlanta, Columbus, Macon and Chattanooga (Fort Oglethorpe) locations closed all 14 restaurants. "This closure occurred without pr ...

Management attributed the choppy Q1 performance to a slow start in the calendar year, though results remained broadly in line with internal expectations. The successful divestiture of Del Taco in December 2025 serves as the primary driver for business simplification and significant debt reduction. The 'Jack’s Way' initiative is focused on closing operational gaps by restructuring field support teams to provide real-time assistance to franchisees. Marketing strategy has been streamlined from three me ...

Core Insights - Jack in the Box Inc. is focused on simplifying its business and reducing debt levels, with significant progress made since the completion of the Del Taco sale [1][2][24] - The company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2026, receiving positive customer responses to anniversary promotions [1][5][12] - The first quarter results showed a decrease in same-store sales by 6.7%, attributed to a decline in transactions and sales mix, despite menu price increases [17][18] Business Strategy - The company is implementing the "Jack on Track" plan to strengthen its business model and improve long-term financial performance [24][26] - Efforts include closing underperforming restaurants, with 12 closures in the first quarter, which have generally resulted in a 30% sales benefit to nearby locations [24][25] - Capital expenditures for technology and restaurant reimages were $23.2 million in Q1, focusing on IT improvements [25] Financial Performance - Earnings from continuing operations were $14.4 million for the quarter, down from $31.0 million in the same period last year [23] - The company reported a GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.75, compared to $1.61 in the prior year [23] - Jack's restaurant-level margin percentage decreased to 16.1%, down from 23.2%, primarily due to increased food and labor costs [18][19] Market Trends - Commodity inflation was reported at 7.1% for the quarter, significantly impacting food and packaging costs [18][50] - The company is experiencing challenges in the Chicago market, particularly with labor costs and operational efficiencies [19][35] - Franchise-level margins decreased to $84.1 million, or 38.6% of franchise revenues, compared to 40.9% a year ago [20] Customer Engagement - The launch of the 75th anniversary marketing calendar included promotions that resonated well with customers, driving sales of higher-margin items [6][7] - The company is committed to providing value to customers while maintaining profitability, with ongoing price-pointed promotions [7][8] - Jack in the Box is focusing on enhancing the guest experience through operational improvements and training initiatives [10][11] Future Outlook - The company expects steady improvement in top-line performance as it continues to execute its strategic initiatives throughout 2026 [8][28] - Jack in the Box aims to reduce total debt by an additional $200 million as part of its financial strategy [26] - The company is assessing refinancing options for upcoming debt tranches, considering market conditions and interest rates [27]

Core Insights - Del Taco is reintroducing its seasonal Jumbo Shrimp Tacos and Burrito, available for a limited time at a price of two tacos for $6, featuring crispy Jumbo Shrimp, house-made pico de gallo, crunchy cabbage, and signature secret sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla [1][3] - The Beer Battered Fish Taco, made with wild-caught Alaska Pollock, is offered at three tacos for $7, available at any time, promoting seafood options beyond just Fridays [2][3] - The seafood menu will be available systemwide from February 3 through April 14, while supplies last, emphasizing the value and quality of ingredients used in the meals [3][4] Company Overview - Del Taco has been recognized as the Best Fast Food Restaurant in USA Today's 2025 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards, highlighting its unique variety of Mexican and American favorites prepared fresh in each restaurant [4] - Founded in 1964, Del Taco serves over three million guests weekly across nearly 600 locations in 19 states, focusing on providing real food at a real value [5]

Core Insights - Del Taco is undergoing a transformation to improve its business performance after experiencing a 3.9% decline in same-store sales during the fiscal fourth quarter under previous ownership [3] - The company has appointed Ulyses Camacho as chief transformation officer and Noah Chillingworth as chief marketing officer to drive operational excellence and enhance brand strategy [5][8] Executive Appointments - Ulyses Camacho, with over 30 years of franchise restaurant experience, will oversee transformation initiatives at Del Taco while continuing his role as president and COO at Taco Cabana [4][5] - Noah Chillingworth, returning to Del Taco after serving as CMO at Farmer Boys Restaurants, will focus on marketing strategy, guest engagement, and digital platforms [6][8] Strategic Goals - The new executives are part of Yadav Enterprises' plan to enhance systemwide execution and operational excellence, positioning Del Taco for significant growth [8] - Camacho's role will include improving unit-level execution, optimizing cost structures, and modernizing systems and processes [5]

Core Insights - Del Taco has initiated a new phase under Yadav Enterprises with new leadership appointments aimed at supporting the brand's transformation [1] Company Developments - The leadership team changes are part of Del Taco's strategy to enhance its brand and operational effectiveness [1]

Core Insights - Del Taco is offering a promotional deal of two Grilled Chicken Tacos for $3, available until February 9, 2026, catering to consumers looking for quality meals at affordable prices [1][3]. Product Offering - The Grilled Chicken Tacos are made with freshly grilled, marinated chicken, topped with a secret sauce, shredded lettuce, and house-grated cheddar, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla [2][8]. - Del Taco is also introducing a lineup of Real Strawberry Beverages, including Real Strawberry Lemonade, Real Strawberry Sprite, and a Real Strawberry Shake, all made with real strawberries [3][9]. Market Positioning - Del Taco recognizes the shift in consumer spending habits as they enter the new year, emphasizing value and quality in their offerings [3]. - The company has been voted Best Fast Food Restaurant in USA Today's 2025 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards, highlighting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction [4]. Company Background - Founded in 1964, Del Taco operates nearly 600 restaurants across 17 states, serving over three million guests weekly [5]. - The company focuses on preparing menu items from scratch, ensuring real food at a real value for customers [5].

Group 1 - Del Taco is now part of a franchise portfolio owned by Yadav Enterprises [1] - The company has formally announced the start of business operations under the Yadav umbrella [1]

You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Jack in the Box announced fourth quarter financial results for its Jack in the Box and Del Taco brands Thursday after market and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.  Same-store sales at Jack in the Box fell 7.4%, comprised of a decrease in company-operated same-store sales of 5.3% and a decrease in franchise same-store sales of 7.6%. The performance was driven by a decrease in transactions and unfavorable menu mix, whi ...