Welcome to my blog for reviewing the best Mexican restaurants and food in Orange County, CA. I intend to cover as many as I can . . . and all sorts and price ranges: "From taco trucks to fine dining . . . and everything inbetween." Newer entries tend to focus on photos more than words. Number of restaurants covered so far: 268+. See The List
I heard back in November that Del Taco was testing turkey tacos and advertising them as having 33% less fat than their regular ground beef tacos. I thought this might be a Thanksgiving promotion but I could never find any Del Taco stores in Orange County that were selling them. Then I found out near the end of December that the turkey tacos would be in all the stores beginning on January 2nd, 2014. I think the idea was to help people stick to their New Years' resolutions to eat better. I tried the turkey taco the day it came out and then got one again a week or so later but without the pico de gallo and just put some of their Del Scorcho on it. They are advertising their crisp tacos, soft tacos, and crunchtadas as the items you can get with turkey meat but they just tweeted today that you can get any item that regularly comes with ground beef with turkey meat instead (just got back from getting a Del Beef Burrito with turkey meat). Having had several items with the turkey meat I can tell you it tastes close enough to the ground beef so that you don't need to think there's anything "weird" about it. And, hey, less fat. That's a good thing.
Will this new protein offering catch on? From the press event I went to last week it sounds like it is and is selling pretty well. Let's see if it becomes a permanent menu option. Or maybe it'll be something they cycle back in from time to time like with their shrimp and carnitas.
And while I still miss their jalapeño rings they do have these new Cheddar Potato Poppers now:
Here's their press release about these new items:
Del Taco's Primo Carnitas Burrito Headlines Star-Studded, Flavor-Packed Carnitas Lineup of New Tastes
(LAKE FOREST, CA) June 11, 2012 – A new Primo Carnitas Burrito leads the pack as Del Taco brings back for a limited time the Shredded Pork Carnitas line that has become a fan favorite. Del Taco's carnitas, unlike anything available in the quick-service category, offers customers the savory taste of tender, slow-braised pork that is simmered in small batch kettles as found in the cooking methods of the traditional Mexican kitchen.
The new Primo Carnitas Burrito delivers the traditional flavors of carnitas in a burrito loaded with shredded pork, seasoned rice, spicy jack cheese, creamy chipotle sauce and fresh pico de gallo salsa. Other shredded pork Carnitas items appearing on Del Taco's menu for a limited time include the Carnitas Combo Burrito, Carnitas Taco al Carbon, Macho Carnitas Burrito and Carnitas Macho Nachos.
Also, for a limited time, consumers can find a coupon for a Free Carnitas Taco al Carbon with any beverage purchase on Del Taco's Facebook page – www.facebook.com/deltaco.
"Del Taco fans love our shredded pork Carnitas tacos and burritos, so we're glad to bring them back for a limited time to fulfill their cravings," said John Cappasola, Chief Brand Officer at Del Taco. "Our shredded pork Carnitas is just one example of the great tastes and quality that we're proud to deliver out of our kitchens at a value that is unmatched in the category."
Del Taco is also adding another cravable menu item with the introduction of new Cheddar Potato Poppers. These cheesy crunchy potato bites feature bits of jalapeno for a hint of flavorful spice. A four piece order is $1.79 and a six piece order is $2.49.
At Del Taco, all menu items are made to order using fresh ingredients including freshly grated cheddar cheese, hand-made salsa, slow-cooked lard-free beans and marinated chicken grilled fresh in our kitchens every day. The menu includes Mexican offerings of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as American favorites like hamburgers, fries and milk shakes. Del Taco also serves breakfast and most restaurants are open 24 hours with a drive thru. Del Taco restaurants serve more than three million customers each week.
Del Taco has more than 535 restaurants in 17 states.
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Below is our old entry from June 8, 2011:
First Taco Bell tried introducing carnitas meat and now Del Taco is testing (at least I think it's just a test item for now). Posters in the windows show the burritos but when you go in you see they also have a carnitas torta and carnitas big fat tacos:
I tried it in the torta and the carnitas meat was pretty good, certainly less processed overall than the Taco Bell attempt was.
The location I got it at was here, and I think I also saw a poster for it here. Click any of the three images here to be taken to the complete Del Taco flickr album.
UPDATE: Del Taco has moved these items from testing to being regular items in all their stores. Here's the press release:
Del Taco Adds Shredded Pork Carnitas: Menu Items Include Combo Burrito, Taco al Carbon and Macho Nachos Free Carnitas Taco Al Carbon Coupon on Facebook
(Lake Forest, CA) Sept. 14, 2011 – Shredded Pork Carnitas is available now for a limited time at Del Taco, offering fans the savory taste of tender, slow-braised, pork that is simmered in small batch kettles as found in the cooking methods of the traditional Mexican kitchen.
Shredded Pork Carnitas menu items include Carnitas Combo Burrito, Carnitas Taco al Carbon and Carnitas Macho Nachos – as a la carte items and meals.
The Carnitas Combo Burrito, features slow cooked beans, tender braised pork, grated cheddar cheese and green sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The Carnitas Taco al Carbon features shredded pork, California Chili sauce, diced onions and chopped cilantro wrapped in two warm corn tortillas. The Carnitas Macho Nachos start with fresh tortilla chips, loaded with slow-cooked beans, carnitas, nacho cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, sour cream and topped with sliced jalapeño peppers.
Consumers can receive a coupon for a free Carnitas Taco al Carbon with any purchase at Del Taco's Facebook fan page – www.facebook.com/deltaco.
"Shredded Pork Carnitas reinforces once again that Del Taco is the destination for more flavor, more variety and great value," said John Cappasola, Del Taco's Chief Brand Officer. "Fans will find the delicious flavor unlike anything available in the quick-service category. And we've got it for a limited time. So, we're encouraging anyone looking for a fresh taste to come and try our new Carnitas."
At Del Taco, all menu items are made to order using fresh ingredients including freshly grated cheddar cheese, hand-made salsa, slow-cooked lard-free beans and marinated chicken grilled fresh every hour. The menu includes Mexican offerings of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as American favorites like hamburgers, fries and milk shakes. Del Taco also serves breakfast and most restaurants are open 24 hours with a drive thru. Del Taco restaurants serve more than three million customers each week.
Del Taco has more than 525 restaurants in 17 states.
Del Taco's PR has just sent me the above image of their new Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos. Will be giving these a try sometime but coincidentally I went through one of their drive-thrus this morning and got a breakfast burrito and one of their new root beer float shakes. Normally I wouldn't have a shake at breakfast but I wanted to try this and I justified it by telling myself it was a late breakfast. They also have new Mac & Cheese Crunch Bites.
(Lake Forest, CA) May 2, 2011 – Del Taco’s Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos will have bigger taste than ever with the introduction of two new flavors - Creamy Chipotle, with a bold kick, and Bacon Ranch, an American classic made with ranch sauce and real bacon.
At $2.29, the Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos feature a crispy, golden chicken strip, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and grated cheddar cheese wrapped in warm flatbread with a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce. Del Taco will also be offering a popular "2 for" promotion with two Big Fat Crispy Chicken Tacos for $4.
This week, Del Taco is also introducing Crispy Chicken Burritos with a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce. Offered at $2.99, the Crispy Chicken Burritos include two crispy, golden chicken strips, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, grated cheddar cheese, and a choice of Creamy Chipotle sauce or Bacon with Ranch sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
"Our fans know and love how Del Taco delivers great flavor combinations that fill them up at unbeatable prices. Our new Crispy Chicken menu items are a great example of that and besides, Crispy Chicken just tastes better in tacos and burritos," said John Cappasola, Chief Brand Officer at Del Taco.
Del Taco fans can receive a coupon for a free Big Fat Crispy Chicken Taco with any purchase when they “like” Del Taco on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/deltaco. Fans can also join Del Taco's Raving Fan eClub at http://www.deltaco.com/ravingfan for free food and exclusive offers.
At Del Taco, all menu items are made to order using fresh ingredients including freshly grated cheddar cheese, hand-made salsa, slow-cooked lard-free beans and marinated chicken grilled fresh every hour. The menu includes Mexican offerings of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos as well as American favorites like hamburgers, fries and milk shakes. Del Taco also serves breakfast and most restaurants are open 24 hours with a drive thru. Del Taco restaurants serve more than three million customers each week.
I should say I love root beer shakes. Used to make them when I worked at Jack in the Box as a teenager by getting root beer syrup (minus the typically accompanying soda water) from the soda fountain and mixing it in with the shake mix. Now that I don't work at Jack in the Box anymore it's hard for me to get my root beer shake fix. So, thanks, Del Taco.
Just a quick note that Del Taco has brought back their Crispy Shrimp Taco for a limited time. If anyone knows the price please leave a comment. Last year they were $1.89. Look for a coupon on Del Taco's Facebook page.
New for this year (2011) are the Baja style shrimp taco and burrito:
Here's the press release:
It's Shrimp Time!
Del Taco Introduces New Baja Shrimp Taco and Burrito,
Gives Facebook Fans a Free Shrimp Taco
(LAKE FOREST, CA) Feb. 22, 2011 – It's that time of year to give a shrimp at Del Taco. Del Taco will again be offering its very popular crispy golden shrimp tacos and giving a free shrimp taco coupon to Facebook fans. This year, Del Taco is adding a new twist to its shrimp line up with the introduction of a new Baja shrimp taco and burrito.
“Our flavorful shrimp is something our loyal fans look forward to,” said John Cappasola, Chief Brand Officer at Del Taco. “Our new tangy Baja sauce adds another craveable flavor option to both our taco and burrito line-up, giving our customers another reason to believe Del Taco is the place for great tasting tacos and unbeatable value.”
The new Baja shrimp taco, at $2.19, features crispy golden shrimp, crunchy cabbage, fresh salsa and a tangy Baja sauce in a warm flour tortilla with a fresh lime wedge. The new Baja shrimp burrito, at $3.69, features crispy golden shrimp, crunchy cabbage, seasoned rice, fresh salsa and tangy Baja sauce in a warm flour tortilla.
Del Taco will also continue to serve its popular shrimp and fish tacos, and shrimp or fish & fries. Del Taco first introduced seafood tacos with the launch of the Crispy Fish Taco in 2005. With a hand-breaded fish fillet, crunchy cabbage, hand-made salsa and secret sauce, Del Taco’s Fish taco remains one of the most popular tacos served at the Mexican chain.
Facebook coupon offer is good while supplies last and valid at participating Del Taco locations.
Del Taco menu items are made fresh to order, and are prepared with many quality ingredients including lard-free beans made from scratch daily, real cheddar cheese grated daily, chicken grilled fresh every hour, hand-made salsa and fresh produce.
Del Taco has more than 520 restaurants in 18 states.
About a month ago somebody told me they saw Del Taco selling 49¢ burritos down in Encinitas. Just got Del Taco's mailer today and it confirmed what I had heard. I could be wrong but I am guessing these are the small ones (smaller than half-pound) that they still sell but don't show on their menu anymore. This is one of the few burritos I actually eat . . . from anywhere. And I like the small ones the best because for some reason the tortilla/beans/cheese/sauce ratio turns out perfectly. When you get the half-pound one the beans take over too much. At least for me. If you don't specify what kind of sauce you want then you get red sauce. That's a good choice but give green sauce a try sometime too.
A couple months back I stopped by the Del Taco near Disneyland and saw that they had a couple new items that were variations on their Deluxe Chili Fries. I tried what they then called the "Loaded Backyard BBQ Fries:"
Being a fan of barbecue sauce and chili fries this made a perfect mixture. Just today (Nov. 10, 2010) Del Taco's coupon mailer came showing that these "Loaded Fries" are now available at most Del Tacos:
With the "Loaded Backyard BBQ Fries" having their name changed to "Beefy BBQ Fries" and the "Deluxe Nacho Fries" retaining their name. The mailer also showed some tacos I hadn't seen before, the Carne Asada Steak Taco and the Pollo Asado Chicken Taco:
If anyone tries these before I do please leave a comment about them here.
UPDATE: I have since tried the Nacho Fries. They're like a spicier version of the normal chili fries. My preference would be for the barbecue ones.
New Santa Fe Flavor Fires Up Del Taco's Popular Chicken Soft Taco
(Lake Forest, CA) April 14, 2010-- Long-time fans of Del Taco’s popular Chicken Soft Taco will want to try the new Santa Fe version of this menu favorite, which is available now.
The Santa Fe Chicken Soft Taco features Del Taco’s signature marinated grilled chicken, lettuce and cheddar cheese with a new roasted corn and black bean salsa and Santa Fe sauce with a kick that will inspire anyone looking for a change of pace.
The Santa Fe Chicken Soft Taco, priced at $1.49, is available at participating Del Taco restaurants for a limited time only.
“With the Santa Fe Chicken Soft Taco, we’ve fired up a menu favorite with a delicious fire-roasted corn and black bean salsa and sweet, smoky chipotle sauce with just the right amount of spice. This is just the kind of dialed-up flavor consumers seek out at Del Taco,” Cappasola said. “One won’t be enough for our fans, and this is precisely where our Santa Fe Chicken Soft Taco meal deal offers real value.”
The Santa Fe Chicken Soft Taco will be promoted via Del Taco’s multi-platform advertising campaign - The Del Taco Super Special Show. The latest episode of the show, which can be viewed at Facebook.com/deltaco, focuses on the chain’s popular Chicken Soft Tacos, with prices starting at 99-cents. This new episode features new vignettes such as the Taco Diaries, Name that Stain and introduces the soda fountain bong that delivers every soda flavor at once. Del Taco’s Facebook fans can download a coupon on the “Free Chicken Soft Taco” tab at facebook.com/deltaco for a free regular Chicken Soft Taco with any purchase.
Coming a little late to the social media game but coming with a vengeance, Del Taco is now engaging fans with a Twitter and Facebook presence, though it seems to be concentrating more on Facebook by revealing a whole new ad campaign there with new mascots, special Facebook-only deals and more.
Here's a super quick clip from their new "Super Special Show," the entirety of which can be seen at their Facebook page:
Also, keep an eye out for the Del Taco coupon mailers. The one I got yesterday had some pretty good deals on it, including a Del's Deal of two ½ lb. bean and cheese burritos, one regular taco and a small beverage for $2.99.
ATARI AND DEL TACO OFFER FANS LIMITED EDITION CUPS & EARLY FREE ACCESS TO STAR TREK™ ONLINE
New York, NY (January 21, 2010) Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and Del Taco, the nation’s No. 2 Mexican quick serve chain, announced today a special promotion allowing eager fans early access to the highly anticipated MMO, Star Trek Online. Created by acclaimed developers Cryptic Studios™, Star Trek Online for PC is set to release on February 2, 2010 in North America.
Customers who purchase a Macho-sized drink at Del Taco will receive a free limited edition Star Trek collector’s cup and a free trial of the Star Trek Online while supplies last. Each collector’s cup will have an individual peel code that can be redeemed for a 48-hour free trial of Star Trek Online at http://www.startrekonline.com/deltaco. Customers can redeem up to four codes and receive 48-hours of gameplay with each code. As an added bonus, customers that redeem the maximum four codes will receive an extra 48-hours of access to the game for a total of 10 full days.
Additionally, if consumers choose to purchase the game after their free trial, they will receive a free Type-8 Shuttle "pet" add-on for their Starship, available exclusively from Del Taco.
“Early response to Star Trek Online has been tremendous,” said Jim Wilson, CEO and President, Atari, Inc. “Our partnership with Del Taco brings this unique sci-fi massively open online game to an even broader mainstream audience as well as avid Star Trek fans.”
“We’re excited to be partnering with Atari and the Star Trek franchise,” said John Cappasola, vice president of marketing at Del Taco. “We think our customers are going to enjoy the collectible cups as well as the opportunity to get a free trial of the Star Trek Online game.”
In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe will appear for the first time on a truly massive scale. In this massively multiplayer online game, players can pioneer their own destiny as captain of a Federation ship or become a Klingon Warlord and expand the Empire to the far reaches of the galaxy. Players will visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek fiction, travel to unexplored star systems and contact new alien species. Every moment spent playing Star Trek Online will feel like a new Star Trek episode in which you are the hero. Immerse yourself in the future of the Trek universe as it moves into the 25th century -- a time of shifting alliances and new discoveries. As the Captain of your very own ship, it's up to you to lead your crew on missions that span the galaxy.
Star Trek Online is a licensed product from CBS Consumer Products. For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.com.
Videos, screens, and additional assets are available at the Atari press vault. Log onto: www.atari-press.com.
This is an OUTDATED entry. See HERE for information on the Naugles revival separate from Del Taco.
I might sound like a broken record when I keep talking about Naugles all the time but I keep thinking I've learned all there is to learn about them only to then find out some more information. The chain that spun off of Del Taco before getting "consumed" by Del Taco still has an enormous fan base. I always suspected this but never realized quite how big it was until I wrote a remembrance of them nearly four years ago and thought nothing more of it until I saw the hard-to-ignore numbers of people still searching for information on them. They also have plenty of fans at an unofficial Facebook fan page.
Click to see a larger image of this Naugles trayliner menu circa 1971
Since that initial posting and several subsequent ones I have come to find out that a number of Naugles menu items can still be ordered at Del Taco but each has a somewhat different story to it (I must add that Del Taco does NOT consider themselves as having a "secret Naugles menu," per se, but that this is just my attempt to show how one can recreate the Naugles experience to some degree when eating at Del Taco; see here for information on a Naugles revival separate from Del Taco), so read on:
Taco Salad Cup
$1.99
This is not the same as Del Taco's Deluxe Taco Salad cut in half but actually follows the Naugles formulation more closely by having secret sauce mixed in and no guacamole or sour cream. Squeeze on some of Del Taco's mild sauce to make it pretty much an exact match to Naugles' Taco Salad Cup. To order just ask for a "taco salad" or maybe a "small taco salad." They should have a button for this on their register but I did have one location say they couldn't do it for me (although I'm not ruling out that they might've misunderstood what I was getting at - UPDATE: I just went back to this same location and got the taco salad cup without a problem).
Cheese Burrito
Price Varies
This is one of the most fondly remembered Naugles items. You can try asking for a "cheese burrito" (and one Del Taco employee I encountered recently fondly remembered it herself) but they aren't likely to know what you are talking about. So basically just order any size bean and cheese burrito minus the beans plus sour cream. Some people remember it with red sauce and some people remember it with green sauce while some remember it with guacamole. I'd say customize it to your heart's content.
Bun Taco
$2.00
The bun taco is also seen, unwrapped, in the prior photo with the cheese burrito and the Macho taco
The bun taco already has its own entry. I believe all Del Taco cash registers (including the remote ones used for when the drive-thru lines get long) have a button for the bun taco. It is not shown on their menu board but I have never had any trouble ordering it. Since my initial entry on this I have had numerous people tell me that they have also successfully ordered it. A co-worker of mine ordered two the other day for his lunch. This item originated at Naugles as the "taco meat sandwich" or the "taco burger."
Combo Cup
$2.29
Another fondly remembered item the combo cup is basically an Atkins-friendly combo burrito in . . . drum roll, please . . . a cup, plus corn chips on the side so you can include the carbs as much or as little as you want to. At the location I have ordered this from they don't have a button for it but they did know what I was talking about (which was odd since this was at a Del Taco that opened long after Naugles closed down) and rang it up as a combo burrito and just told the cook to put the ingredients in a cup with a bag of chips on the side. Now, having said that, I have also recently learned that a Del Taco in Barstow does have the Combo Cup on their menu (read Sean Y.'s review at Yelp; note also that other reviewers have mentioned that some of the Barstow Del Tacos have items that most other Del Tacos don't but I have to add that a lot of the reviewers mention the Barstow Del Tacos as being the only ones to have tostadas but tostadas are a regular Del Taco item now; since tostadas appear on the 1971 Naugles trayliner menu then they too can be considered at least somewhat Nauglesy). I have also been told at one location that they sell combo cups but haven't ordered it from there yet.
Macho Bacon and Egg Burrito
$2.99
I stumbled on this item while driving thru the Fountain Valley location on Brookhurst (likely the one former Del Taco CEO Shirlene Lopez used to work at and which was the Naugles I used to go to). When I pulled up to the menu board outside the guy taking my order said, "Would you like to try our Macho Bacon and Egg Burrito?" I said, "I don't see that on your menu board." He said, "It isn't there? People order it all the time." So I got it. It even has its own wrapper still as seen in the photos. My friend Phil said he gets it all the time and swore up and down it must be listed on the menu, but . . . it isn't, but you can still get it. It is a monster burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, beans, bacon, cheese, lettuce and red and green sauce.
In one respect, any item at Del Taco with the "Macho" designation can be considered a Naugles item. That means macho tacos, macho burritos, macho nachos, etc. They may not be exactly the way Naugles made them but they're still pretty close.
"The Green Bean Machine"
Price Varies
No, this was never the official name for any Del Taco or Naugles item. It's a name I came up with to describe a Del Taco Egg and Cheese Burrito with beans added and green sauce used in place of red sauce, which makes it the same as the Naugles Egg and Bean Burrito. I guess I should just call it the Naugles Egg and Bean Burrito but I like my name for it better. (Thanks to @sheryllalexande for the idea.)
And here's a couple items from the not-so-secret menu:
Tostada
99¢
It might be hard to establish if tostadas appeared at Naugles first or at Del Taco first but I've seen people say they miss the tostadas at Naugles and then go on to say something that indicates that they are unaware that Del Taco has them so just be aware that they are back on the Del Taco Value Menu now.
Bean and Cheese Cup
89¢
This is similar to the Bun Taco in that all Del Tacos have it (heck, it's just beans and cheese . . . and a little red sauce. . . . in a cup) but it started with Naugles and is even mentioned in the Del Taco Nutritional Information Guide (apparently it's really high in fiber). It is always available, and I could be wrong but I think it only actually shows up on the menu when other Value Menu items aren't crowding it out.
What's Left?
This all begs the question: If so many Naugles items are still available then what Naugles items are currently impossible to get at a Del Taco? It is hard to exactly quantify an answer due to several complicating factors:
Naugles itself evolved over the years (i.e., it didn't have exactly the same menu when it was bought out as when it started);
the Naugles menu and Del Taco menus were never drastically different in the first place, having, in effect, "grown up" as sister chains often trading key personnel; and,
many Naugles locations were franchises where the owners of that particular location had a lot of say in the menu choices they made available so there may be items that people remember a particular location having that others didn't
Now having said that, there's still gotta be a few Naugles items that are not likely to be procured from any Del Taco. After extensive research all I can really turn up is the huevos rancheros seen listed on an old order ticket in the photo section of the Naugles Tribute Facebook page and the Ortega burger, which was a Naugles item that lasted as long as Naugles was around. And maybe it wouldn't be too hard for a Del Taco cook to fry up some corn tortillas (from the Tacos del Carbon maybe?) some eggs over-easy, and put some red or green sauce on it (anyone want to try and order this?) but I don't think Del Taco keeps Ortega chiles on hand with which they could make an Ortega burger. Of course there's also Naugles-specific drinks such as hot fudge shakes, pineapple shakes, and root beer shakes and floats that Del Taco could bring back. UPDATE: There's also Naugles enchiladas that Del Taco could bring back.
Why is Del Taco dragging their heels?
It is hard to guess why Del Taco isn't jumping at this opportunity. It could be that after the merger the executives in power at Del Taco just wanted to sweep Naugles under the rug (see comment on Facebook Tribute page timestamped May 25 at 9:04am) incorrectly assuming the fervor for Naugles would die down within a few months or perhaps a couple years. More recent regimes might've been open to it but may have just not thought of it. With the popularity of the Internet now it is easier for people to voice their opinions and broadcast them than it used to be. Even then, when Del Taco can't track hits to their site based on a 'Naugles' keyword search due to the name not appearing on their website (except in Flash form that is undetectable by search engines) they may have simply been unaware of the solid Naugles fanbase out there. Now with new leadership the new CEO, Paul Murphy, could be open to giving the fans what they want. It may or may not depend on how much personal meaning it has to him.
Another issue is that Del Taco may be worried that promoting the Naugles brand will dilute the reputation of their own brand but they would not be creating competition for themselves so much as opening up another revenue stream. Carl's Jr. successfully pulls off the same thing with their Green Burrito co-branding.
Another thing is that with many of the Naugles and Del Taco items already being conceptually quite similar then perhaps Del Taco wonders if they can pull off a Naugles revival without the exact Naugles recipes, which may now be unattainable. Then again, they may not be.
Of course, we don't know if maybe they ARE working on reviving some of the Naugles legacy, in which case we just wait. Sometimes these things just take time.
Del Taco still has a huge opportunity to capitalize on the enormous amount of passion people have for Naugles even some two decades later. The anticipation we've seen for the comebacks of Bob's Big Boy and Farrell's should not go unnoticed. With relative ease Del Taco could whip up a Naugles sub-menu and possibly even put Naugles branding outside their stores in much the same way Carl's Jr. does with Green Burrito. The amount of traffic they'd get from people driving by and seeing Naugles signage would not be something to sneeze at. If they miss this opportunity then they are sitting on a gold mine without realizing it but at least I'll be able to say I tried my best to help them realize it.
Please leave a comment if you already get some of these items, if you know of any other ones, if you've tried to order any of these and have had trouble, if you have information as to certain locations having or not having a particular item, etc.
This is only one of our several entries on the old Naugles chain. We have LOTS of info for people interested in Naugles and its possible comeback. Our other Naugles entries are:
Or CLICK HERE to read it all at once. UPDATE: see here for information on a Naugles revival separate from Del Taco.
Just found out that Del Taco has brought back the Orange Shake again. This time around it tastes a little more like their original orange shake than their orange and cream shake they had about two years ago . . . but with so many months and years in between each of my orange shake tastings I could be wrong and maybe they've always used the exact same formula. I also had somebody tell me recently that the orange shake was a Naugles item that got ported over to the Del Taco menu. We have extensive coverage of Naugles that you can read by clicking here, and we're crossing our fingers that Del Taco will bring back some of the Naugles items (although a couple secret Naugles items are still available). I think it'd be a marketing coup d'état if they made such a move. "Move over, Coke Classic, here comes Naugles." And we get about 30 - 40 hits a day here from people looking for Naugles info.
Oh, and there's also orange iced tea at Del Taco now. You can also read our extensive Del Taco coverage by clicking here. Good things come to those who click.
And here is a picture of a Naugles hat I just found at Kids Prefer Cheese:
UPDATE: Just got this press release from Del Taco:
(LAKE FOREST, CA) July 15, 2009 – This summer, consumers may not be indulging in expensive vacations, but they can certainly chill out with an old favorite as Del Taco brings back its delicious classic Orange Shake. In addition to the Orange Shake, Del Taco is introducing a new freshly brewed Orange Iced Tea combining fresh brewed tea with a splash of citrus orange.
"Orange is a great flavor for summer and our new orange flavored beverages offer a delicious, refreshing chill to any summer day," said John Cappasola, vice president of marketing at Del Taco. "Our customers have told us that they love our Orange Shake and we think they'll love our new Orange Iced Tea too."
The Orange Shake sells for $2.59, and Orange Iced Tea sells for $1.59. Del Taco continues to offer the popular Strawberry Shake ($2.59) and Strawberry Lemonade ($1.59) Price and participation may vary.
The folks at Del Taco have also sent me this press release about the Chicken Fajita Burrito:
Del Taco Introduces New Customizable Chicken Fajita Burrito
With four ingredient choices, you decide what goes inside!
(Lake Forest, CA) June 15, 2009 – Del Taco fans who need a burrito fix won't have to try hard to get exactly what they want when the No. 2 Mexican quick-serve chain unveils its new Chicken Fajita Burrito on June 15.
The new Chicken Fajita Burrito includes grilled marinated chicken, fire roasted fajita onions and peppers wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. And then the fun starts as customers have their choice of adding any two of four additional ingredients – sour cream, fresh salsa, cheddar cheese or guacamole.
"We're always looking for new ways to satisfy our customers with great taste and new products. With the new Chicken Fajita Burrito we are taking the be st part of restaurant style fajitas- choosing your favorite ingredients- and serving it on the go," said John Cappasola, vice president of marketing at Del Taco.
"Customization is the name of the game here. Our new Chicken Fajita Burrito continues the promise of getting what you want with delicious taste and everyday value," added Cappasola.
The New Chicken Fajita Burrito is sold a la carte, or in a combo meal paired with a side order of chips, freshly prepared salsa and a soft drink for a limited time.
Price and participation may vary.
About Del Taco Del Taco, the Lake Forest, California-based comp any operates or franchisees more than 510 restaurants in 18 states. Del Taco offers a full range of made-to-order Mexican items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas and American favorites including cooked-to-order burgers, fries and shakes. Del Taco uses fresh ingredients including hand-made salsa, fresh produce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, chicken grilled every hour and lard-free beans made from scratch. Additional information is available at www.deltaco.com.
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Del Taco's New Chicken Fajita Burrito You decide what goes inside and what that says about you.
According to the Del Taco research team, a slew of clinical psychologists and dozens of cheerleaders, what you choose to put inside your Chicken Fajita Burrito says a lot about you.
If you choose cheddar and salsa, you like a little spice in your life but play it safe most of the time. You probably have your own bowling ball and play softball but only for the beer afterward.
If you choose salsa and sour cream, you are likely to be assertive, confident and probably a bit of a flirt. Our psychologist panel said you are probably not a slacker.
If you chose cheddar and guacamole, you are a quick decision maker with a clear vision but need to cut back on the you-know-what.
If you choose sour cream and cheddar, in that order, you know what you want out of life, and probably get it most of the time. You are not used to a disappointment- except in your love life.
If you choose guacamole and salsa, you seek adventure in your life and are proud of your independent spirit. Rock on!
What kind of guy appealed most to the cheerleaders? A man who ordered his Chicken Fajita Burrito with ALL FOUR ingredients!
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Del Taco Adds New Breakfast Items, Offers Free Breakfast Taco Del Carbon with Meal Purchase
(Lake Forest, CA) July 20, 2009 – Celebrating its new breakfast items, Del Taco is encouraging customers to enjoy more flavor in the morning with a free Breakfast Taco Del Carbon with the purchase of any breakfast meal. In addition to the new Breakfast Taco Del Carbon, Del Taco is introducing a new Steak and Hashbrown Breakfast Burrito.
The Breakfast Taco Del Carbon, at 79 cents, is a corn tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, California chili sauce, chopped onions and cilantro.
The Steak and Hashbrown Breakfast Burrito, at $2.39, is a warm tortilla with scrambled eggs, marinated steak, hashbrown sticks, red sauce and grated cheddar cheese.
"Del Taco's breakfast menu already is quite popular with our fans," said John Cappasola, vice president of marketing at Del Taco. "The new Breakfast Taco Del Carbon and the Steak and Hashbrown Breakfast Burrito deliver great flavor at a great price and I'm confident our fans will love them as much as we do. We all deserve more flavor in the morning."
Drove through a Del Taco restaurant yesterday and saw that they are testing (at least I think it's a test) a new Chicken Enchilada Bowl with "Slow cooked beans, seasoned rice, grilled marinated chicken, zesty green sauce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro," for a cost of $3.99 and the combo which adds small fries and a drink is $4.99. Similar to their breakfast bowl but with corn tortilla strips (soft, not fried) instead of hash brown sticks and chicken, beans, and rice in place of eggs, bacon, and chili. The picture doesn't convey that there's a lot of food under the surface:
More information at our LA blog, including a picture of the Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bowl.
Tried one of the new Del Breakfast Bowls this morning:
The Del Taco press release for this item calls it a "A hearty bowl of hash brown sticks, scrambled eggs, jalapeno bacon and topped with chili, sour cream, cheddar cheese and cilantro."
This may sound like an item that's high in calories (it has 500 calories) but they have a couple other breakfast items that have more calories. And if you make any Del Taco purchase soon they may (I can't personally guarantee it) give you one of these coupons for a free coffee with the purchase of a Del Breakfast Bowl:
UPDATE
Went back and got another one and got a little better picture this time:
(Lake Forest, CA) Jan. 12, 2009 – This week, Del Taco takes value up a notch when the company introduces, not one, but three new $3 meals; complete meals that include a drink. In addition to popular Del's Deal and the new Classic Combo Deal, Del Taco is adding a Value Deal with a chicken soft taco, half-pound bean and cheese burrito and small drink.
Del's Deal, which includes two half-pound bean and cheese burritos, a regular taco and small drink, was first introduced in early 2008 and the Classic Combo Deal with a Classic Taco, Del Combo burrito and small drink was introduced in October.
Value, Quality & Choice Top Del Taco's Latest Promotion
(Lake Forest, CA) Nov. 17, 2008 — Del Taco's newest promotion makes going out to eat an easy option for budget-sensitive individuals and families.
The promotion, which begins Nov. 19 and runs through Jan. 6, features a new $2.99 Classic Combo Deal and a new $8.99 Fiesta Pack.
The Classic Combo Deal includes a Classic Taco with double the meat and freshly grated cheese and tomatoes; a Del Combo Burrito packed with slow-cooked beans, seasoned taco meat and Del Taco’s signature red sauce; and a choice of drink.
The Fiesta Pack, which is a first for Del Taco, easily feeds a family of four or more, and combines six half-pound Bean & Cheese Burritos and six tacos. Boxed to go, the Fiesta Pack is ideal for tailgating, taking to the soccer field, or to take to a party.
"We know people are watching their budgets, and going out to eat is a choice," said Sharon Fogg, Del Taco senior vice president of marketing. "With our Classic Combo Deal and Fiesta Pack, our fans have an ideal lunch and dinner option that allows them to enjoy the Del Taco experience while watching their budget."
Del Taco TV and radio spots, developed by Doner Advertising, will promote the Classic Combo Deal from Nov. 19 to Dec. 20. In the TV spot, a peculiar assortment of strong characters encourages a young customer to boldly opt for the Classic Combo Deal.
Del Taco's new promotion also includes:
Free hashbrown sticks with the purchase of a Steak & Egg Burrito
A new kind of “gift card,” B.E.R.P. (Bold Eaters Revolutionary Party) for the holiday season
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Strawberry Lemonade is being permanently added to the Del Taco menu
UPDATE (November 22, 2008):
Went to the Del Taco at Beach and Slater for lunch earlier today and they had three other specials:
Taco Trio
The Taco Trio with a Classic Taco, a Taco Del Carbon, a Big Fat Taco and a regular drink for $4.99.
Del Carbon Trio
The Del Carbon Trio with three Tacos Del Carbon, chips and salsa, and a regular drink for $5.99.
Macho, Macho Combo
The Macho, Macho Combo with a Macho Taco, a Macho Chicken Verde Burrito and a large drink for $6.99.
More information on the Del Taco deals, including a YouTube commercial, can be found at the Fast Food Maven blog.
