Del Taco is back in action, and fans are breathing a sigh of relief.
After abruptly shutting down 17 locations across Colorado earlier this year, the popular Tex-Mex chain has officially started reopening restaurants in the state. The news comes as a surprise for many who were left in the dark when their favorite Del Taco spots suddenly went dark in February with no clear explanation. Now, months later, the reopening phase has kicked off, with restaurants in Colorado Springs, Lone Tree, and Firestone welcoming customers once again.
The beloved fast-food brand, which has been a staple in the American Tex-Mex scene since 1964, made waves in July 2024 when it was crowned America’s favorite fast-food chain by USA Today’s Readers Choice. The victory saw Del Taco beating heavyweights like Chick-fil-A, KFC, and In-N-Out Burger, with Taco Bell trailing in at seventh place. It’s a big win for a chain that often flies under the radar compared to its massive rivals, Del Taco operates 590 locations nationwide, while Taco Bell boasts over 8,000.
Despite its more modest footprint, Del Taco clearly has a loyal following. Fans were left confused and disappointed when 17 Colorado locations shuttered seemingly overnight earlier this year. There was little to no information available about why the stores closed or whether they’d ever reopen. But this month, those same fans are seeing lights back on and menus firing up again, starting with some of the most popular spots.
Executives told The Denver Post that the reopening process would be gradual and expressed gratitude to customers for their patience during the downtime. It’s clear that while the closure may have been sudden, the return is being handled with care. And now that locations are opening back up, hungry locals can finally get their hands on Del Taco’s signature menu again.
Del Taco’s first-ever location opened in Yermo, California, roughly 128 miles outside of Los Angeles. Over the decades, it’s grown into a favorite for those craving affordable tacos, burritos, and burgers. And with the recent USA Today poll win under its belt, the brand has bragging rights few can match. Del Taco managed to edge out Chick-fil-A, which topped the same poll last year. KFC came in second this time, while other fast food titans like Arby’s, Popeyes, and Zaxby’s rounded out the top 10.
But the competition isn’t over just yet. Del Taco is currently in the running to retain its title for another year in the new USA Today Readers Choice poll. Fans can vote from a curated list of 20 top contenders, with the final rankings set to be announced on July 16. The poll closes on Monday, July 7, giving fans just a short window to help secure Del Taco’s back-to-back win.
Meanwhile, over at Taco Bell, changes are underway too. The chain is closing some of its retro-style locations, including one in Scottsdale, Arizona, which shut its doors on April 12. These closures are part of a broader shift in the fast-food landscape, where even iconic names aren’t immune to transformation.
But for Del Taco, the current moment is all about rebirth. With Colorado’s stores coming back online and national popularity at an all-time high, the brand is proving that a temporary shutdown doesn’t mean game over. Fans who stuck around are now being rewarded, and judging by the early response, business is already heating up again.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking for an alternative to the bigger names, Del Taco’s comeback might be the most underrated fast-food story of the year. Keep an eye on their next move, and maybe stop by one of the reopened spots for a burrito or two, you’ve waited long enough.
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