16.6: Case Study - Del Taco
The first Del Taco restaurant was opened by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson in Yermo, California, on September 16, 1964 under the name "Casa Del Taco." On the first day of business, Del Taco made $169 ($1,595 in 2022 dollars). Success of the first restaurant led to two in Barstow (which is the oldest operating Del Taco in the world), one in Needles, and a fifth restaurant in Corona (the first Del Taco with a drive-through window).
Dick Naugle, who installed the kitchen equipment in the Corona store, was impressed by the design and joined Hackbarth and Jameson in the fledgling business. In 1966, the trio founded Red-E-Food Systems, Inc., with the idea of franchising the Del Taco brand. That same year, the original Del Taco sun logo was created. In 1967, Del Taco introduced their bean and cheese burrito with green or red sauce.