Del Taco To Expand In the Valley; Signs New Franchisee.

Business Editors/Food Writers

LAKE FOREST, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 2003

A Southern California fixture for more than 38 years, Del Taco today announced it has signed a franchise development agreement for three new restaurants in the San Fernando Valley area. The agreement with Whittier, Calif.-based That's Fresh Inc. demonstrates the continued consumer interest in Del Taco throughout the Southland.

"We are pleased to welcome That's Fresh to the Del Taco family," said Helen Trent, director of franchise sales at Del Taco Inc. "Southern California has been our home from the start and we see great opportunity to serve our core customers here with more convenient locations."

That's Fresh is headed by experienced restaurateur Rai Marwah who also owns and operates Denny's, Popeye's and Subway restaurants, and an avocado ranch in Temecula, Calif. Marwah is the largest Denny's franchisee in Southern California.

"Del Taco's freshly prepared menu and quality taste provides an appealing opportunity," said Marwah. "We look forward to serving up Del Taco food in the San Fernando Valley."

Combining the best of two tastes, Del Taco serves all-American Double Del cheeseburgers, World Famous Crinkle Cut fries and shakes along with its wide array of classic Mexican tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Del Taco also serves breakfast.

Highlighting the Del Taco menu are the best-selling Macho Burritos that weigh more than a pound. "Customers have told us, with their wallets, that our Macho Burrito rates far above the competitors' burritos when it comes to quality, taste and value," added Trent. "If you haven't tried a Macho Burrito, you haven't tasted Del Taco."

At Del Taco all food is made to order. Each week, about 2 million Americans dine at Del Taco, consuming more than a ton of fresh lettuce and tomatoes, four tons of pinto beans, beef and chicken, 500 blocks of cheddar cheese, and two tons of Del Taco's world-famous crinkle cut fries.

Del Taco is a privately held company that operates, or franchises, more than 416 Mexican quick service restaurants throughout the United States. Del Taco is the second largest Mexican restaurant chain in the United States with individual restaurant sales volumes that exceed all other Mexican quick service competitors. Del Taco features fresh ingredients, made-to-order food, unique Mexican entrees, and an American menu that includes double cheeseburgers, shakes and crinkle cut fries. Del Taco restaurants are designed with a festive interior and drive thru.

Note to Editors: Photos available upon request.