Taco Del Mar

Taco Del Mar is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its Baja-style Mexican menu, featuring burritos, tacos, and other coastal-inspired dishes. The company was founded in 1992 in Seattle by brothers James and John Schmidt, who wanted to bring the flavors and relaxed feel of the Baja peninsula to the Pacific Northwest. Early on, Taco Del Mar attracted attention for its made-to-order approach and distinctive surf-themed interiors, which helped the brand grow throughout the region and into new markets.

A major turning point for Taco Del Mar came in the early 2000s, when it began franchising and quickly expanded to over 200 locations across the United States and Canada by 2008. The company faced significant financial challenges during the recession, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2010. Afterward, Taco Del Mar was acquired by Franchise Brands LLC, and later by REGO Restaurant Group in 2018. Under REGO’s ownership, the brand stabilized and refined its growth strategy.

As of November 2025, Taco Del Mar operates around 80 locations, primarily in the western United States and Canada. The company has focused on a more selective expansion approach in recent years, emphasizing franchise support and careful site selection. Taco Del Mar’s current growth is centered on high-traffic retail centers, college towns, and non-traditional venues such as food courts and travel centers, with a particular focus on the Pacific Northwest, California, Colorado, and Western Canada.

Over the past five years, Taco Del Mar has shifted from rapid expansion to a steady, sustainable growth model. The brand remains open to new franchise partners and continues to adapt its store formats to fit a variety of locations, including both urban and suburban markets. Backed by REGO Restaurant Group, which also owns Quiznos, Taco Del Mar benefits from shared operational resources and industry expertise.

Taco Del Mar’s established franchise system, flexible store formats, and consistent presence in competitive markets make it a recognized name in the quick-service Mexican segment. The brand’s approachable menu and coastal identity continue to resonate with a broad customer base, supporting its relevance and resilience in today’s fast-casual landscape.