You’ve probably seen the signs. Maybe you’ve even noticed the menu changing just a tiny bit at your local spot. For a long time, the answer to who owns Del Taco was a simple "Jack in the Box." But things move fast in the fast-food world.
If you’re walking into a Del Taco today, you’re actually stepping into a brand that just underwent a massive, $115 million transition.
As of late 2025 and moving into 2026, the keys to the Del Taco kingdom have officially changed hands. Jack in the Box is out. Yadav Enterprises is in. This isn’t just a corporate name change on a piece of paper; it’s a total shift in how the nation’s second-largest Mexican QSR operates.
The $115 Million Handshake: Yadav Enterprises Takes Over
Honestly, it was a bit of a shocker. Jack in the Box only bought Del Taco back in 2022. They paid about $585 million for it then. Fast forward to October 2025, and they’ve already offloaded the entire brand to Yadav Enterprises for roughly **$115 million to $119 million**.
Wait, did I get those numbers right? Yeah. It’s a huge drop in value.
Jack in the Box basically decided they needed to be "asset-light." That's corporate-speak for "we don't want to own the buildings or the equipment; we just want the franchise fees." By selling to Yadav, Jack in the Box cleared a massive amount of debt and simplified their whole business model.
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Who is Anil Yadav?
You might not know the name, but you’ve definitely eaten at his restaurants. Anil Yadav is the powerhouse behind Yadav Enterprises. Based in Fremont, California, this guy is one of the biggest franchise kings in the United States.
Before he bought the whole Del Taco brand, he was already the largest franchisee for Jack in the Box, Denny’s, and TGI Friday’s. He also owns Taco Cabana and Nick The Greek. Basically, if you’re eating fast food on the West Coast or in Texas, there's a good chance Anil Yadav is the guy making sure your soda is cold and your fries are hot.
Why the Ownership Change Matters for Your Lunch
When a brand changes owners, the first thing people worry about is the food. Are the crinkle-cut fries going away? Is the bean and cheese burrito going to taste different?
Under Yadav’s leadership, the focus has shifted toward what they call "operational excellence." In plain English: they want the drive-thru to move faster and the kitchens to run smoother.
- Ulyses Camacho was recently named Chief Transformation Officer. He’s the guy tasked with modernizing the systems.
- Noah Chillingworth, a Del Taco veteran who spent 15 years with the brand, is back as the Chief Marketing Officer.
- Ellen Sasada also returned as the VP of supply chain.
Having these "boomerangs"—people who left and came back—is actually a huge deal. It suggests that Yadav wants to reclaim the "old school" Del Taco magic that some fans felt was lost during the Jack in the Box years.
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The Wild History of Del Taco Ownership
Del Taco has been through a lot since Ed Hackbarth opened the first walk-up stand in Yermo, California, back in 1964. It’s been a public company, a private company, and a subsidiary of multiple giants.
- The Early Years: Founded by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson.
- The Merger Era: In the late 80s, they merged with Naugles, which is why you can still find some of those old-school flavors on the menu.
- The Private Equity Phase: For a long time, it was owned by groups like Sagittarius Brands and GRP Capital.
- The Public Stint: It went public on the NASDAQ (ticker: TACO) via a SPAC deal in 2015.
- The Jack in the Box Era: From 2022 to late 2025, it was the "sister brand" to the famous burger chain.
Now, as a privately held entity under Yadav Enterprises, Del Taco doesn't have to answer to Wall Street every three months. This gives them a lot more room to experiment with the menu and fix underperforming stores without the pressure of quarterly earnings reports.
What's Next for the Brand?
The transition into 2026 is all about the "turnaround." Del Taco has struggled with falling sales over the last two years. That’s likely why Jack in the Box was so eager to sell at a lower price point.
Yadav's strategy seems to be a mix of nostalgia and high-tech. They are keeping the Lake Forest, California headquarters, which is a relief for the 3,000 employees there. But they are also leaning heavily into digital loyalty programs and "modernizing cost structures."
Basically, they want to keep the "freshly grated cheddar" and "slow-cooked beans" that fans love, but they want to use 2026 technology to make sure those beans get to you in under three minutes.
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The Taco Cabana Connection
It’s worth noting that Yadav also owns Taco Cabana. This is interesting because Taco Cabana has a very strong presence in Texas, while Del Taco dominates California and Nevada. Don't be surprised if you see some "cross-pollination" of ideas or even supply chain resources between these two Mexican-inspired giants.
Key Takeaways on Who Owns Del Taco
If you need the quick facts for a trivia night or a business meeting, here is the current state of play:
- Current Owner: Yadav Enterprises (Privately held).
- CEO of Parent Company: Anil Yadav.
- Key Leadership: Noah Chillingworth (CMO) and Ulyses Camacho (CTO).
- Headquarters: Lake Forest, California.
- Restaurant Count: Approximately 600 locations across 17 states.
This ownership shift is a major bet on the future of Mexican fast food. While Jack in the Box is focusing on burgers, Yadav is betting that a more focused, private ownership model can save Del Taco from its recent sales slump.
If you are a regular, the best way to track how this ownership change is affecting your experience is to look at the Del Yeah! Rewards app. Yadav has signaled that digital and loyalty platforms are a top priority for 2026. Keep an eye out for more personalized deals and potentially some "throwback" menu items as the new (old) leadership team tries to win back the core fans who felt the brand drifted too far away from its roots.