TacoTime’s Longevity Helps New Franchise Owners Gain Customer Loyalty

More than 50 years of growth is testament to a brand consistently focused on fresh ingredients, high-quality food and superior customer service

The fast-casual dining space is filled with brands vying for customer loyalty, and only a handful can say they’ve sustained a loyal customer following for more than a half century. TacoTime® Mexican food franchise has built a strong legacy based on fresh ingredients, high-quality food and customer service that continues to help them grow after more than 50 years.

“We’ve been in business now for nearly 60 years, and our franchise owners are successful, profitable and beloved members of their communities,” says Kevin Gingrich, Brand President and multi-unit owner of TacoTime restaurants in Utah. “We’ve seen our competitors come and go, while our franchise owners have been successful for 20, 30 and even 40 years! The TacoTime difference, that real ingredients make better food, was proven with the baby boomers when our franchise system got going and is continuing now with millennials, who are really concerned with the quality of their food. TacoTime is truly a brand with staying power.”

Supportive network helps new franchisees ramp up quickly

As the TacoTime Mexican food franchise concept moves into new markets nationwide, it relies on that impressive brand longevity and a strong network of owners to help new franchise owners ramp up quickly. Because of TacoTime’s history, we have several longtime franchise owners who are more than willing to advise new owners on running a successful location.

“TacoTime is a team business, and its franchise owners connect in many ways,” explains Gingrich. “When someone opens a TacoTime Mexican food franchise, he or she is becoming part of an ongoing legacy.”

Wyoming-based owners Denise and Lee Staley are a prime example of legacy owners. Lee’s parents purchased the original franchise and then built out to include a group of five locations. Denise and Lee bought them and since then have built two new buildings for TacoTime locations. “Franchising with TacoTime really means that you become a part of a big family that really cares about your success,” says Denise Staley.

Multigenerational fans fuel TacoTime community growth

TacoTime’s commitment has not only set them apart from other Mexican QSR concepts, but also has built up a loyal, multigenerational customer base. Although the majority of that customer base is in the Northwest United States, TacoTime has ample expansion opportunity beyond that regional stronghold, as American consumers — particularly millennials — demand fresher food with an authentic touch.

“In many parts of the country, people have not heard of TacoTime,” says Gingrich. “So, to them, the brand is something entirely new and exciting. At the same time, they have friends and family who have visited a location somewhere, because TacoTime has been around for more than 50 years and has a solid history of customer loyalty — thanks to great-quality Mexican food at a good price.”

TacoTime is ready for the spotlight. With more than 350 locations in the United States and Canada, the Mexican food franchise is ready to break out of its home turf in the Pacific Northwest and hit the national stage. TacoTime is looking for entrepreneurs who are passionate about bringing authentic and affordable Mexican food to their communities. TacoTime is led by a veteran franchise team and dedicated brand support team as part of the Kahala Brands™ family.

Ready to open a TacoTime franchise in your community?

To learn more about TacoTime, visit our research pages or download our free Franchise Information Report.