TacoTime’s Reputation for Quality Mexican Food Makes Lifelong Fans

More than 50 years of growth is a testament to the TacoTime difference — real ingredients make better food

Mexican restaurants are consistently among the top three most popular in the U.S. But within that competitive space, not many brands can boast of having a loyal customer following for 50-plus years. TacoTime® Mexican food franchise has built a strong legacy based on fresh ingredients, high-quality food and stellar customer service that keeps them standing out in the Mexican quick-service space.

“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 with wife, Joy. “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. It’s continuing now with millennials, who are really concerned with the quality of their food. TacoTime is truly a brand with staying power.”

Fresh, affordable products make a difference

Wyoming-based TacoTime franchisees Denise and Lee Staley are a prime example of legacy owners who, like many TacoTime’s customers, have grown up with TacoTime. Lee’s parents were franchisees who expanded over the years to a franchise group of five locations. Denise and Lee bought the locations from Lee’s parents and have expanded the family brand with the addition of two new TacoTime locations.

Denise credits the longevity of their TacoTime Mexican food franchise locations to a winning formula of fresh ingredients and sensible pricing.

“We’re known for fresh products, and how we make everything fresh every day and throughout the day, including our chips and shells. We’re known for that versus for being quick,” she says.“We’re still doing things, like crisp burritos, that we did in the 1970s. You can’t go wrong with tacos, burritos and salads.”

Multigenerational fan base fuels TacoTime’s expansion

TacoTime’s commitment to the freshest ingredients has not only set them apart from other Mexican QSR concepts, but also has built 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.

“I’ve grown up with TacoTime  — our children have, and our parents have.

We have so many generations who have grown up with TacoTime, coming to us for 30 or 40 years or more to enjoy our brand’s core products, such as our classic Crisp Burritos,” says Gingrich. “In fact, our core menu has stayed pretty much as-is for decades just because of that. People have grown up with Taco Time, so there definitely is an emotional appeal.”

TacoTime is ready for the spotlight. With more than 250 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.

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