Del Taco is betting on catering to help reverse slumping sales, announcing Thursday an overhaul of its food-ordering program as part of a broader turnaround effort. The Mexican QSR chain, acquired by Yadav Enterprises last year, is shifting its catering orders to an internal platform and adding new menu options in a strategy that mirrors moves by Chipotle and Denny’s.
New ordering system and menu additions
Previously, Del Taco routed catering orders through a third-party platform. Under the updated system, customers can place orders directly through the chain’s website. The company also added taco salads to its catering menu, which already includes Individual Meals featuring tacos and Epic Burritos, Burrito Boxes with Classic or Epic Burritos, and a Buffet Style Taco Kit with a choice of proteins.
The shift gives Del Taco and its franchise operators more control over the customer relationship, according to the company. The new system also provides tools for restaurant managers to handle catering orders more efficiently. Additional changes are planned, including new packaging and investments in promotions and advertising.
Catering as a sales recovery tool
Ulyses Camacho, Del Taco’s chief transformation officer, said the changes aim to win business during occasions where the brand has traditionally had little presence. “Our catering relaunch supports an improved sales channel for our restaurants and franchise partners, while creating a significant opportunity to be part of occasions where Del Taco has historically had limited presence,” he said in a press release.
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Catering orders typically carry higher price tags than standard quick-service transactions, which could help Del Taco improve unit-level economics. The company has struggled for years under its previous ownership by Jack in the Box, which sold the chain to Yadav Enterprises in 2025.
Other chains facing similar sales challenges have pursued catering as a remedy. Denny’s, which also counts Yadav Enterprises as a partial owner after going private recently, launched a national catering channel through a partnership with ezCater earlier this summer. Sweetgreen unveiled a scalable build-your-own catering bar in February, and Chipotle has been emphasizing group orders as a way to boost average tickets.
Del Taco’s broader Project Del Sunrise plan includes reviving the Classic Burrito platform using original preparation methods and product names. The chain has also turned to limited-time offers like slow-cooked carnitas and value promotions to rebuild customer momentum. The company has said the plan targets improved restaurant-level performance, increased guest visits, and long-term growth.