After much anticipation and a bit of a delay, the first Del Taco will open in Virginia this June — and it will be in Chesapeake.
West Coasters and others familiar with the 60-year-old Southern California-based Mexican fast food chain, purchased by Jack in the Box in 2022, will be happy to hear that it’s finally making its debut right here in Hampton Roads.
Franchisees Steve Kissel and Brian McGavran, operating as Virginia Taco, project the new restaurant near Sam’s Club in Greenbrier will open the first week in June. It seats 48 and has a two-lane drive-thru. The restaurant will employ about 65 people.
Del Taco specializes in American-style Mexican cuisine and also carries burgers, fries and shakes.
“We use fresh avocados and make fresh guacamole, fresh pico, shred our own cheese and cook chicken to order,” Kissel said, noting the freshness aspect.
The franchise location faced obstacles that delayed its opening, including a slowdown in construction due to blackout dates issued by Sam’s Club during the holidays followed by record rainfall in March, Kissel said.
“It’ll be a big weight off our chest to get in operations, stop the bleeding and run our business,” Kissel said. “We hope the community enjoys it.”
The duo signed a 10-unit deal with future restaurants opening in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News.
Kissel said the partners are hopeful they will break ground in August for the second Del Taco location in the Town Center of Virginia Beach, but did not want to disclose the address yet. New builds take approximately six months, he said.
As for the other eight restaurants, Kissel said they have not committed to locations yet.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com
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