Del Taco Closes All but One Colorado Location

The fast-food chain had nineteen outposts in the state; only the Grand Junction spot is still open.

February 27, 2025

Fans of these tacos will have to cross state lines for a fix now. Getty Images

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There's always a lot of excitement when a beloved fast-food chain moves into Colorado — we're still on the Portillo's watch and last month, we reported that Southern mainstay Bojangles plans to debut its first outpost in the state this year. California-born In-N-Out made the biggest splash of all when it made its way to Colorado in 2020 — remember the twelve-hour-long line that sparked fights in the parking lot?

But now, another chain that got its start in California has left the state completely: Del Taco just closed eighteen of its nineteen Colorado locations.

“Del Taco is proud to have been serving the state of Colorado since 2003 and we appreciate the ongoing support of our loyal guests," says a Del Taco spokesperson. "At this time, our Denver and Colorado Springs franchise locations are temporarily closed. We will re-open these locations as soon as possible and will share updates as they become available. The Del Taco location in Grand Junction is owned and operated by a different franchisee and remains open for business. Thank you for your patience and support.”

Del Taco was founded in Yermo, California, in 1964 and is now "the second largest brand in the fast-growing Mexican quick-service restaurant (QSR) category," according to its website.

After entering the state in 2003, Del Taco expanded rapidly across Colorado. In 2008, the location at 5240 South Wadsworth Boulevard made the news when it served up a bag of weed inside one couple's takeout order.

While you can't get a taste of Del Taco without crossing state lines now, you can reminisce with this 2013 ode to the "friend-zoned Mexican fast-food restaurant."

If this news has left a taco-sized shape in your heart, don't go running to Taco Bell. Hit up one of the city's best locally-owned taco joints or any of the 24/7 Mexican drive-thrus instead.

Molly Martin has been the Food & Drink editor at Westword since 2021. Prior to joining the staff, Molly reported on the Denver dining scene for more than a decade and contributed to Thrillist. At Westword, Molly monitors restaurant openings and closings, offers dining recommendations and reports on Denver-area food news and trends. She also publishes such annual lists as Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants, and contributes to the yearly Best of Denver edition. In 2023, she was recognized with the Colorado Restaurant Association's Outstanding Media Professional award.

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