• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

The second largest Mexican QSR in the U.S. is kicking off 2026 under new ownership.

Jack in the Box Inc. announced it has it has entered into an agreement to sell Del Taco Holdings Inc., which operates and franchises more than 550 Del Taco restaurants, to Yadav Enterprises Inc. The deal is for $115 million and is expected to close by January.

The sale is in line with the “Jack on Track” plan announced earlier his year, per a press release from Jack in the Box, which “allows for the strengthening of the company’s balance sheet and initiates the return of Jack in the Box to a simpler, asset-light business model.”

“This divestiture is an important step in returning to simplicity, and we look forward to focusing on our core Jack in the Box brand,” says Lance Tucker, Jack in the Box CEO.  “After a robust process, we are confident we have entered into a transaction with the right steward for Del Taco in its next chapter of evolution.”

Jack in the Box purchased Del Taco in 2022 for $575M in an attempt to diversify its portfolio, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“Del Taco has been a beloved restaurant chain supported by loyal guests who have fueled a special and unique culture that continues to set the brand apart,” says Anil Yadav, CEO of Yadav Enterprises in a press release. “Our recent acquisition of the Del Taco brand aligns perfectly with our long-term growth vision, and we are excited to support the next Del Taco evolution, while honoring the amazing legacy that has defined the brand for more than a half-century.”

Yadav Enterprises is currently the largest Jack in the Box franchisee in the U.S., in addition to operating Denny’s, Nick the Greek, TGI Friday’s and Taco Cabana franchise locations.

Founded in southern California in 1964, Del Taco will remain headquartered in Lake Forest, California.