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Danny Trejo serving a guest at his Los Angeles taqueria, Trejo's Tacos
In late August, Del Taco announced that they were collaborating with Trejo’s Tacos on four new menu items. It seemed like an odd pairing – a giant multi-unit taco restaurant working with a 5-location taqueria – though Trejo’s Tacos does have a larger-than-life leader in actor Danny Trejo. So we asked some questions of Jeremias Aguayo, Del Taco’s senior director of culinary research and development.
Who made contact first, Del Taco or Trejo's?
When Del Taco reached out to Trejo, we were looking for a partner who truly embodies the bold and innovative spirit of our brand. At Del Taco, we're all about blending cultures and flavors, from Mexican classics like tacos and burritos to American staples like burgers and fries. More than anything, we saw in Trejo a unique authenticity and grit that resonates with our roots in Barstow, California—a place known for its rugged terrain and resilient people.
Trejo’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for tacos, as seen in his own Trejo's Tacos, made him an ideal fit for this collaboration. His deep connection to Los Angeles, our largest market, and his passion for creating memorable food experiences align perfectly with Del Taco's mission. It was a natural partnership, bringing together shared values and a commitment to delivering quality, flavorful food.
What was the timeline of the relationship?
This collab has been in the works for over a year as we wanted to ensure we got the flavors just right for fans of Trejo’s Tacos and Del Taco.
The collaborative menu items: Al Pastor Street Taco, Al Pastor Loaded Fries, Al Pastor Epic Burrito and Al Pastor Cheddar Quesadilla.
How were the menu items in the collab chosen?
The menu items in this collaboration were directly inspired by the bold flavors and unique recipes from Trejo’s Tacos. We wanted to bring something fresh and exciting to our customers, so we worked closely with the Trejo’s Tacos Team to craft new dishes that reflect his culinary vision while staying true to Del Taco's signature flavors.
Together, we created these limited-time offerings, including L.A. inspired recipes, to deliver a memorable dining experience. Al Pastor, for instance, is a nod to tradition—it's typically carved with a machete, and who better to represent that than the legendary Machete himself, Danny Trejo. It was the perfect way to bring his iconic persona and the essence of Trejo’s Tacos to our menu.
Del Taco is much larger than Trejo's - why do this collab? How do they benefit from it?
This collaboration is about aligning Del Taco with a personality that embodies our brand’s bold spirit. Danny Trejo isn’t just a name; he’s a force in the restaurant industry with a larger-than-life presence that complements our identity. By partnering with him, we tap into his authenticity while reminding people why they love Del Taco.
It’s a perfect match of his culinary influence and our long-standing, beloved brand, creating excitement for both his fans and Del Taco loyalists.
Will there be other collabs between the brands?
Collaboration is at the heart of Del Taco—it's how we ended up with fries in our burritos! Fusion and partnership, whether in flavors or with other brands and personalities, are core to who we are. So, when you ask if we’d do it again... Del Yeah! We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and bring something exciting to our fans.
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