Southwest Florida’s first Del Taco will open Sept. 18 in Port Charlotte. It will be the third Del Taco location for Quality Restaurant Group President and operating partner Kenther Ramos.
Quality Restaurant Group owns 87 franchises consisting of Del Taco, Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Wendy’s.
The company’s Buffalo Wild Wings GO location at 19011 Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte celebrated its ribbon cutting Aug. 28. The new Del Taco is next to it at 19001 Murdock Circle on the grounds of Port Charlotte Town Center.
There are nearly 600 Del Taco locations nationwide. Ramos also operates locations in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.
“USA Today named Del Taco the No. 1 fast food business in the U.S.,” Ramos said.
From tacos, burritos and quesadillas to taco salads with a choice of meats to desserts, including cinnamon churros and caramel cheesecake bites and shakes, the menu offers Mexican food favorites. For those wanting more American fare, cheeseburgers and fries also are on the menu along with milkshakes and coffee drinks and soda.
Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco in Yermo, California, in 1964.
Ramos said Director of Operations Benny Rosales and Kianna Carrico are his front line at Del Taco and will keep the operation running smoothly.
The native Venezuelan met the founders of QRG when he was a teenager working at an Orlando Dunkin’ as a baker.
The owners of the franchise company saw potential in the hardworking teen and took him under their wing.
While working for the company as it acquired more franchises, Ramos earned a bachelor’s degree in Orlando and later was offered a Fulbright Scholarship. He left for England to study at the University of York and worked remotely.
Upon his return to the U.S., he returned to the world of food.
“I love doing what I do and giving the community what they deserve—food and friendly service,” he said.
Ramos, who lives with his wife in Sarasota County, drives up and down the west coast of Florida, from Brandon to Naples, checking on his company’s restaurants.
The Del Taco drive-thru/takeout location is open 10 a.m. to midnight daily.
