All 14 Del Taco restaurants in Georgia have closed, marking a complete exit of the Mexican-fast-food chain from the Peach State after franchisee Matadoor Restaurant Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in mid-2025.
The closures occurred abruptly in late February, with some employees and customers reporting no advance notice before locations shut their doors and removed listings from public store locators.
Del Taco operates on a franchise model, and the Georgia restaurants had been run by Matadoor, which also operated units in neighbouring Alabama. Financial pressures, including weak sales and rising costs, were cited as factors in the bankruptcy filing.
Del Taco was founded in1964, in Yermo, California, by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson, bringing a mix of Mexican-inspired tacos, burritos and American menu items to the fast-food market.
Over more than six decades, the chain expanded through franchising and mergers, at times reaching hundreds of restaurants across the western and southern United States. Del Taco was acquired by Jack in the Box in 2022 but was later sold to Yadav Enterprises Inc. in late 2025 as part of a strategic shift in ownership.
Corporate Response and Reopening Efforts
Del Taco corporate says it is actively exploring options to reopen the shuttered Georgia restaurants, including Columbus and Phenix City sites that closed earlier in the month.
The company has not yet disclosed a timeline or potential new operators for these locations. Del Taco executives have said they are assessing several alternatives to bring the brand back to affected communities.
Impact on Brand Footprint
The Georgia exits follow a broader pattern of closures tied to franchising challenges. Del Taco has seen a reduction in overall unit count, including closures in other states after franchisee bankruptcies.
As of early 2026, the chain’s presence in some southeastern markets has become limited, and only a handful of units, including a sole remaining restaurant in Alabama, continue to operate in the region.
Del Taco’s efforts to revive the Georgia footprint hinge on securing new franchise partners or potential corporate-backed reopening.
