St. Louis is a city known for its tasty food scene, from its iconic ribs to unique local flavors. Amidst this vibrant culinary scene, many wonder why popular chains like Del Taco are missing. Despite the chain’s success in many parts of the country, you’ll find no signs of one in St. Louis. Moving here from sunny California, I have to say this was one of the biggest culture shocks next to Carl’s Jr being called Hardees, and the fact that their “Green Burrito” is called “Red Burrito.”
The Absence of Del Taco in St. Louis
According to the Riverfront Times, the fate of fast-food chain Del Taco is clear-cut. Both St. Louis-area Del Taco locations have closed. That includes both the South Grand location that has been the subject of much debate over the past two weeks, and the location at 1033 McCausland Avenue.
Turf War History
While there were few Del Tacos in St Louis up till the 2010’s there are no longer any because of what locals call the Mexican food turf war. With both Del Taco and Taco Bell in St Louis they were out sold and couldn’t see any potential revenue happening in the city.
Not only was it a war against both fast food chains, but other factors contributed to it like Del Taco’s bankruptcy, and violent activity happening near both shops they set up here. They seem to think because Del Taco was a 24 hour restaurant, a rarity here in St. Louis, that all kinds of people were drawn to that area. There is crime in St Louis, but why did it have to take those locations with it?
Unfortunately for people like me that means my taste buds can’t get that sweet heat of Del Inferno hot sauce packets, without purchasing them through the Del Taco webshop.
A Cry for Help
While the likelihood of anyone who has anything to do with Del Taco seeing this is slim, I’m still gonna give it a shot. PLEASE come back to St Louis. University City is quickly developing and we NEED you here. It’s a great chance to get in on the ground floor of University Cities atmosphere and I’d do anything to promote it. Heck, hire me to stand outside and flip signs. Just Please consider U City in St Louis County.
Signed – an inferno sauce-starved Del Taco patron.
