RyansWorld: Del Taco

'''Special Note: Please note that this scenario is meant to be read as entertainment, not as an accurate prediction of the future. Also note that the viewpoints and opinions that may come across in this scenario are not necessarily the viewpoints and opinions of the author.'''

Del Taco is a universal fast-food restaurant chain which specializes in American-style Mexican cuisine as well as American foods such as burgers, fries, and shakes. Del Taco is led by Paul Murphy, the Chairman and CEO, and is headquartered in the city of Lake Forest, California. As of April 2044, Del Taco operates 99,990,000 locations in North America and 633 locations throughout the Sol Galaxy.

Del Taco serves two different types of food: Mexican and American. Their standard menu includes Hard Shell Tacos, Soft Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Nachos, Deluxe Taco Salad, Crinkle Cut French Fries, Chili Cheddar Fries, Double Del Cheeseburger, Bacon Double Del Cheeseburger, Triple Del Cheeseburger, Fries, Shakes, and at least four types of Dinner Burritos.

History
The first mascot of Del Taco was a character of the same name used from 1999 through 2000. While popular, Del Taco (the company) was hit by a lawsuit from Zorro Productions, Inc. and Tristar Pictures, Inc., who claimed that the "Del Taco" character – masked and costumed in black – infringed on their rights to the trademark Zorro figure. Del Taco settled the suit in January 2000, agreeing to make changes to the Del Taco character, but soon discontinued the ad campaign altogether.

In its place, from 2000 through early 2006, Del Taco used Gregg Binkley to play "Dan" in their commercials. Dan, a clumsy marketing spokesman for Del Taco, was famous for his antics during their commercials. Among other things, Dan destroyed cars, broke hockey-rink glass, and mistakenly held a sales event at a nude beach, all while promoting a specific item for Del Taco.

From August 2007 through July 2008, Del Taco featured "The Beast" in their commercials. "The Beast", a personification of hunger, typically stood next to a customer and persuaded him to order a particular item (or particular items) so that they could "Feed the Beast" (which was Del Taco's slogan at the time). "The Beast" made his debut in August 2007 promoting Del Taco's improved Chicken Soft Taco. In addition, he endorsed the Crispy Fish Taco in February 2008, the improved Chicken Quesadilla (with 50% more chicken) in April 2008, and Del's Deal (two half-pound bean and cheese burritos, a regular crunchy taco, and a small drink for $2.99) in June 2008.

Del Taco shares the same quality of food and price range with Starbucks Coffee, Boston Market and Blimpie.