The California-based chain earned USA TODAY’s top fast-food ranking for a second straight year while extending its fries winning streak to three consecutive years.
- Del Taco tops USA TODAY's 2026 10Best for Fast Food & Fries.
- Second year as #1 Fast Food Restaurant; third year for #1 Fries.
- Also ranks in top for Fast Food Breakfast and Tacos.
Del Taco has once again claimed the top spot in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, earning the publication’s No. 1 Fast Food Restaurant ranking for the second consecutive year. The California-based chain also secured the No. 1 Fast Food Fries title for a third straight year, extending a winning streak that has become one of the brand’s most visible consumer accolades.
The awards reflected strong performance across several menu categories. Del Taco’s Beer Battered Crispy Fish Taco ranked No. 4 in the Best Fast Food Taco category, while the company’s breakfast menu placed No. 3 among national fast-food breakfast offerings. The additional rankings suggest broad customer support beyond the chain’s signature fries.
Chief Marketing Officer Noah Chillingworth said the results reflected Del Taco’s focus on food quality and guest satisfaction. He said the company viewed the repeat recognition as evidence that customers continue to respond positively to its menu offerings and overall restaurant experience.
Consumer-driven rankings have become an increasingly important brand signal in the restaurant industry, where customer perception can influence traffic, loyalty, and franchise interest. Repeat recognition in national surveys can also help restaurant brands strengthen their positioning in highly competitive quick-service markets.
As restaurant systems expand and compete for customer loyalty, protecting brand perception becomes increasingly important. Platforms such as Gorilla Dash can help franchise operators support Reputation Management, monitor customer feedback trends, and maintain service consistency across multiple locations. Strong operational alignment can help brands translate national recognition into a more consistent guest experience across their franchise networks.
Del Taco’s latest awards add to a growing list of consumer recognitions and reinforce its position as a notable player in the U.S. fast-food sector. While national rankings can fluctuate from year to year, the company’s repeated success in both the overall restaurant and fries categories suggests a level of customer loyalty that continues to distinguish the brand in a crowded marketplace.
Key Facts:
| Best Fast Food Restaurant | Del Taco named #1 in USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Reader's Choice Awards. |
|---|---|
| Best Fast Food Fries | Del Taco's fries ranked #1 for the third consecutive year. |
| Industry Recognition | The 10Best Awards are determined by reader votes nationwide. |
| Additional Rankings | Del Taco also placed #3 in Best Fast Food Breakfast. |
| Signature Offerings | Del Taco's menu includes freshly prepared ingredients like marinated chicken and Crinkle Cut Fries. |
| Noah Chillingworth's Statement | Del Taco's rankings reflect commitment to high-quality food and customer satisfaction. |
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