Taco John’s is strengthening its Wyoming roots with a new restaurant planned for Casper in the spring of 2026, extending the long-running partnership between the brand and the Stilwell family. The opening will mark the family’s tenth Taco John’s in the state, further cementing a legacy that began nearly half a century ago.
The Stilwell family’s connection to Taco John’s dates back to 1976, when Daryl and Lori Stilwell opened their first location in Utah before moving operations to Buffalo, Wyoming. Their entrepreneurial drive and dedication to the brand laid the foundation for what has become a family tradition of leadership and community service. Their daughter, Lindsay Stilwell, who grew up behind the counter, now serves as Vice President of Operations and is leading the new Casper development.
For Lindsay, the upcoming restaurant is more than a business expansion—it is a continuation of her family’s legacy. She describes the project as both a tribute to her parents’ work ethic and a step toward shaping the future of Taco John’s in the region. Her hands-on approach extends well beyond management; she and her husband even obtained commercial driver’s licenses to oversee site preparation themselves.
“Taco John’s success has always been built on the strength of its franchise partners, and the Stilwell family embodies that commitment,” said Shannon Iverson, Vice President of Development at Taco John’s. “Their leadership represents the values we hold as a brand and our belief in the long-term power of family-driven growth.”
With almost 350 locations across 22 states, Taco John’s continues to focus on strategic regional expansion and franchisee support programs designed to drive profitability. The company’s Franchise Disclosure Document notes that the top 25 percent of freestanding locations achieve an average unit volume of $1.84 million, underscoring its strong business model for experienced operators.
As the Stilwells prepare to open in Casper, their story serves as both a reflection of Taco John’s heritage and a vision for its future. In an industry often marked by turnover, this family’s enduring relationship with the brand stands as proof that the best franchises are built not only on systems and strategy but on values that span generations.
