<P> In 1981, Del Taco had roughly 350 restaurants (still located almost exclusively in California). </P> <P> In February 1989, Del Taco merged their restaurants with the 171 Naugles' Mexican fast food outlets . Anwar Soliman was the man behind the move and was, ironically, the mastermind behind the purchase of the rights to expand Del Taco throughout the United States back in 1977 . With the merger, Del Taco increased in size, and spread as far east as Hickory, North Carolina . The 1980s also brought change in the operation, as Del Taco began to stay open all night . In Lake Forest, California, where the chain is currently headquartered, there are two Del Tacos directly across the street from each other on Trabuco Road--one of these having formerly been a Naugles . </P> <P> In 1990, Kevin K. Moriarty joined Del Taco as the new CEO, soon becoming the owner of the brand in conjunction with his management team . His team launched new efforts to grow the brand's image while improving the total customer experience, setting the stage for extreme growth . </P> <P> In 1992, Del Taco recaptured exclusive rights to its name from W.R. Grace and Company and was now able to expand outside of California . Del Taco launched a $14 million program to redesign its restaurant exteriors, kitchens, and corporate logo . The company presented its Concept 2000 restaurant design and in August 1992 introduced its new logo . In place of the old orange and blue sunset, there was a yellow sun that rose over green mountains against a red background; these colors represented the primary ingredients of Del Taco food: cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes . Later that year, executives announced far - reaching plans to expand the chain to 500 stores by 1995 and to add another 225 by 2000 . The first new markets it set its sights on were Las Vegas, Nevada; St. Louis, Missouri; and the Northeast Corridor . </P>

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