Del Taco Abruptly Closes Nearly All Colorado Restaurants

Del Taco Abruptly Closes Most Colorado Locations, Leaving Customers in the Dark

In a sudden and unexpected move, Del Taco, a popular fast-food chain, closed nearly all of its locations in Colorado on Thursday. According to a spokesperson for the company, 18 out of the 19 Del Taco restaurants in the state are now "temporarily closed" and will reopen "as soon as possible." However, the spokesperson did not provide any specific details about the reason behind the closures. Newsweek has reportedly reached out to Del Taco for further comment but had yet to receive a response at the time of reporting. This abrupt closure has left many customers and employees wondering what’s happening and when the locations might reopen.

The Bigger Picture: Retail and Restaurant Closures Across the U.S.

The closure of Del Taco locations in Colorado is part of a larger trend affecting many retailers and restaurant chains across the United States. In recent years, companies like Denny’s, Best Buy, Kohl’s, and JCPenney have been forced to close underperforming stores as they struggle to cut costs and stay afloat. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on the retail and restaurant industries, with many businesses struggling to recover. The rise of e-commerce has also played a significant role, leading to declining foot traffic in traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Additionally, many consumers have been eating out less and shopping more cautiously due to persistent inflation and high prices. This shift in consumer behavior has further strained businesses that rely on in-person sales. For Del Taco, which has been a staple in Colorado since 2003, the sudden closure of its locations suggests that the chain may also be grappling with these broader challenges.

Details of the Closure: What We Know So Far

According to reports from 9News Denver, a sign posted on the door of a Del Taco location in Aurora informed customers that "all Colorado Del Taco locations are closed until further notice." This message was echoed by staff and management, leaving customers shocked and disappointed. Phone lines at several Del Taco locations in the state were also reported to be out of service, and online ordering was unavailable.

However, not all locations in Colorado have been affected. A Del Taco restaurant in Grand Junction, which is owned and operated by a different franchisee, remains open for business. This has left many wondering why this particular location was spared while others were forced to close. The company has not provided any additional details about this inconsistency.

There are 19 Del Taco locations in Colorado, according to the company’s website. Cities like Aurora and Colorado Springs each have three locations, while Lakewood has two. Other locations include Brighton, Castle Rock, Centennial, Commerce City, Denver, Englewood, Firestone, Grand Junction, Greeley, Lone Tree, and Parker. With nearly 600 restaurants across 17 U.S. states, Del Taco has a significant presence, but the sudden closure in Colorado has raised questions about its future in the state.

What People Are Saying: Messages from Del Taco and Its Customers

The note posted on the door of a Colorado Del Taco location expressed regret over the closure, stating: "We regret to inform you that effective today, 2/27/25, all Colorado Del Taco locations are closed until further notice. We thank you for your patronage, the memories we have created together, and wish you well." This heartfelt message reflects the emotional impact of the closure on both employees and customers who have come to rely on the restaurant over the years.

A spokesperson for Del Taco also shared a statement with Westword, emphasizing the chain’s appreciation for its loyal customers. "Del Taco is proud to have been serving the state of Colorado since 2003, and we appreciate the ongoing support of our loyal guests. At this time, our Denver and Colorado Springs franchise locations are temporarily closed. We will reopen these locations as soon as possible and will share updates as they become available. The Del Taco location in Grand Junction is owned and operated by a different franchisee and remains open for business. Thank you for your patience and support."

While this statement acknowledges the closure and expresses gratitude, it does little to address the concerns of customers and employees who are still in the dark about the reasons behind the closure. Many are left wondering whether the closures are permanent or temporary and what this might mean for the future of Del Taco in Colorado.

What’s Next? The Uncertain Future of Del Taco in Colorado

As of now, Del Taco has not provided any further details about the closures or offered a timeline for reopening the affected locations. This lack of communication has only added to the confusion and disappointment among customers and employees. While the company has assured the public that it will share updates as soon as possible, many are left with unanswered questions.

The sudden closure of nearly all Del Taco locations in Colorado has not only disrupted the lives of employees who may now face uncertainty about their jobs but has also left loyal customers without a familiar dining option. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Del Taco will be able to recover and reopen its locations or if this marks the beginning of the end for the chain in the state.

Regardless of what the future holds, the closure serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the retail and restaurant industries in a post-pandemic world. As businesses continue to navigate these uncertain times, customers and employees alike can only hope for transparency and clarity as they wait to see what’s next.