Del Taco to Open First Louisville Location

California-based chain plans five new restaurants in the city

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:36pm

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of golden-brown crinkle-cut fries, a freshly sliced avocado half, and a small ceramic bowl of house-made guacamole, conceptually representing the quality and craftsmanship of Del Taco's menu.Del Taco's premium ingredients and culinary expertise will soon be available to Louisville diners as the chain expands into the city.Louisville Today

Del Taco, a popular California-based Mexican fast food chain, is expected to open its first Louisville location at 6402 Bardstown Road in the Fern Creek neighborhood. The company has signed a five-store development agreement with new franchisee Karan Pandher to bring the brand to Louisville, with the first location slated to open by 2027.

Why it matters

The arrival of Del Taco will expand Louisville's fast-casual Mexican dining options and create new jobs in the local food service industry. As the second-largest Mexican quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S., Del Taco's entry into the Louisville market signals the city's growing appeal for national restaurant brands.

The details

Del Taco plans to open five locations across Louisville, with the first one expected to open at 6402 Bardstown Road in Fern Creek. The chain, known for its crinkle-cut fries, burritos, tacos, and house-made guacamole, has more than 550 locations nationwide. Franchisee Karan Pandher, who is deeply invested in the Louisville community, says he's excited to introduce the Del Taco brand and create new jobs in the city's vibrant food scene.

  • Del Taco signed a five-store development agreement with franchisee Karan Pandher in June 2025.
  • The first Louisville location is expected to hold a grand opening by 2027.

The players

Del Taco

A California-based Mexican fast food chain and the second-largest Mexican quick-service restaurant by units in the U.S., with more than 550 locations nationwide.

Karan Pandher

A new Del Taco franchisee who has signed a five-store development agreement to bring the brand to Louisville, Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing Del Taco to Louisville has been an incredibly exciting journey for me. The journey with Del Taco so far has been great and smooth. As someone deeply invested in this city, I'm proud to introduce a concept that doesn't just serve great food but also creates jobs, builds connections, and adds something new to Louisville's vibrant food scene.”

— Karan Pandher, Del Taco Franchisee

What’s next

Del Taco has yet to announce specific details on the locations and opening timelines for the four additional Louisville restaurants planned as part of the five-store development agreement.

The takeaway

Del Taco's expansion into Louisville represents a significant investment in the city's growing fast-casual dining market and an opportunity for the brand to establish a foothold in a new regional market. The arrival of this national chain is expected to create new jobs and further diversify Louisville's vibrant food scene.