Operations

Del Taco does 'guac-thrus' for National Drive-thru Day

Photo: Provided

July 23, 2020

Just in case you missed this one in your Hallmark Holidays calendar book, Friday is National Drive-thru Day in the U.S. And for Del Taco, that is plenty reason to celebrate this auto-based fast food-feeding phenomenon by turning all its location drive-thrus into what it has dubbed, "Guac-Thrus," according to a news release.

The one-day-only event focuses customers' attention on the QSR's new fresh guacamole, by giving customers a free serving of the green and glorious stuff with any purchase. In fact, the brand said it's encouraging customers to bring any fast food menu item to a Del Taco Guac-Thru (from burgers and fries to shakes and fruit pies) and top the item with Del Taco's guac.

To blow the event up on social media, Del Taco said it will "surprise and delight fans" who share mashups on social media and tag them with @DelTaco and #GuacThru all day Friday.

The brand has also partnered with leading foodie content creators on the following National Drive-Thru Day mashups, featuring Del Taco's Fresh Guac:

• @LoveTram - Popeye's chicken sandwich.
• @nonstopeats - McDonald's Filet-o-Fish.
• @hangryblogger – In-N-Out Burger's Double Double and Animal Style fries.
• @Paulsfoodhaul - Burger King's Whopper.
• @sorrynosalad - Chick-fil-A's Spicy Chicken sandwich.

"Our Fresh Guac is so good, it even elevates the competition when added to their items," Tim Hackbardt, Del Taco CMO, said in the release. "Try it on or in one of our freshly prepared tacos or burritos, or add it to your favorite drive-thru item from the competition. Either way, we hope everyone celebrates National Drive-Thru Day with some free fresh guac from Del Taco."

Del Taco's guacamole contains Hass avocados, pico de gallo, lime juice and a special seasoning blend, the brand said. Its introduction is part of the brand's value-oriented QSR-plus position and expands on Del Taco's foundation of grilled chicken, carne asada steak, cheddar cheese and slow-cooked beans. It follows the introduction fresh avocado slices to the menu several years back, as well as the brand's more recent move to remove its former nacho cheese pump and replace it with queso blanco.

Del Taco is based in California and has approximately 600 restaurants across 15 states. For a deeper dive into the drive-thru today, see this article exploring the drive-thru's current importance in the fast food business.