News

Taco Time NW marks anniversary with green initiatives, food truck

February 16, 2012

Taco Time NW is marking its 50th anniversary this month by introducing new initiatives and programs.

The Tonkin family opened the first Taco Time NW in 1962. The quick-service chain, headquartered in Renton, Wash., now includes 73 restaurants in the Puget Sound region.

"Fifty years ago, great-grandpa Frank opened his first Taco Time based on two core values -- caring about people and a dedication to serving quality, fresh food to restaurant guests," said Robby Tonkin, president of Taco Time NW. "Our commitment to those values four generations later is what's made Taco Time NW a favorite with so many people in the northwest."

As part of its 50th anniversary initiatives, Taco Time NW will continue to increase the number of products sourced from Northwest suppliers and will purchase local ingredients whenever possible, including tortillas baked fresh daily from La Mexicana, a local family-owned company that Taco Time has worked with for almost 40 years.

Taco Time NW's beef is sourced from local family-owned Petschl's Quality Meats. Taco Time NW's Mexi-Fries will be made from Washington state potatoes and Northwest-based Darigold provides Taco Time NW's 60-day aged cheddar cheese.

"Taco Time NW continually strives to work with other local family-owned companies who share a passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients," said Chris Tonkin, vice president of Taco Time NW. "We take great pride in supporting other family-owned businesses that share our values and commitment to our communities."

Additionally, Taco Time NW is introducing new green initiatives, including investing in many compostable packaging options. At over half of its restaurants where hauling compost to a commercial compost facility is possible, Taco Time has designed a program that allows all compostable items to be disposed of in one bin, eliminating the need for guests to separate out the compostables. When possible, the compostables will be transported to local composting company Cedar Grove.

Taco Time NW will also celebrate its 50th anniversary with the introduction of a traveling taco truck, which will visit 50 community events and block parties between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Founded by Frank Tonkin Sr., Taco Time NW is now operated by the fourth-generation Tonkin family.

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