---
title: "Del Taco Named #1 Fast Food Restaurant and #1 Fast Food Fries in USA Today’s 2026 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/f0210f6e-22f4-49ff-bafa-b906169c62dd
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260722_del_taco_named_1_fast_food_restaurant_and_1_fast_food_fries_in_usa_todays_2.html
category: "Mexican"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Mexican"
published: 2026-07-22T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:25.012Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1568901346375-23c9450c58cd?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Del Taco Named #1 Fast Food Restaurant and #1 Fast Food Fries in USA Today’s 2026 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards

**TL;DR:** Del Taco has been named the #1 fast food restaurant and #1 fast food fries in USA Today's 2026 10Best Reader's Choice Awards. This marks the brand's second consecutive year as the best fast food restaurant and third year as the best fast food fries.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-07-22. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260722_del_taco_named_1_fast_food_restaurant_and_1_fast_food_fries_in_usa_todays_2.html).*

## Story

LAKE FOREST, Calif. – Del Taco has received recognition in USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Reader's Choice Awards, with the Fast Food Restaurant and Fast Food Fries categories placing high in the rankings.

This marks Del Taco's second straight year recognized as Best Fast Food Restaurant and the consecutive year in the Best Fast Food Fries ranking, further reinforcing the brand's reputation as a nationwide fan favorite. Complementing these recognitions, Del Taco also ranked top in the Best Fast Food Breakfast ranking and top in the Best Fast Food Taco ranking, further solidifying brand affinity across multiple dayparts and menu categories.

"From tacos and burritos to burgers, breakfast and, of course, our famous Crinkle Cut Fries, these rankings reflect our commitment to serving high-quality food across our entire menu, and since the awards are voted on by guests, they are especially meaningful," said Noah Chillingworth, Chief Marketing Officer at Del Taco. “We’re honored to receive back-to-back recognition as the nation's Best Fast Food Restaurant, while also claiming the top spot for Best Fast Food Fries three years running.”

The USA TODAY 10Best Reader's Choice Awards recognize the nation's favorite destinations, brands and experiences across a variety of categories. Nominees are selected by a panel of industry experts before being voted on by readers nationwide.

Del Taco continues to distinguish itself with an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional value. From freshly grilled, marinated chicken and carne asada prepared in-restaurant to slow-cooked beans made from scratch, freshly grated cheddar cheese and award-winning Crinkle Cut Fries, the brand remains focused on delivering quality across every part of the menu. Del Taco continues to earn loyalty from guests seeking craveable flavors, variety, value and freshness all in one place.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- Del Taco (company)
- USA TODAY (company)
- brand recognition (topic)
- menu quality (topic)
- Noah Chillingworth (person)
- fast food awards (topic)
- reader's choice (topic)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260722_del_taco_named_1_fast_food_restaurant_and_1_fast_food_fries_in_usa_todays_2.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/f0210f6e-22f4-49ff-bafa-b906169c62dd).