Del Taco, a popular fast-food chain known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, is introducing a new series of value-packed meal boxes just as it faces a slump in sales and a wave of restaurant closures in Colorado. The chain, which has been in competition with Taco Bell for decades, is hoping to boost sales with its new $5, $7, and $9 “El Big Box” offerings. These meal deals include a variety of fan-favorites like burritos, tacos, fries, and quesadillas. However, some customers have noticed a striking resemblance to Taco Bell’s Luxe Cravings Boxes, sparking debate over whether Del Taco is simply mimicking its competitor’s success.
The New El Big Boxes: A Copycat or a Good Deal?
Del Taco’s new El Big Box lineup consists of three meal combos: the $5 Clásico El Big Box, the $7 Mex Faves El Big Box, and the $9 Ameri-Mex El Big Box. Each box features a curated selection of fan-favorite items like burritos, quesadillas, fries, tacos, and drinks. The idea behind these meal deals is to offer an affordable, convenient option for customers looking for a full meal in one box.
Interestingly, these new boxes are strikingly similar to Taco Bell’s Luxe Cravings Boxes, which also come in three price points: $5 Classic Luxe Cravings Box, $7 Supreme Luxe Cravings Box, and $9 Discovery Luxe Cravings Box. Taco Bell’s boxes have become popular since their launch in January, providing a similar variety of items. The comparison hasn’t gone unnoticed, with some customers calling Del Taco’s offerings a direct copy of Taco Bell’s meal deals.
“This is essentially a copy of the cravings deals from Taco Bell in Del Taco form,” one Reddit user noted, adding, “I think Del Taco is superior to Taco Bell in every way, except TB has Baja Blast.”
Despite the comparison, many Del Taco fans are still excited about the new options, especially given the variety and the fact that they complement Del Taco’s existing value menu, Real Deal$, which offers snack-sized items for $2.
Struggling Sales and the Search for a Turnaround
The introduction of the El Big Boxes comes amid a tough period for Del Taco. The chain’s same-store sales dropped by 1.5% last year and saw a further decline of 4.5% in the first quarter of 2025. Del Taco has been grappling with how to reverse these downward trends, experimenting with limited-time offers like boba poppers and new menu items like burritos and bundled meal deals.
While these offerings have yet to significantly improve sales, Del Taco is hoping that the El Big Boxes will provide the boost it needs to remain competitive in the fast-food industry. Taco Bell’s Luxe Cravings Boxes have seen success, with the chain achieving consistent same-store sales growth, even in the face of changing consumer preferences. Del Taco hopes to replicate this success by offering similar meal deals, positioning them as a cost-effective way for customers to enjoy a full meal with popular menu items.
Restaurant Closures in Colorado
While the company is focused on improving sales with new menu items, Del Taco is also dealing with unexpected challenges, including the closure of nearly all of its Colorado locations. In late February, Del Taco announced that 18 out of its 19 restaurants in Colorado were “temporarily closed.” The closures have raised questions about the chain’s future in the state, but Del Taco assured customers that these locations would reopen “as soon as possible.” A sign at one of the affected restaurants in Aurora, Colorado, stated that all local locations were closed “until further notice.”
As of now, Del Taco has not disclosed the reasons behind the closures or a timeline for reopening the affected locations. However, one restaurant in Grand Junction remains open because it is independently owned by a franchisee.
The closures have added to the list of challenges faced by the fast-food industry, where other chains are also struggling with location closures. Factors such as high inflation, changing consumer preferences, and increased competition have caused many companies to reassess their strategies and scale back operations. For example, Jack in the Box announced plans to close up to 200 stores in response to similar pressures.
Del Taco’s introduction of the El Big Boxes is part of the chain’s ongoing effort to boost sales and stay competitive in the fast-food market. While the boxes bear a strong resemblance to Taco Bell’s Luxe Cravings Boxes, Del Taco’s fans remain hopeful that these affordable and customizable meal options will help revive the brand. However, with the chain facing a sales slump and dealing with restaurant closures in Colorado, Del Taco’s path to recovery remains uncertain. As the fast-food industry continues to navigate changing consumer behavior and economic pressures, it will be interesting to see how Del Taco and other chains adapt to these challenges in the coming months.
