(Lake Forest, CA) Oct. 2, 2009 – The taco, which means snack , traces its origins to the Aztecs around 3000 BC. Few food items have sustained such interest like the taco, which is still most often made with a corn or flour shell filled with meat or fish as its base. Today the taco is as much a part of the American diet as the grilled cheese sandwich and receives its due this Sunday October 4th, which is designated as National Taco Day.

“Being one of the most popular foods in America, the taco definitely deserves this attention,” said John Cappasola, vice president of marketing at Del Taco, one of the nation’s leading Mexican chain restaurants.

Del Taco serves more than 192 million tacos each year and is encouraging taco lovers to celebrate National Taco Day by enjoying two free chicken soft tacos when they join its Raving Fan eClub. When consumers sign up for the club at www.deltaco.com, they will receive an email back with a coupon for the two free chicken soft tacos that are made with grilled chicken, fresh lettuce, cheddar cheese and secret sauce wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

“Here at Del Taco, we celebrate tacos every day – it’s part of our name. We’ve built a reputation for serving a variety of delicious tacos offering exciting flavor profiles including fish, chicken or steak,” added Cappasola. “While we didn’t invent the taco, our Classic, Macho, Del Carbon and Big Fat Tacos can satisfy any craving!”

Del Taco is a leading national Mexican quick-serve chain with more than 500 restaurants in 18 states.