Del Taco Restaurants, Inc., the nation's second leading Mexican quick service restaurant, announced that it has signed a development agreement with a new franchise group to open five Del Taco stores in the greater Athens, Georgia area over the next six years.

Led by industry veterans Darrin Buono and Bill Siddiqi, the group's first location is scheduled to open in 2019 and will follow with one new unit every year thereafter, further growing Del Taco's existing Georgia presence and broadly building upon the company's planned Southeast Region expansion.

With more than thirty years in the QSR industry, Buono is currently a multi-unit franchise owner of both Dunkin' Donuts and Five Guys restaurants with operating partner, Siddiqi, who will also oversee the franchise group's Del Taco locations.

"Del Taco is raising the bar in the industry through its commitment to serving fresh, made-to-order food at a fantastic price," said Buono. "This QSR-plus experience -- with the convenience of a drive-thru -- resonates well with the Georgia community, as proven by Del Taco's success in Atlanta, and we're confident that Athens residents will embrace the brand and its quality food and unbeatable value as well."

Demonstrated by 15 consecutive quarters of system wide same store sales increases, Del Taco presents tremendous growth potential for experienced multi-unit operators looking to diversify their portfolios with an industry leading brand, and bring Del Taco's made-to-order food to guests nationwide.