Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Favorite Local Taco Spot Since 1962
Since 1962, Taco Time has been a family-owned cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest, dedicated to serving fresh, high-quality Mexican cuisine with a commitment to community and sustainability. Founded by Frank Tonkin Sr., our mission has always been to deliver quick-service excellence without compromising on flavor or ingredient integrity. Over four generations, we've grown to 77 locations across Western Washington while maintaining our core values of respect, quality, and environmental responsibility. Our innovative approach includes pioneering compostable packaging, achieving carbon-neutral operations through renewable energy partnerships, and serving over 140 million guests. We invest in local communities through employment opportunities, sustainable practices, and partnerships that support regional growth.With a focus on scratch-prepared meals daily, including 100% all-white chicken and locally sourced produce, we continue to redefine fast-casual dining. Our team of 35,000+ employees embodies our three Rs: respect, recognition, and rewards, ensuring both customer satisfaction and employee well-being. From introducing Washington State's first drive-thru in 1978 to modern mobile ordering technology, we blend tradition with innovation. Our 60-year legacy reflects a passion for food, people, and progress that remains unmatched in the industry. Today, co-presidents Robby and Chris Tonkin lead this fourth-generation family business, upholding the standards set by our founders while embracing future possibilities.
Services
Burritos
Tacos
Catering
Salads
Kids Meals
Mobile Ordering
Rewards Program
Sustainable Dining
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for 60+ years with fourth-generation leadership
- 100% renewable energy-powered restaurants with carbon offset programs
- Serves 140 million guests annually with scratch-prepared meals daily
- Pioneered compostable packaging and zero-landfill waste initiatives
- Employs 35,000+ Washingtonians with competitive pay and benefits
Services
Fresh Mexican Food
We prepare authentic Mexican dishes daily using locally sourced ingredients. Our menu features 100% all-white chicken, hand-shredded lettuce, and scratch-made salsas. Each meal combines traditional flavors with modern convenience through 77 strategically located restaurants across Western Washington.
Sustainable Practices
Our environmental commitment includes 100% renewable energy-powered restaurants through Puget Sound Energy's Green Power Program. We divert 70% of waste from landfills via composting and offset natural gas usage through the Winston Creek Forest Carbon Project, eliminating 15.5 million pounds of CO2 annually.
Mobile Ordering
The Taco Time NW App enables customers to order ahead, track purchases, and earn rewards. This digital platform streamlines the dining experience while maintaining our commitment to quality, allowing guests to customize orders and pick up at their convenience.
Catering
We provide fresh Mexican cuisine for events of all sizes, featuring platters, burritos, and tacos suitable for corporate gatherings or private celebrations. Our catering service maintains the same quality standards as our restaurants, with options for delivery and self-service setups.
Rewards Program
Our mobile rewards system lets customers earn points on every purchase. The program combines digital convenience with tangible benefits, offering exclusive deals and tracking purchase history through the Taco Time NW App while reinforcing our commitment to customer appreciation.
People
Frank Tonkin Sr.
Founder
Founded Taco Time in 1962, establishing the foundation for a family-owned business that would become a Pacific Northwest institution through commitment to quality and community values.
Robby Tonkin
Co-President
Fourth-generation leader with 60+ years of family legacy in quick-service restaurant operations, guiding Taco Time's continued growth and sustainability initiatives across Western Washington locations.
Chris Tonkin
Co-President
Co-leads fourth-generation family business with focus on maintaining quality standards while implementing modern innovations that align with the company's founding principles of community investment and environmental responsibility.
Questions
Is Taco Time Northwest affiliated with other Taco Time locations?
We are independent from Kahala Corporation's Taco Time locations outside Western Washington, except for our Wenatchee restaurant.
What sustainability initiatives do you implement?
We use 100% renewable energy, divert 70% of waste through composting, and offset carbon emissions through local forest conservation projects.
How can I access mobile ordering?
Download the Taco Time NW App for Android or iOS to place orders ahead, track purchases, and earn rewards at all locations.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide fresh Mexican catering options for events with platters, burritos, and tacos available for delivery or self-service setups.
What employment benefits do you offer?
We provide competitive pay, real benefits, and career growth opportunities through our respect, recognition, and rewards employment philosophy.
How do you ensure food quality?
We prepare meals daily from scratch using 100% all-white chicken and locally sourced ingredients at each of our 77 Western Washington locations.
