Del Taco, the nation’s No. 2 Mexican quick-service restaurant chain, is looking to Charleston to expand its presence in the Southeast. The company today announced plans to open between 8 and 10 Del Taco restaurants in the Charleston, South Carolina, area and is seeking qualified restaurant operators as franchise partners.

Del Taco opened its first South Carolina restaurant in Rock Hill in 2010, and before that opened new restaurants in Orlando. Recently, Del Taco opened a restaurant in the Atlanta suburb of Snellville. Del Taco is planning about 60 locations in the Atlanta area.

“Following Atlanta and Orlando, we see Charleston as a critical market for Del Taco in the southeast,” says Michael Vogel, vice president of franchise sales for Del Taco.

As a business, operators will find Del Taco appealing because of its high average sales volume and fresh, made-to-order Mexican and American food.

“Our research shows consumers in the Charleston areas are looking for an alternative Mexican quick-serve option and we expect Del Taco’s fresh, made to order food to be well received here,” Vogel says.

According to Vogel, Del Taco is looking for experienced restaurant operators who want to expand their brand portfolio with a Mexican quick-serve concept. Del Taco also serves breakfast and most restaurants are open 24 hours with a drive thru. Del Taco restaurants serve more than three million customers each week.