Orange County Business Journal
By: Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
January 12, 2010

 

Lake Forest-based Del Taco ends its virtual silence by finally joining its rivals on Facebook and Twitter.

This afternoon, Del Taco’s new Facebook page debuted the chain’s two new mascots — Wes and Barry.  The “roommates” will star in a series of social media webisodes that feature Wes as the host of a variety show dubbed “The Del Taco Super Special Show.”

As an incentive to become a Facebook fan, Del Taco is offering fans who view the first comedy sketch a coupon for a free Classic Taco.

The chain will begin promoting the new social media sites on Wednesday with a new ad (shown above) that focuses on the chain’s value tacos, including a 59-cent beef taco.

John Cappasola, vice president of marketing at Del Taco, said the Super Special Show is a “fun way to bring the spirit of Del Taco online.”

My take: It’s about time! In previous interviews, the nation’s third largest Mexican fast-food chain said it was not quite ready to jump on the social media bandwagon.  I’m glad Del Taco is ready to play along side El Pollo Loco and Taco Bell, two Orange County rivals that have seen much success on Twitter and Facebook.

As for Wes and Barry. Let’s put it this way: they are better than the Beast! Some of the non-Wes and Barry gags and sketches are pretty funny, including the animated, “Taco Family” skit.   (View everything at Del Taco Facebook)