Taco John’s Builds a Smarter Growth Strategy Around Nontraditional Expansion
New VP Ian Poole Focuses on Franchisee Profitability
Taco John’s is reshaping its development strategy with Ian Poole, the company’s new vice president of development, bringing a franchise-first approach to the legacy quick-service brand.
Poole, who joined Taco John’s after years of leadership experience across major restaurant and franchise systems, is focused on improving unit economics and creating a more attractive path for franchisees.
After less than a month in the position, his target is clear: strengthen franchisee profitability and make expansion more efficient.
Lower Buildout Costs Are a Key Priority
Poole said Taco John’s plans to improve growth opportunities by using value engineering and reducing buildout costs.
The goal is to make new restaurant development more financially realistic for franchisees. Lowering construction and opening costs could help the brand recruit stronger operators, support existing franchisees and make expansion more scalable.
Poole said he is eager to collaborate with the Taco John’s leadership team to grow the legacy brand in a more disciplined and profitable way.
Taco John’s Looks to Regain Development Momentum
The brand’s growth strategy comes after a period of declining unit count.
Taco John’s franchise disclosure document reported a net loss of 13 units last year and a decline of 24 units in 2024. Today, the Mexican-inspired chain has approximately 335 locations.
The company is now working to reverse that trend by targeting more flexible development opportunities.
Nontraditional Locations Could Unlock Growth
Taco John’s sees meaningful potential in nontraditional venues, including convenience stores, airports, universities and travel centers.
Poole believes these formats match the brand’s strengths. Taco John’s can offer speed, ease of operations and quality food in high-traffic environments where customers want quick, convenient meals.
The company is also supporting these formats with optimized menus and marketing designed for smaller footprints, helping franchisees better adapt to nontraditional sites.
AI and Demographic Data Support Expansion Planning
Taco John’s is also making data a larger part of its growth decisions.
Poole describes the strategy as a mix of “art and science.” The science comes from tools such as artificial intelligence and demographic reporting, which help the brand evaluate markets and development opportunities. The art is knowing how to apply that information carefully while supporting franchisees who are ready to grow.
This approach allows Taco John’s to become more selective and disciplined in its expansion.
Core Markets Remain the First Growth Target
While nontraditional formats are a major focus, Taco John’s is not abandoning its established markets.
The company plans to continue expanding in the Upper Midwest, where Poole sees the strongest growth potential. With existing brand recognition and current operators already developing new restaurants, Taco John’s intends to strengthen its base before pushing further outward.
Poole said the brand is not moving at high velocity yet, but it is building toward that point.
Poole Brings Experience From Both Sides of Franchising
Poole’s leadership approach is shaped by his time with Ambrosia QSR, a franchisee group that operates more than 200 Burger King, Arby’s and Popeyes units.
Before Taco John’s, he also served as Subway’s vice president of development and held leadership roles with Dunkin’ and Planet Fitness.
He said the franchisee-side experience helped him understand the realities of restaurant operations and the importance of franchisor-franchisee alignment. In his new role, that perspective helps him make decisions grounded in profitability.
Up to 10 New Restaurants Planned This Year
Taco John’s is targeting up to 10 unit openings this year. Poole expects roughly two or three of those to be nontraditional restaurants.
He would like to see that number increase as the brand explores more opportunities and accelerates its nontraditional development strategy.
For Taco John’s, the next phase of growth is not about opening units quickly. It is about building a more efficient, data-backed and franchisee-focused model that can support long-term expansion.
