Like many of his peers in the late 1950's, Ron Fraedrick dreamed of owning and operating a successful hometown business. Ron, a World War II Navy veteran, understood the dedication and sacrifices required to make a dream reality. So, with a passion to succeed driving his efforts, he went about building the foundation for what is one of today's leading Mexican fast-food enterprises.

After graduating from the University of Oregon in 1959, Ron traveled throughout the West selling petroleum products to a rapidly growing post-war economy. It was in Southern California that he first fell in love with Mexican food and conceived the idea of feeding a different kind of hunger; one that involved preparing and serving his own style of fresh, high-quality Mexican fast food to the hordes of hungry college kids back in his home town, Eugene, Oregon.

To fund his dream, Ron did what most young entrepreneurs have to do - he mortgaged the family home and borrowed an additional $5000. That was in 1959, and in 1960 his dream became reality when he opened his first walk-up TacoTime restaurant adjacent to the University.

Ron spent many evenings working on his secret seasoning and hot sauce recipes to develop the perfect taste profile. He would mix and measure just the right amount of spices into a 55 gallon barrel, rolling it around in the parking lot to thoroughly blend all the flavors, and then portioning the mixture into paper bags. Later, when Ron opened his second restaurant, he purchased a electric cement mixer to provide mixing muscle.

For the take-away orders, the fresh made hot sauce was poured into little plastic cups, and then the staff would cap each with a tight-fitting lid. A tedious process, and one in which Ron would engage his children's support to perform whenever possible. In short order Ron had three local restaurants open which were all successful. The unique taste and success of TacoTime began to attract interest other entrepreneurs wanting to duplicate Ron's success.

In fact, that's the story behind the first TacoTime franchised restaurant. A business acquaintance loved TacoTime food so much he teamed up with Ron to begin franchising the concept in the Western Washington area. So, in 1962, just two years after the company's initial debut, the first TacoTime franchise opened in Tacoma, Washington.

During the next decade, 48 franchised TacoTime restaurants opened throughout seven western states. As the 1970's came to a close, the company supported over 150 locations. In 1978, Taco Time International, Inc. was born when a franchise restaurant opened in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

By the end of the century, some 40 years from its humble beginnings in Eugene, Oregon, Taco Time International, Inc. supported 225 domestic locations and multiple international locations in countries around the world, including Canada and Japan. The TacoTime trademark is now proudly displayed in more than 300 restaurants.

From humble beginnings in Eugene, Oregon, the TacoTime® Restaurant Chain has risen to dominate its position today as the quality leader in the Mexican Quick Service Restaurant franchise industry.

All of our products are made with the freshest most wholesome ingredients available. And our menu offers the guest a real choice, from vegetarian items to our unique line of Crisp Burritos. This has been the key to our success for more than four decades now.

Liquid Capital Required: $150,000
Net Worth Required: $350,000
Total Investment: $157,500 - $333,500
Financing Assistance: Yes, Via Third Party
Training and Support: Yes
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As one of the fastest growing franchising and marketing companies in North America, Taco Time Restaurants are owned by the Kahala Corporation, a privately held corporation dedicated to the design, development and marketing of quick service restaurants.

Kahala supports its franchisees by providing seasoned real estate guidance, ongoing operational support, and turnkey marketing programs designed to optimize profitability and boost register receipts.

We are currently licensing area development deals as well as franchise agreements for all of Kahala's branded concepts, which includes a variety of good-for-you branded concepts that are in step with today's growing trend towards low-fat, nutritious eating. They include Frullati Cafe, Surf City Squeeze, Ranch 1, Samurai Sam's, Rollerz and Taco Time - all of which deliver strong unit economics, people-pleasing menus and operational ease. Kahala is also offering co-branded opportunities to both existing franchisees as well as new prospects.

We're there at the beginning, but we're also there for the long-haul, providing ongoing training and consultation to ensure that you continue to maximize your potential. In addition to the 2 weeks of intensive training, there are additional opportunities for improvement, like management certification workshops, seminars and more. You'll feel well supported operationally thanks to our store opening team, our purchasing and distribution assistance, quality control checkups, field consultants and new product development. Plus, we optimize marketing dollars for you with successful, comprehensive National advertising programs, grand opening and Local Store Marketing materials and co-op advertising support.