Taco Time is a Northwest company celebrating over 45 years of doing business as one of the region's largest quick-service Mexican restaurant chains.

The Renton, Washington-based company was founded by Frank Tonkin, Sr. in 1962 and is largely owned and operated by family members. The Tonkin family has been doing business in Renton since the late 1800's.

Their commitment to the Northwest goes back many, many years. Frank Tonkin, Sr.'s interest in the fast food industry was well established when he first learned of the Taco Time concept originating in Eugene, Oregon in 1961. At the time, Tonkin was busy running his own two restaurants, Tonkin's Café, a full-service restaurant and bar, and Bif's, a fast food hamburger restaurant, both located in Renton.

Realizing the potential of the Mexican fast food category, Tonkin took a gamble that Tacos and Burritos would someday be considered mainstream fare. He opened his first Taco Time restaurant in 1962 in White Center with the Alki restaurant following soon after in 1963.

In 1979 Western Washington became an independent operation with Tonkin incorporating Accord, Inc., as the franchisor for the region. Today, the company serves as headquarters to 73 restaurants, spanning from Bellingham to Longview, and including locations in Eastern Washington (Moses Lake and East Wenatchee).

Over the years, the Tonkin family has seen their company become a Northwest icon in the face of growing competition from National chains. Taco Time continues to uphold the same high standards which Tonkin and son James, the company's CEO, have insisted upon since the opening of their original restaurant. They have built a solid restaurant chain, and created a company culture based on strong family values. Many employees have been with the company their entire careers and are proud to be part of the organization.

The Taco Time menu has evolved over the years, although one thing has not wavered: our commitment to serving delicious, fresh food made from the best ingredients available. We believe our philosophy will help to ensure the popularity of the Taco Time concept in the Northwest as we look forward to continued growth and success in the new century.

For additional information, please contact us at:

Taco Time Corporate Office
Attn: Customer Relations
3300 Maple Valley Highway
Renton, WA. 98058
Phone: 425.226.6656
Fax: 425.228.8226
Email: accord@tacotimenw.com