Del Taco to Open 14 Outlets in St. Louis

Del Taco Inc., expanding its presence in the Midwest, said Thursday that it had signed a deal with a franchise group to open 14 restaurants in the St. Louis area over the next seven years.

The Laguna Hills chain, which owns or franchises 395 Mexican fast-food restaurants, plans to expand to Kansas City and Indianapolis by 2005, President Ron Petty said.

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Marc Ballon