06/19/2025
Feel good story: A special moment on the road today.
Driving from Las Vegas to Pasadena, we stopped in Barstow for lunch — as many do — and chose one of the original Del Taco locations. While we were eating, I noticed an older gentleman warmly greeting customers and even wiping down tables. People were genuinely excited to see him.
It was Ed Hackbarth — the co-founder of Del Taco.
Yes, that Ed Hackbarth. Still showing up. Still caring. Still making people feel welcome.
It was humbling to see someone who built something so iconic, still so grounded and involved. He didn’t need to be there, but he was — with a smile and a rag in hand.
He made my day.