You’re driving through the Mojave Desert, sun-baked and starving, and you pull into a Del Taco in Barstow. You expect a teenager in a polyester uniform to hand you a bag. Instead, you might see a tall, silver-haired man in his 90s wiping down tables or handing out free milkshakes to kids.
That’s Ed Hackbarth. He isn't some random retiree; he’s the guy who started the whole thing back in 1961.
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People always ask about Ed Hackbarth net worth because it doesn’t quite add up to the casual observer. Why is a man who founded a fast-food empire that eventually sold for nearly $600 million still showing up to work? Is he broke? Did he get cheated? Honestly, the truth is a lot more interesting than just a big number on a spreadsheet. It’s about a "secret" deal made in the 70s that turned Barstow into a tiny, private fast-food kingdom.
The 1976 Sale and the "Barstow Loophole"
To understand what Ed is worth today, you have to look back at 1976. Back then, Del Taco had about 50 locations. It was successful, but Ed and his partner, David Jameson, were ready to move on. They sold the company to a group of investors.
But Ed wasn't just walking away with a check.
He made a very specific, very smart legal carve-out. He retained the rights to own and operate the three Del Taco locations in Barstow, California, entirely independent of the corporate entity. This means that while the rest of the 500+ Del Tacos across the U.S. have changed hands—going from W.R. Grace to private equity and finally to Jack in the Box for $585 million in 2022—Ed’s three stores remained his.
These aren't your average franchise units. Because he owns the rights, he doesn't follow corporate rules.
- The Food: He uses different, often higher-quality ingredients (like a specific local cheese supplier).
- The Menu: He serves items you can’t get anywhere else, like the "Barstow Taco."
- The Profit: He doesn't pay franchise fees or royalties to the corporate office. Every cent of profit stays with Ed and his family.
Calculating Ed Hackbarth Net Worth in 2026
If you’re looking for a Forbes-style breakdown, you won't find one. Ed keeps his books private. However, we can do some "back of the napkin" math based on industry standards and the unique nature of his Barstow stores.
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Most high-performing Del Taco units generate between $1.5 million and $2 million in gross sales annually. Ed’s Barstow locations are legendary; they are high-traffic stops for travelers moving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It is widely estimated that these three locations combined pull in significantly higher volumes than a standard franchise.
When you factor in the 1976 sale price (adjusted for decades of inflation and investment growth) and the ongoing revenue from a trio of the busiest taco stands in the desert, Ed Hackbarth net worth is estimated to be in the $5 million to $10 million range.
Now, some might think that sounds low for a "founder." But remember, Ed didn't hold onto stock for fifty years. He took his payout in the 70s and chose a lifestyle of "small-scale" business dominance over corporate boardrooms. He lives in Dana Point—a very wealthy enclave in Orange County—and drives to the desert because he genuinely likes the work.
Why the "Net Worth" Number is Deceiving
Net worth usually implies liquid cash or stock. For Ed, his wealth is tied up in:
- Real Estate: He owns the land and buildings for his Barstow locations. In the world of fast food, the dirt is often worth more than the tacos.
- Intellectual Property: His unique contract allows him to use the Del Taco branding without the overhead. That "loophole" is essentially a license worth millions.
- Family Holdings: The business is a multi-generational legacy. His kids and grandkids are involved, ensuring the wealth stays within the Hackbarth line rather than being diluted by shareholders.
The "Taco Tia" Connection: Where the Money Started
Ed didn't just wake up and invent the taco. He learned the ropes from Glen Bell—yes, the Glen Bell who founded Taco Bell.
In the 1950s, Ed worked for Bell at a place called Taco Tia. When Bell moved on to start his namesake empire, Ed took what he learned and opened "Casa Del Taco" in Yermo. On his first day in 1961, he made $169. That sounds like pocket change now, but it was the equivalent of selling 900 tacos in a single day.
He knew he had a goldmine. He wasn't just selling Mexican food; he was selling "Americanized" Mexican food—burgers and fries alongside tacos. This hybrid menu is exactly what made Del Taco a threat to Taco Bell for decades.
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Is He Still Working for the Money?
Basically, no. At 92 years old, Ed isn't clocking in because he needs to pay the electric bill.
He’s a bit of a local celebrity. In the age of TikTok and YouTube, "finding Ed" has become a travel goal for food influencers. People visit the Lenwood Road location just to see if the legend is behind the counter. He enjoys the hustle. He likes the interaction.
There's a specific kind of "founder wealth" that isn't about having a billion dollars; it's about having total control. Ed has that. He can change the recipe of the hot sauce tomorrow if he feels like it. Corporate can’t stop him.
What You Can Learn from the Hackbarth Model
Ed’s story is a masterclass in "lifestyle business." He could have stayed on as a corporate executive and dealt with stockholders, lawsuits, and HR nightmares. Instead, he took a payout and kept the "fun" part of the business.
If you're looking to build your own wealth, the Hackbarth lesson is simple: The best contract isn't always the one with the most zeros; it's the one with the most freedom. To see the legacy for yourself, skip the corporate Del Taco next time you're on the I-15. Head to the Barstow locations. Look for the guy with the name tag that just says "Ed." You aren't just buying a taco; you're seeing a $10 million "retirement" plan in action.
Next Steps for the Savvy Traveler or Business Fan:
Check out the Barstow Del Taco on Lenwood Road to compare the "Original" menu against the standard corporate offerings. If you're interested in the history of fast food wealth, look into the 1976 acquisition details of Del Taco—it’s a classic example of how "regional rights" can create long-term family wealth far exceeding a one-time sale.