8.9.2025
Peter Gaudreau is a seasoned restaurant industry executive with more than 30 years of experience leading mid-sized brands through periods of growth and transition. As CEO of Tacodeli, a Texas-based taquería known for its chef-driven menu and commitment to high-quality ingredients, Peter is guiding the brand through its next phase of expansion. With the opening of its 15th location in Cedar Park this summer, Tacodeli is also introducing its first-ever drive-thru pickup lane, which is designed to meet growing demand for convenience while maintaining the brand’s established standards for food quality and service.
In this Spotlight Interview, Peter discusses how Tacodeli is leveraging technology to support omnichannel fulfillment, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the guest experience. He also shares insights on the role of loyalty programs, predictive analytics, and digital ordering platforms as well as his perspective on the evolving intersection of restaurant operations and technology and what it means for Tacodeli’s continued growth in the years ahead.
Can you give us a quick overview of Tacodeli’s story—how it got started and how the brand has evolved over the years?
Tacodeli began in 1999 as a small taquería in Austin, founded by Chef Roberto Espinosa with a passion for bold flavors, premium ingredients and serving the community. What’s been incredible to see is how that same DNA has scaled from one shop to 15 restaurants across Texas — our growth has come without compromising quality or culture. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing hasn’t—our love for bold, craveable flavors, quality ingredients, and the kind of people who make you feel good every time you stop in.
How many locations does Tacodeli currently operate, and what are your growth goals over the next few years?
As of summer 2025, we’ll have 15 locations across Austin, Dallas, Plano and Houston — Cedar Park will be our 10th in the Austin area alone. Our growth approach is thoughtful and measured. We’re focused on Texas for now, with the goal of expanding into new communities that align with our values and where we can bring something meaningful to the table.
What inspired Tacodeli to debut its first drive-thru pickup lane, and how does it fit into the guest experience you’re trying to create?
Interestingly, the drive-thru lane was already built into the site when we chose the Cedar Park location. That presented a unique opportunity. We realized it was the perfect way to meet a growing need among our guests — especially families, commuters, and professionals who want the same quality they’ve come to expect from Tacodeli with an additive element of convenience.
This isn’t about fast food — it’s about fast access to real food. The drive-thru pickup lane is a natural extension of our digital ordering platform. It allows us to deliver tacos quickly and efficiently, without ever compromising on quality.
How does the drive-thru pickup model work in practice and what technologies make it possible behind the scenes?
It’s a pre-order-only model. Guests place an order through our app, website or select third-party platforms, and choose the drive-thru lane at checkout. Once they arrive, they simply pull up to the dedicated window, where our team is notified and hands off their freshly prepared order. No parking, no waiting. It’s seamless, fast, and designed to maintain top-tier food quality. We rely on smart integrations between our digital ordering platforms, POS, and kitchen systems to make sure everything syncs. Real-time order tracking and communication tools help our team, and guests, stay ahead of each arrival.
Did you opt to build the tech in-house for the drive-thru experience or did you rely on vendor partnerships?
We’ve leaned into strategic partnerships with tech vendors that align with our vision. We don’t build any of that in-house. Instead, we’ve optimized and expanded the scope of what’s possible by working with existing partners, while also bringing on new ones to increase our ability to serve guests efficiently, effectively, and accurately. Building in-house can be great for some brands, but for us, staying nimble means using best-in-class tools that integrate seamlessly with our ops. We’ve worked closely with our partners to customize the guest journey so it feels uniquely Tacodeli, not just another digital transaction.
What were the biggest operational or technical challenges you faced in launching the pre-order drive-thru?
The biggest challenge is designing a system that could keep up with our quality standards. We don’t pre-make anything, so timing is everything. Our kitchen team will have to adapt to a new kind of rhythm, and we had to make sure our tech could communicate with precision. We also have to rethink some kitchen flows and pickup protocols to avoid disrupting the in-store experience.
How has the Tacodeli app evolved and what role does it play in your overall customer engagement strategy?
Our app started as a simple ordering tool, but it’s grown into the heart of how we build relationships with our guests. It’s where fans earn rewards, save on orders, and get exclusive access to free food and special offers. Beyond ordering, it’s a direct 1-to-1 line of communication, helping us connect personally, share updates, and keep the Tacodeli experience close, no matter where you are.
Are there any features or enhancements coming to the app or website that guests should be excited about?
We’re currently in the early stages of rebuilding our website to create a better overall experience for our guests. One of the challenges we face is that our ordering system is tied to integrations like Thanx, Revel, and OLO, which can limit some of the features and flexibility we’d like to offer. Compared to brands like Chipotle, who have more control over their technology stack, we’re a bit at a disadvantage. That said, we’re focused on optimizing within those constraints and exploring ways to enhance the guest experience as much as possible through these platforms.
How are you using customer data to personalize the ordering experience or tailor rewards and offers?
Our loyalty and ordering platforms give us insights into what guests love and we utilize that to make their experience better. Whether that’s recommending tacos based on past orders, sending communications that are actually relevant, or celebrating milestones, we’re focused on staying in touch without being intrusive.
What can you tell us about your loyalty program—how it works, how it’s evolving, and what sets it apart?
Tacodeli Rewards is about celebrating our regulars. Guests earn points for every dollar spent, and we offer surprise-and-delight moments that go beyond standard punch cards. Think exclusive menu previews, bonus point days and community givebacks. We’re evolving it to be more personalized and more experiential over time.
Is Tacodeli using AI or predictive analytics to optimize guest engagement or operations?
We’re leaning into AI where it makes sense, which currently includes predictive analytics to fine-tune how we engage guests and run operations. With multiple service channels, including dine-in, digital, and now drive-thru pickup, AI helps us move from reactive to proactive decision-making. From smarter order timing and staffing models to personalized guest engagement, these tools let us anticipate needs, reduce friction, and deliver a more seamless experience across the board.
How do your POS and kitchen systems support omnichannel fulfillment and avoid bottlenecks during peak hours?
We’ve made significant investments in integrating our POS, kitchen display systems (KDS), and digital ordering platforms. Regardless of whether an order comes from in-restaurant, mobile, or for drive-thru pickup, it enters a unified kitchen queue with intelligent routing based on order type and pickup method. That centralized flow gives our teams real-time visibility and helps prioritize execution during high-volume periods like the breakfast rush. It keeps the kitchen running smoothly and ensures consistency across all channels.
We also recently launched our Grab & Go taco program, which allows us to prep and stock some of our most popular breakfast tacos in advance. It’s been a game changer for guests looking to get in and out quickly during peak hours and it reduces pressure on the kitchen during the morning rush. It’s a smart blend of operational efficiency and guest convenience, and it opens the door for more pre-prep innovation across other dayparts.
How are you using technology to support your team members, whether it’s onboarding, scheduling, or training?
We’ve implemented scheduling tools that give our team members more flexibility, transparency, and control over their shifts. On the training side, we now blend digital learning modules with hands-on, in-restaurant coaching so our team members can learn at their own pace while still building real-world skills. Technology will never replace the human connection that drives hospitality, but it can eliminate friction and free our people up to focus on delivering great food and guest experiences. Ultimately, we see technology as an enabler, not a replacement, for culture, coaching, and growth.
Have you implemented kitchen display systems, smart prep forecasting, or other tools to improve operational flow?
Yes. Kitchen display systems have become the backbone of our order management, helping us coordinate across channels in real time. We’re also piloting smart prep forecasting tools that help reduce waste, improve accuracy, and keep the line moving efficiently. At the end of the day, the goal stays the same: make smarter decisions, support our team members, and deliver a consistent, high-quality experience for every guest. Smarter tools, smoother flow, better outcomes for both teams and guests.
What key data or analytics tools do you rely on when making decisions about new locations or operational improvements?
We use a combination of proprietary guest data, third-party demographic tools, and digital order heat maps to identify where demand is growing. One of our go-to tools is Kalibrate. It’s been instrumental in helping us pinpoint the right markets and trade areas that align with the Tacodeli guest. On the operational side, we track ticket times, throughput, and guest satisfaction metrics to uncover opportunities for improvement and stay ahead of evolving expectations. It’s about marrying data with instinct, making smart, data-informed decisions without losing sight of the human experience.
Are there any technology partners or platforms that have been especially critical to your success?
We’ve been fortunate to connect and work with technology partners who understand the hospitality space. If I name one, I’ll have to name them all, and that’s too long a list! But from POS and ordering systems to loyalty and analytics platforms, these collaborations have been instrumental in helping us scale while staying guest-focused. What makes the biggest difference isn’t just the software. It’s the shared values, responsiveness, and commitment to solving real-world problems together in the name of better guest and team member experience.
Looking ahead, what restaurant tech trends are you keeping your eye on and which ones are most relevant to Tacodeli’s future?
We’re closely watching advancements in AI, labor-optimization tools, and smarter delivery logistics. But what excites us most is technology that strengthens human connection, whether it’s personalized digital touchpoints or tools that free up our team to spend more time with guests. For us, the future isn’t just about more tech. It’s about better tech, used with the intention to elevate the guest experience and support our people. We believe the best technology fades into the background, letting hospitality take center stage.
