The future of quirky, Mexican-flavored burger chain Del Taco LLC now is in the hands of an ambitious Englishman.

In November, Nick Shepherd, head of Del Taco’s Nashville-based parent company Sagittarius Brands Inc., took over running the chain known for its menu of tacos, burritos, burgers and fries.

Shepherd has a corporate pedigree that includes Blockbuster Inc. and Whitbread PLC, a hotel and restaurant operator in Britain.

He’s a contrast to Lake Forest-based Del Taco’s last boss, Shirlene Lopez, who spent 30 years at the company after getting her start mopping floors and wiping down tables. She eventually became president, reporting to Shepherd.

Shepherd brings big ambition to the job. His goal is to double Del Taco to $1 billion in yearly revenue in the next five years.

By comparison, industry leader Irvine-based Taco Bell Corp. has yearly sales of about $2 billion.

Del Taco has spent the past six month evaluating and building development plans for restaurants, according to Shepherd.

The company now has about 500 company-owned and franchised restaurants in 18 states. Most are in California.

Del Taco is seeking franchisees, according to Shepherd. The recession could make it hard to recruit entrepreneurs to open Del Tacos, he said.

“Our intent isn’t to cover the map with Del Tacos, but to cover the market with high-quality Del Tacos that are very cost effective to our investors,” Shepherd said.

For more on this story, read the Dec. 29 issue of the Business Journal.