Whiplash is running for El Presidente on the West-Mex® Platform

Two new softshell taco flavors will bring out the votes

CHEYENNE , WY (August 28 , 2007) - Taco John's® launches into the fall election season with two exciting new softshell taco flavors , Cilantro Lime Steak and Chipotle Chicken. And Taco John's has again recruited the highly versatile spokesmonkey, Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, to get out on the campaign trial and tout these exciting new products.

These are just the first of ongoing menu enhancements that Taco John's new Vice President of Menu Strategy and Innovation , Bob Karisny , is unveiling as he works to bring new West-Mex® flavor profiles to loyal and new Taco John's customers alike.

Softshell taco sales consistently rank in the top three menu categories at Taco John's and these new additions have tested well across various in-store trials. Beef and Grilled Chicken tacos have been long-time staples on the Taco John's menu. The new softshell offerings are expected to both increase trial of softshells and upgrade current softshell buyers to these premium flavor profiles.

Just in time for the fall election season a TV spot called , "Two Votes for Tacos , " featuring Taco John's favorite spokesmonkey Whiplash will highlight the introduction. Whiplash is found on the campaign trail going door to door to promote his candidacy for "el Presidente." He presents the new Chipotle Chicken and Cilantro Lime Steak Softshells as his running platform and entices the homeowner to vote not once , but twice. One yes vote for each taco.

"Our guests already have a love affair with our softshells - they are the perfect mix of warm comfort and bold tastes , " said Karisny. "We saw an opportunity to build on the success of this product with new flavor combinations that infuse our West-Mex® personality and attitude."

The Chipotle Chicken Softshell Taco is filled with chicken , cheddar cheese , crisp lettuce , a roasted green chile chipotle sauce and then topped off with Pico de Gallo. The sauce has a flavor kick that comes from the smoky chipotle peppers and earthy roasted green chilies , pooled with a base of Ranch Dressing.

The Cilantro Lime Steak Softshell Taco is filled with savory steak , cheddar cheese , crisp lettuce , a cilantro lime sauce and Pico de Gallo. The lime and cilantro flavors are layered together with a creamy mayonnaise that offers a fresh taste sensation to the hearty steak.

"This entire campaign focuses on our premium ingredients and flavors like chipotle , cilantro and lime , creatively and visually producing mouth-watering appetite appeal for our guests , " said Brian Dixon , vice president of marketing for Taco John's. "The new softshell tacos perfectly align with our constant goal to bring superb West-Mex® flavors to consumers."

The print , television and radio advertising campaign runs from September 10 through November 18. To view Whiplash running for el Presidente during the campaign visit tacojohns.com .

About Taco John's

Taco John's operates and franchises over 425 quick-service restaurants in 25 states. Independently owned and operated , the business opened its first restaurant in 1969. Taco John's prides itself on serving generous portions , menu items prepared fresh to your order , high quality ingredients , and special West-Mex ® recipes , seasonings and sauces. Through the end of 2006 , Taco John's achieved 11 consecutive years of same store sales increases. For more information , visit our web site at www.tacojohns.com .

About Kerker

Kerker is a full-service agency providing advertising, public relations, direct marketing and promotion, interactive, design and research for a broad range of local, national and global clients. Kerker clients include Taco John's, Johnsonville Sausage , Minnesota Zoo, Piper Jaffray, Pure Fishing, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., United Sugars, Hormel, Roundy's Supermarkets, Northwest Airlines, Bremer Financial Corp., Mall of America and the YMCA. For more information about Kerker, visit www.kerker.com . Kerker is a member of Worldwide Partners Inc., the world's largest network of independent marketing and communications firms.