Who has the authority regarding employment matters at a Del Taco restaurant?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee has sole authority and discretion regarding employment matters at their Del Taco restaurant. This includes all decisions related to hiring, firing, discipline, compensation, benefits, and scheduling of employees. This means that as a franchisee, you are responsible for all aspects of managing your employees.

Del Taco emphasizes that it will not be considered an employer or joint employer with the franchisee or the franchisee's employees. This is a common arrangement in franchising, designed to protect the franchisor from liabilities related to the franchisee's employees. The franchisee is required to indemnify Del Taco for any costs, losses, or damages resulting from the actions or omissions of the franchisee or their employees, including any findings of joint employer status.

This arrangement carries significant implications for a prospective Del Taco franchisee. While franchisees have autonomy in employment decisions, they also bear the full responsibility for compliance with all applicable employment and wage laws. Franchisees must ensure their managers and employees are adequately trained and supervised. Del Taco may offer training programs for management employees, and franchisees must ensure that at least one certified Restaurant Manager is always present and that a combination of nine additional Shift Managers are trained and certified by Del Taco.