What is the basis for the preliminary plans and specifications that the Del Taco franchisee's architect prepares?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Site Selection Addendum, or (ii) Franchisee's access to the leased premises as permitted by the lessor under the lease.
- 5.2 Pre-Opening Obligations. Before commencing any construction of the Restaurant, Franchisee, at its expense, shall comply, to Del Taco's satisfaction, with all of the following requirements:
- 5.2.1 Franchisee shall employ a qualified, licensed architect or engineer who is acceptable to Del Taco to prepare, for Del Taco's approval, preliminary plans and specifications for site improvement and construction of the Restaurant based upon the site construction package furnished by Del Taco or its designee pursuant to Section 4.1, and as may otherwise be authorized by Del Taco due to the particularities of the site of the proposed location. Del Taco's approval shall be limited to conformance with Del Taco's standard image specifications and layout and shall not relate to Franchisee's obligations with respect to any federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including the applicable provisions of the ADA regarding the construction, design and operation of the Restaurant, which subjects shall be Franchisee's sole responsibility. If Del Taco or its affiliates provide site development services to Franchisee, Franchisee will be required to pay Del Taco a site
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 58–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the preliminary plans and specifications for site improvement and construction of the Restaurant that the franchisee's architect or engineer prepares must be based upon the site construction package furnished by Del Taco or its designee. These plans may also be based on what Del Taco authorizes due to the specific characteristics of the proposed location.
Del Taco's approval of these plans is limited to ensuring they conform to Del Taco's standard image specifications and layout. Del Taco's approval does not extend to the franchisee's obligations regarding federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including ADA provisions, which remain the franchisee's sole responsibility.
In addition, Del Taco may provide site development services to the franchisee, for which the franchisee will be required to pay a site development fee of up to $50,000 for the work Del Taco or its affiliates complete toward developing the site, in addition to Del Taco or its affiliates' out-of-pocket and internal overhead costs. This amount is not refundable and must be paid before the site development services are performed.