Who bears the cost of initial training instruction and required materials for a Del Taco franchise?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Del Taco covers the cost of all initial training instruction and required materials. However, the franchisee is responsible for all other expenses related to training. These expenses include transportation, lodging, meals, wages, workers' compensation insurance, and the cost of trainees' meals during training sessions for the franchisee, their investors, and all of their employees.

This means that while Del Taco provides the core training program and materials without charge, the franchisee must budget for all travel-related and personnel costs associated with sending people to the training. This can include significant expenses, especially if the franchisee is located far from the training center or if they need to train a large number of employees.

Franchisees should carefully estimate these additional training costs when evaluating the overall investment required to start a Del Taco franchise. It is also important to note that these costs extend beyond the initial training, as the franchisee is also responsible for similar expenses related to ongoing training and attendance at Del Taco's annual convention, if required.