Besides the Restaurant, what is a Del Taco Developer and its Affiliates prohibited from using in connection with the operation of any other restaurant?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(a) The Developer and its Affiliates shall not use, in connection with the operation of any restaurant (other than the Restaurant) any part of the Del Taco System or any other names, marks, systems, logos, symbols or foodstuffs provided by Del Taco or proprietary foodstuffs provided by an approved vendor to the Developer or cause or permit any restaurant to offer Mexican food or look like, copy or imitate the Restaurant other than pursuant to an agreement with Del Taco.
(b) The Developer and its Affiliates shall hold the Del Taco System and all parts of the Del Taco System in confidence.
The Developer acknowledges that Del Taco has developed the Del Taco System over an extended period of time and at a substantial cost to Del Taco and, if used by other persons, firms or entities, would give those other persons, firms or entities an unfair competitive advantage.
The Developer shall not disclose (except to employees or agents that need access to the information in order to construct or operate the Restaurant) or use or permit the use of the Del Taco System, or any part of the Del Taco System, except as authorized by this Agreement.
- (c) The Developer and its Affiliates shall treat as and keep confidential the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, any other manuals or materials designated for use with the Del Taco System, and any other information Del Taco may designate from time to time for confidential use with the Del Taco System, as well as all other trade secrets, confidential information, knowledge and know-how concerning the construction or operation of the Restaurant imparted to, or acquired by, the Developer from time to time in connection with this Agreement.
The Developer acknowledges the unauthorized use or disclosure of that confidential information and trade secrets will cause incalculable and irreparable injury to Del Taco.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 59–325)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Del Taco Developer and its Affiliates are restricted from using any part of the Del Taco System in connection with operating any restaurant other than the franchised Del Taco Restaurant. This restriction extends to any names, marks, systems, logos, symbols, or foodstuffs provided by Del Taco. It also includes proprietary foodstuffs provided by an approved vendor.
Furthermore, the Developer and its Affiliates cannot allow any other restaurant to offer Mexican food or resemble, copy, or imitate a Del Taco Restaurant, unless they have a separate agreement with Del Taco. The Developer must keep the Del Taco System confidential, acknowledging that Del Taco has invested significant resources in developing it, and its unauthorized use would create an unfair competitive advantage.
This extends to the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, any materials designated for use with the Del Taco System, and any confidential information related to the construction or operation of the Restaurant. The Developer must treat all of these items as confidential and avoid unauthorized disclosure or use. This ensures that the Del Taco system and brand identity are protected, and that only authorized franchisees operate under those standards.