Considering the restrictions on suppliers in Item 8, what specifications does Del Taco provide in Item 11 regarding restaurant premises development?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (a) Unless the Developer is remodeling an existing building, the Developer shall construct the Restaurant in accordance with the site plan approved by Del Taco for the Restaurant and with Del Taco's standard construction plans, specifications and layouts, subject, however, to any alterations required by any applicable law, regulation or ordinance as determined by Developer's architect or other professional retained by Developer.
Del Taco shall approve or reject any proposed site plan within 15 days after the receipt of the same from the Developer.
If the Developer must make any alterations to the site plan approved by Del Taco or to any of Del Taco's construction plans, specifications or layouts, for any reason, Del Taco must approve those alterations before the Developer begins any work.
The Developer acknowledges that Del Taco's approval of any alterations to its standard construction plans, specifications or layouts does not constitute any representation, warranty or guarantee by Del Taco that the alterations will result in the construction of a successful, operating Restaurant or comply with local building codes or ordinances.
The Developer shall pay the cost, including engineering and architectural fees, incurred in obtaining approvals by the appropriate governmental authorities of the site plan, construction plans, specifications and layout.
- (b) If Developer is remodeling an existing building, Del Taco must approve all remodel plans and specifications before the Developer begins any work.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 11 outlines the construction requirements for new restaurants. Del Taco provides a standard construction package, including plans and specifications, which may be modified from time to time. Franchisees are responsible for adapting these plans to the approved site at their own expense. If alterations to the site plan or Del Taco's construction plans are necessary due to applicable laws or regulations, Del Taco must approve these changes before work begins. However, Del Taco's approval of these alterations does not guarantee the success of the restaurant or compliance with local building codes. The franchisee bears the costs, including engineering and architectural fees, for obtaining governmental approvals of the site plan and construction plans. For remodeling existing buildings, Del Taco must approve all remodel plans and specifications before any work commences.
Item 8 states that franchisees must purchase all goods, products, menu items, foodstuffs, beverages, packaging materials, signage, furniture, fixtures, equipment, computer hardware and software, and small wares from approved vendors who meet Del Taco's standards and specifications. Del Taco does not provide franchisees with the standards and specifications for items that must be purchased solely from approved or designated suppliers but provides these to the approved suppliers themselves. This requirement ensures quality control and protects the brand's consistency and reputation.
In practice, this means a Del Taco franchisee must adhere to Del Taco's construction specifications and use approved suppliers for various restaurant components. While franchisees can propose alterations to the standard construction plans to comply with local regulations, Del Taco retains approval authority over these changes. This coordinated approach aims to maintain brand standards while allowing for necessary site-specific adaptations. Franchisees should carefully review Del Taco's standard construction package and approved vendor list to understand the initial investment and ongoing operational requirements.