Does Del Taco currently charge additional fees for pre-opening training services?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you open your business, we will provide the following assistance:
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- We will provide pre-opening training in the Del Taco System, including standards, methods, procedures and techniques, at the times and places we designate for our training programs, together with any additional training and assistance we determine necessary in connection with the opening of your Restaurant, including assistance by our personnel. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.2). A description of that training appears later in this item. We currently charge no additional fees for those services.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 31–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Del Taco does not currently charge additional fees for pre-opening training services. The FDD specifies that Del Taco will provide pre-opening training in the Del Taco System, including standards, methods, procedures, and techniques. This training will occur at designated times and places for their training programs, along with any additional assistance deemed necessary for the restaurant's opening.
While Del Taco does not charge a training fee, franchisees are responsible for all costs and expenses associated with the training program. These costs include salaries, wages, supplies, rooms, meals, and transportation for the franchisee, their managers, and employees participating in the training. Franchisees are also responsible for costs and expenses related to any required food safety (Serv Safe Certification) and food handler certifications.
Del Taco offers a Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP) to qualify franchisees, their Operating Principal, and the Restaurant's managers. This program includes pre-opening training, requiring personnel to spend 240 hours before the Restaurant's opening and receive certification. The Restaurant Manager must have a minimum of one year of quick service restaurant management experience. This pre-opening training is a crucial part of ensuring that the franchisee and their team are well-prepared to operate the Del Taco restaurant according to the brand's standards.