What is the estimated maximum cost for initial training expenses for a Del Taco franchise?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Paid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT Equipment & Installation, Computer-related Services & Licensing9 | $59,000 | $100,000 | As Agreed | As Agreed | Vendors |
| Security Camera | $6,000 | $8,000 | As Agreed | As Agreed | Vendor |
| Technical Support | $1,700 | $3,500 | Lump | On Invoice | Us |
| Expenses10 | Sum | ||||
| Initial Training | $194,000 | $253,000 | As | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Expenses11 | Agreed | ||||
| Crew Training | $48,000 | $68,000 | As | As Incurred | Third Parties |
| Expenses 11 | Agreed | ||||
| Additional Funds – 3 | $28,000 | $65,000 | As | As Incurred | Vendors |
| Months12 | Agreed | ||||
| Inventory | $7,000 | $7,000 | As Agreed | As Incurred | Third parties |
| Licenses, Fees and | $3,000 | $6,000 | Lump | As Incurred | Utilities and |
| Deposits13 | Sum | Agencies | |||
| Fee for trade area | $0 | On Invoice | Us | ||
| survey analysis 14 | |||||
| TOTAL | $1,041,200 | $2,771,000 | |||
| (excluding land, | |||||
| financing and certain | |||||
| other costs) |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 21–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial training expenses range from $194,000 to $253,000. This figure covers expenses incurred by third parties during the training period. It is important to note that Del Taco does not charge a training fee for the initial training or initial crew training. However, franchisees are responsible for covering all associated costs and expenses, including salaries, wages, supplies, transportation, lodging, and food for themselves and their employees during the training program. These expenses are paid to third parties as they are incurred.
The FDD specifies that the costs associated with training expenses will vary based on factors such as the distance traveled, the type of accommodations chosen, the number of employees attending the training, and their respective wages. Franchisees must also account for the costs of any required food safety certifications, such as ServSafe, and food handler certifications for their employees.
In addition to initial training expenses, franchisees should also budget for crew training expenses, which are estimated to range from $48,000 to $68,000. These costs, like initial training expenses, are paid to third parties as they are incurred. Understanding and carefully planning for these training-related expenses is crucial for prospective Del Taco franchisees to ensure they have adequate capital to properly train their staff and launch their restaurant successfully.