Is the franchisee responsible for adapting the Del Taco provided construction plans and specifications to their specific location?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are indeed responsible for adapting the provided construction plans and specifications to their specific location. Del Taco will provide a standard construction package that includes plans and specifications, site criteria, and sample site plans. They will also provide specifications for furniture, fixtures, furnishings, kitchen display systems, equipment, signs and all other property that Del Taco may specify for use in the Restaurant. However, the franchisee is responsible for adapting these plans and specifications to the chosen location, and this adaptation must be done at the franchisee's own expense.

This means that a prospective Del Taco franchisee needs to factor in the costs associated with modifying the standard construction plans to meet the requirements of their specific site. These costs can vary significantly depending on the location and any unique challenges it presents, such as zoning restrictions, environmental regulations, or existing building structures. It is crucial for franchisees to engage qualified professionals, such as architects and engineers, to ensure that the adaptations are compliant with all applicable codes and regulations.

This requirement is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as each location will have its own unique characteristics that necessitate adjustments to standard plans. Franchisees should carefully review the Development Agreement (Sections 6 and 7) and Franchise Agreement (Section 4.1), as referenced in the FDD, to fully understand their obligations and responsibilities related to site adaptation. Understanding these obligations upfront will help franchisees avoid unexpected costs and delays during the construction phase.