What is the Del Taco franchisee's obligation regarding compliance with Del Taco's design standards for Restaurants?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
After having obtained such approvals and clearances, Franchisee shall submit to Del Taco, for Del Taco's approval, final plans for construction based upon the preliminary plans and specifications.
Del Taco's review and approval of plans shall be limited to review of such plans to assess compliance with Del Taco's design standards for Restaurants.
Once approved by Del Taco, such final plans shall not thereafter be changed or modified without the prior written permission of Del Taco.
Any such change made without Del Taco's prior written permission shall constitute a material default under this Agreement and Del Taco may withhold its authorization to open the Restaurant for business until the unauthorized change is rectified (or reversed) to Del Taco's reasonable satisfaction.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 58–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Del Taco Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to Del Taco's design standards for their restaurants. Before starting construction, franchisees must employ a qualified architect or engineer, acceptable to Del Taco, to prepare preliminary plans based on Del Taco's site construction package. Del Taco's approval is limited to ensuring compliance with its standard image and layout, but franchisees are solely responsible for meeting all federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including ADA provisions.
After obtaining necessary approvals and clearances, franchisees must submit final construction plans to Del Taco for approval, which is limited to assessing compliance with Del Taco's design standards. Once approved, these plans cannot be changed without Del Taco's prior written permission. Unauthorized changes can result in a default under the Franchise Agreement, potentially delaying the restaurant's opening until the changes are rectified to Del Taco's satisfaction.
To ensure quality and service, franchisees must operate their restaurants in strict accordance with the methods, standards, and specifications prescribed by Del Taco in its manuals or in writing. This includes adhering to standards for equipment upgrades and changes to kitchen and electronic equipment, as required by Del Taco. Del Taco also reserves the right to designate the manufacturer and supplier of all signs used or installed at the restaurant.