factual

What is the franchisee's responsibility regarding advertising and marketing programs for Del Taco?

Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

nd other marketing materials and services to the Del Taco restaurants operated under the System; the salaries of Del Taco's employees to the extent such employees provide services in conjunction with the System marketing activities; and all administrative and internal costs and expenses incurred in connection with the above. Del Taco or its designee shall have the right to direct all advertising programs, as well as all aspects thereof, including the concepts, materials, and media used in such programs and the placement and allocation thereof. Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that Del Taco's expenditures from the marketing fees are intended to maximize general public recognition, acceptance, perception of, and use of the System; and that Del Taco and its designee are not obligated, in administering the marketing fee expenditures, to make expenditures for Franchisee which are equivalent or proportionate to Franchisee's contribution, or to ensure that any particular franchisee benefits directly or pro rata from such expenditures.

  • 6.2 Local Advertising and Promotion. All local advertising and promotion by Franchisee shall be in such media, and of such type and format as Del Taco may approve; shall be conducted in a dignified manner; shall conform to such standards and requirements as Del Taco may specify; and shall comply with all applicable laws. Franchisee shall not use any advertising or promotional plans or materials unless and until Franchisee has received written approval from Del Taco, pursuant to the procedures and terms set forth in Section 6.4 below. Franchisee shall comply with all of Del Taco's written instructions, policies, procedures, and restrictions regarding advertising and marketing within the Protected Area, outside of Franchisee's Protected Area, and in areas that may be territories assigned to other Del Taco Restaurants or franchisees (including, without limitation, rules regarding honoring of gift certificates, stored value cards, and promotions).
  • 6.3 Costs of Local Advertising and Promotion. As used in this Agreement, the term "Local Advertising and Promotion" shall consist only of the direct costs of purchasing and producing advertising materials (including, but not limited to, camera ready advertising and point of sale materials), media (space

or time), and those direct out of pocket expenses related to costs of advertising and sales promotion spent by Franchisee in the Protected Area, advertising agency fees and expenses, postage, shipping, telephone, and photocopying; however, the parties expressly agree that advertising and sales promotion shall not include costs or expenses incurred by or on behalf of Franchisee in connection with any of the following:

  • 6.3.1 Salaries and expenses of any employees of Franchisee, including salaries or expenses for attendance at advertising meetings or activities, or incentives provided or offered to such employees, including discount coupons; or
  • 6.3.2 Charitable, political, or other contributions or donations, whether in cash, food, or services;
    • 6.3.3 The value of discounts provided to customers; or
    • 6.3.4 The cost of food items.
  • 6.4 Approvals. For all proposed Local Advertising and Promotion, Franchisee shall submit samples of such plans and materials to Del Taco in the manner that Del Taco prescribes, for Del Taco's review and prior written approval (except with respect to prices to be charged by Franchisee). If written approval is not received by Franchisee from Del Taco within fifteen (15) days of the date of receipt by Del Taco of such samples or materials, Del Taco shall be deemed to have disapproved them. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that any and all copyright in and to advertising and promotional materials developed by or on behalf of Franchisee shall be the sole property of Del Taco, and Franchisee agrees to execute such documents (and, if necessary, require its independent contractors to execute such documents) as may be deemed reasonably necessary by Del Taco to give effect to this provision.
  • 6.5 Promotional Materials. Del Taco may make available to Franchisee from time to time, at Franchisee's expense, advertising plans and promotional materials, including newspaper mats, coupons, merchandising materials, sales aids, point of purchase materials, special promotions, direct mail materials, community relations programs, and similar advertising and promotional materials. Del Taco may provide periodic marketing assistance to Franchisee, including telephone and email marketing assistance, and templates or other materials for email-based marketing. Del Taco shall have the right to require all advertising and promotional materials, signs, decorations, paper goods (including disposable food and beverage containers, bags, napkins, menus, and all forms and stationery used in the Restaurant), any and all replacement trade dress products, and other items which may be designated by Del Taco, to bear the Del Taco's then-current Proprietary Marks and logos in the form, color, location, and manner then-prescribed by Del Taco.

7. Records and Reports.

7.1 Records.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 58–59)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific guidelines and obtain approval for local advertising and promotional activities. Del Taco retains the right to direct all advertising programs, including the concepts, materials, and media used. Franchisees must ensure that all local advertising aligns with Del Taco's standards, is conducted in a dignified manner, and complies with all applicable laws. Franchisees cannot use any advertising or promotional materials without prior written approval from Del Taco.

Franchisees must follow Del Taco's instructions, policies, procedures, and restrictions regarding advertising and marketing, both within and outside their protected area, including rules about honoring gift certificates, stored value cards, and promotions. The term "Local Advertising and Promotion" includes the direct costs of purchasing and producing advertising materials, media space or time, and out-of-pocket expenses related to advertising and sales promotion within the protected area, including advertising agency fees, postage, shipping, telephone, and photocopying.

However, local advertising and promotion costs do not include franchisee employee salaries or expenses, charitable or political contributions, the value of discounts provided to customers, or the cost of food items. Franchisees must submit samples of all proposed local advertising and promotion plans to Del Taco for review and written approval, except for pricing. If approval is not received within fifteen days of Del Taco's receipt of the materials, the advertising is deemed disapproved. All copyrights for advertising and promotional materials developed by or for the franchisee become the sole property of Del Taco.

Del Taco may offer advertising plans and promotional materials to franchisees at the franchisee's expense, including newspaper mats, coupons, merchandising materials, point-of-purchase materials, and direct mail materials. Del Taco may also provide marketing assistance, such as telephone and email support, and templates for email marketing. Del Taco can require that all advertising and promotional materials, signs, decorations, paper goods, and replacement trade dress products bear Del Taco's proprietary marks and logos in the prescribed form, color, location, and manner.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.