If Del Taco establishes social media guidelines, must franchisees comply with them?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We maintain a Social Media and Social Networking Policy which is more specifically contained in our Manuals. Del Taco franchisees should consider the terms of this policy prior to engaging in any online activity.
In all cases, we will have sole discretion and control over any profile(s) using or relating to the Marks, or that display the Marks, that are maintained on social media outlets, including without limitation Instagram, MySpace, Facebook, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter) or other similar outlets, that may exist in the future. We may use part of the marketing fee monies we collect under the Franchise Agreement to pay or reimburse the costs associated with the development, maintenance and update of the profile(s). We may (but are under no obligation to) establish guidelines under which you may establish profiles or otherwise establish a presence on the social media outlets. In that event, you must comply with the standards, protocols and restrictions that we impose on that use.
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, if Del Taco establishes guidelines for franchisees to establish profiles or otherwise establish a presence on social media outlets, franchisees must comply with the standards, protocols, and restrictions that Del Taco imposes on that use. Del Taco maintains a Social Media and Social Networking Policy which is contained in their Manuals. Del Taco franchisees should consider the terms of this policy prior to engaging in any online activity.
Del Taco retains sole discretion and control over any profiles using or relating to the Del Taco marks, or that display the marks, that are maintained on social media outlets, including Instagram, MySpace, Facebook, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter) or other similar outlets. Del Taco may use marketing fee monies to pay or reimburse the costs associated with the development, maintenance and update of the profile(s).
This means that while franchisees may engage in online activity, they must adhere to Del Taco's social media policy and any specific guidelines established by the company. Del Taco maintains ultimate control over any social media presence that uses the Del Taco brand or trademarks. This ensures brand consistency and protects Del Taco's reputation across all social media platforms. Franchisees should carefully review the social media policy in the Del Taco manuals to understand their obligations and restrictions.