factual

Does Del Taco indirectly offer financing arrangements to franchisees?

Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

Franchisee as shown in Exhibit D.

  • 12.3.5 Franchisee shall not transfer or assign the lease for the Restaurant, or permit a default or surrender of the lease that will or may cause the Restaurant to be owned, leased, or operated by, any person or entity that will not operate a Del Taco Restaurant, without Del Taco's prior written consent.
  • 12.4 Conditions for Approval. Del Taco shall not unreasonably withhold any consent required by Section 12.3.4 above; provided, that if Franchisee proposes to transfer its obligations hereunder or any interest in all or substantially all of the assets of the Restaurant, or if Franchisee or an owner proposes to transfer any direct or indirect interest in Franchisee, or if Franchisee or any owner proposes to undertake any transfer that is subject to Section 12.3, Del Taco shall have the right to require, among other things, any or all of the following as conditions of Del Taco's approval:
  • 12.4.1 Franchisee shall comply with Del Taco's then-current transfer policies. Franchisee and the proposed transferee shall provide Del Taco with all information and documents requested by Del Taco for its evaluation of the proposed transfer, transaction, and transferee, including the business and financial terms of the proposed transaction including the leases and/or any assignments, renewal or extension of the leases and any necessary landlord consents, financial and operational information regarding the proposed transferee, and evidence of any financing that may be required to complete the transaction and/or fund the transferee's operation after the transfer.
  • 12.4.2 The transferor shall have executed a general release (which shall include a release from the transferor, Franchisee, Franchisee's owners, and guarantors), in a form satisfactory to Del Taco, of any and all claims against Del Taco and its affiliates, successors, and assigns, and their respective directors, officers, shareholders, partners, agents, representatives, servants, and employees in their corporate and individual capacities including claims arising under this Agreement, any other agreement between Del Taco and Franchisee or their affiliates, and federal, state, and local laws and rules.
  • 12.4.3 The transferee of an owner shall be designated as an owner and each transferee who is designated as an owner shall enter into a written agreement, in a form satisfactory to Del Taco, agreeing to be bound as an owner under the terms of this Agreement as long as such person or entity owns any interest in Franchisee; and, if Franchisee's obligations were guaranteed by the transferor, the owner shall guarantee the performance of all such obligations in writing in a form satisfactory to Del Taco.
  • 12.4.4 Prior to and after the transfer, Franchisee's new owners shall meet Del Taco's educational, managerial, and business standards; each shall possess a good moral character, business reputation, and credit rating; have the aptitude and ability to operate the Restaurant, as may be evidenced by prior related business experience or otherwise; Franchisee's Operating Principal, and such other owners

and employees as specified by Del Taco, shall satisfactorily complete Del Taco's initial training program; and have adequate financial resources and capital to operate the Restaurant. The price, consideration, and other proposed terms of the proposed transfer must not, in Del Taco's reasonable business judgment, have the effect of negatively impacting the future viability of the Restaurant.

Source: Item 10 — FINANCING (FDD page 31)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Del Taco does not directly offer financing to franchisees. However, if a franchisee proposes to transfer its obligations or any interest in the restaurant's assets, Del Taco may request evidence of any financing required to complete the transaction and/or fund the transferee's operation after the transfer.

Furthermore, the FDD states that all materials for an offering of stock or partnership interests in the franchisee must be submitted to Del Taco for review before being filed with any government agency. The franchisee must pay Del Taco a non-refundable fee of $5,000, or a greater amount if necessary to cover Del Taco's costs and expenses, for reviewing the proposed offering.

These stipulations suggest that while Del Taco doesn't provide direct financing, they maintain oversight and approval rights regarding a franchisee's financing arrangements, especially in cases of transfer or securities offerings. This could indirectly influence a franchisee's ability to secure financing, as Del Taco's approval is a condition for these transactions.

Prospective franchisees should inquire with Del Taco about specific requirements or preferred lending partners to better understand the financing landscape and any indirect support Del Taco might offer.

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.