How many franchised Del Taco outlets were operating at the end of 2023?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets at Start of Year Outlets at End of Year | Net Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 306 | 301 | -5 | |
| Franchised | 2023 | 301 | 421 | +120 |
| 2024 | 421 | 461 | +40 | |
| 2022 | 294 | 290 | - 4 | |
| Company- | 2023 | 290 | 171 | -119 |
| Owned | ||||
| Owned | 2024 | 171 | 133 | -38 |
| 2022 | 600 | 591 | -9 | |
| Total Outlets | 2023 | 591 | 592 | +1 |
| 2024 | 592 | 594 | +2 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 54–58)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were 421 franchised outlets operating at the end of 2023. This number reflects a net increase of 120 franchised outlets during that year, as the year started with 301 franchised locations.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates a significant expansion of the Del Taco franchise network during 2023. This growth could suggest a healthy and expanding brand, which may be an attractive factor for new franchisees. However, it's important to investigate the reasons behind this growth and whether it was sustainable.
It is also important to note the changes in company-owned stores. During 2023, the number of company-owned Del Taco restaurants decreased from 290 to 171, a net change of -119. This substantial decrease in company-owned stores, coupled with the increase in franchised locations, could signal a strategic shift by Del Taco towards a franchise-focused business model. A prospective franchisee should inquire about the reasons for this shift and its potential impact on franchisee support and brand strategy.
Overall, the total number of Del Taco outlets saw a slight increase of 1, moving from 591 at the start of 2023 to 592 by the end of the year. This relatively stable overall number, combined with the shift from company-owned to franchised locations, highlights the importance of understanding the specific dynamics within the Del Taco franchise system.