Does Del Taco need to provide written approval for changes to opening hours?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees generally must keep their Del Taco Restaurant open 24 hours each day, every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas. If a franchisee wants to change these hours, they must obtain express written approval from Del Taco. This requirement ensures that Del Taco maintains a consistent brand image and customer experience across all locations.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that deviating from the standard 24/7 operating hours (excluding Christmas) is not permitted without prior authorization. Obtaining written approval involves submitting a formal request to Del Taco, detailing the proposed changes and the reasons for the adjustment. Del Taco will then evaluate the request based on its potential impact on the brand and customer service.

This requirement is fairly common in the franchise industry, as franchisors often set operational standards to ensure uniformity and protect brand reputation. While the 24/7 requirement may seem inflexible, it is designed to maximize revenue potential and customer convenience. Franchisees should carefully consider this requirement and its potential impact on their business operations and staffing needs before investing in a Del Taco franchise.

Ultimately, the need for written approval for changes to opening hours underscores the importance of adhering to Del Taco's established operational guidelines. Franchisees should be prepared to comply with these standards and seek approval for any deviations to avoid potential conflicts or breaches of the franchise agreement.