For a new Del Taco franchisee, what point-of-sale and back-office equipment and software must be purchased and installed?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
re and software items. Prior to opening the Restaurant, all new Del Taco franchisees must purchase and install point-of-sale and back-office equipment and software from vendors that we may designate or approve. You have the right to purchase such computer-related hardware and equipment directly from any approved or designated vendor, or you can elect to purchase any computer-related hardware or equipment through us, and we will purchase the hardware or equipment on your behalf from approved third-party vendors and resell such hardware or equipment to you at no markup. After your Restaurants opens, you and we reconcile the total actual purchase price of the hardware or equipment we purchased on your behalf you will reimburse us for the amount of the purchase price. The estimate includes your estimated first month's costs in connection with obtaining PCI compliance services, internet service, customer relationship management services and software, anti-virus and anti-malware software, a firewall, and loyalty program hardware from approved vendors.
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- Before the opening of your Restaurant, we will provide technical support at your Restaurant through the first day of opening of your Restaurant. The date and time of the pre-opening support will be determined by us in our sole discretion. You must reimburse us for our travel, meals, lodging and expenses. For crew member training, the numbers reflect that you will have 40-60 employees to train before opening.
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- We do not charge a training fee for your initial training or initial crew training, however as explained in Item 11, you must pay for all costs and expenses related to training such as, salaries, wages, supplies, transportation, lodging and food for yourself and your employees during training. The costs of those expenses will depend on the distance you must travel, the type of accommodations used, and the number of employees attending the training and their wages.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 21–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, new franchisees must purchase and install designated or approved point-of-sale and back-office equipment and software before opening their restaurant. The franchisee can purchase this hardware and equipment directly from an approved or designated vendor, or they can elect to have Del Taco purchase it on their behalf from approved third-party vendors and resell it to the franchisee at no markup. After the restaurant opens, the franchisee will reimburse Del Taco for the actual purchase price of the hardware or equipment.
The estimated initial investment for IT equipment, computer-related services, and licensing ranges from $59,000 to $100,000, payable as agreed to vendors. This estimate also includes the first month's costs for PCI compliance services, internet service, customer relationship management services and software, anti-virus and anti-malware software, a firewall, and loyalty program hardware from approved vendors. Security cameras are also required, with costs listed separately, ranging from $6,000 to $8,000, payable as agreed to a vendor.
Del Taco will provide technical support at the restaurant through the first day of opening, with the date and time determined by Del Taco. The franchisee must reimburse Del Taco for travel, meals, lodging, and other expenses related to this support, with these technical support expenses estimated to be between $1,700 and $3,500, paid as a lump sum on invoice to Del Taco. This support ensures the franchisee has the necessary assistance during the critical initial launch phase.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these costs and vendor requirements when evaluating the Del Taco franchise opportunity. Understanding the specific equipment and software required, as well as the ongoing service and compliance expenses, is crucial for accurate financial planning. Additionally, franchisees should clarify with Del Taco which vendors are approved and what the typical costs are for the various software and hardware components to better prepare for their initial investment.