What on-site improvements are included in the estimated initial investment for a Del Taco restaurant?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
On-site improvements are those work scope items that occur within the bounds of the property or lease lines and include excavation, grading, sub-surface stabilization, paving, sidewalks, landscaping, trash enclosure structures, fences, retaining walls, drainage structures, utility work, and outdoor lighting, among other things.
On-site costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the property, the improvements that may already exist, the requirements placed upon the project by the municipal or other governing agencies, and agreements made with the landlord, seller, or developer as part of securing the property.
Construction costs can vary significantly based upon the size of the property, materials and methods specified in the construction docum
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 21–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, on-site improvements for a Del Taco restaurant encompass work within the property or lease lines. These improvements include a range of construction and landscaping elements. Specifically, the FDD lists excavation, grading, sub-surface stabilization, paving, sidewalks, landscaping, trash enclosure structures, fences, retaining walls, drainage structures, utility work, and outdoor lighting as examples of on-site improvements.
The cost of these on-site improvements can vary significantly. The FDD notes that the size of the property, existing improvements, requirements from governing agencies, and agreements with landlords or developers all influence the overall expense. Given these variables, prospective franchisees should carefully evaluate potential locations and understand the specific requirements and conditions that may impact on-site improvement costs.
For non-traditional Del Taco restaurants, on-site improvements are likely to range from $0 to $500,000. The FDD specifies that these costs will vary depending on whether exterior site area improvements will be part of the development. This wide range underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence and obtaining detailed cost estimates for any planned on-site improvements before committing to a franchise agreement.