What is the prescribed schedule called in the Del Taco Development Agreement?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee signs a Development Agreement, they gain the right and obligation to develop a specific number of Del Taco restaurants within a defined geographic area, referred to as the "Development Area." This development is governed by a prescribed schedule, which is formally called the "Development Schedule." The Development Agreement outlines the specific conditions and timeline that the franchisee must adhere to during the development process.

The Development Schedule is a critical component of the Development Agreement, setting forth the pace at which the franchisee is expected to open new Del Taco restaurants within their designated Development Area. The FDD states that the Development Agreement typically does not allow the franchisee to alter the Development Area, the number of restaurants they are required to open, or the Development Schedule itself. This underscores the importance of carefully evaluating the feasibility of the schedule and the associated obligations before entering into the agreement.

Prospective Del Taco franchisees should pay close attention to the details of the Development Schedule, as failure to comply with its terms could result in penalties or termination of the agreement. The Development Agreement ensures that Del Taco maintains a consistent and strategic expansion plan, while also holding franchisees accountable for meeting their development commitments. Understanding the Development Schedule is essential for any franchisee considering a multi-unit development strategy with Del Taco.