What refurbishment and upgrade requirements must a Del Taco franchisee meet to comply with Del Taco's specifications for new restaurants during renewal?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee seeking to renew their agreement must refurbish, remodel, renovate, and upgrade their existing restaurant. This includes ensuring the restaurant complies with Del Taco's then-current specifications for new Del Taco restaurants of the same or similar type. These specifications extend to fixtures, furnishings, technology, and kitchen equipment. This requirement ensures that renewed Del Taco locations align with the brand's current image and standards.

Del Taco also has the right to implement and periodically request upgrades and changes to the Technology System and Required Software, referred to as Technology Upgrades. The franchisee is responsible for complying with Del Taco's written specifications, whether found in the manuals or elsewhere, regarding the Technology System, Required Software, and Technology Upgrades, all at the franchisee's own expense. Del Taco will have the right to establish reasonable new standards to address new technologies, and the franchisee must abide by these new standards and pay any associated fees or charges.

Del Taco may exercise its Remodel Right every seven years and reserves the right to designate the type and scheduling of any required refurbishing, remodeling, and/or renovation. If a franchisee deems it necessary to replace equipment, repair, or remodel the premises, they must do so according to Del Taco's then-current standards and specifications, and only after receiving approval from Del Taco. This ensures uniformity and adherence to brand standards across all Del Taco locations, even those under renewal agreements.