What are the requirements for shift managers designated by the Del Taco franchisee?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5.27.4.4 Other Managers: Franchisee shall designate shift managers, subject to approval by Del Taco, and satisfactory completion of Del Taco's training programs, who shall be responsible for oversight and management of the day-to-day shift operations and personnel at the Restaurant under the supervision of the Restaurant Manager and Operating Principal (the "Shift Managers").
With regard to training, at least seven individuals must attend and successfully complete Del Taco's training programs: the Franchisee's Operating Principal, one (1) full-time Restaurant Manager, and at least five (5) Shift Managers (collectively, the "Franchisee's Principal Trainees").
Franchisee at all times shall maintain at least one certified Restaurant Manager in the Restaurant and shall have a combination of nine additional Shift Managers trained and certified by Del Taco for the Restaurant.
Franchisee is solely responsible for ensuring its managers and employees are adequately trained and supervised.
Franchisee agrees to maintain a competent, conscientious, trained staff in numbers sufficient to promptly service customers, including at least one (1) Shift Manager on duty at all times and to take such steps as are necessary to ensure that its employees preserve good customer relations and comply with such dress code as Del Taco may prescribe.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 58–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must designate shift managers who are subject to Del Taco's approval and must satisfactorily complete Del Taco's training programs. These shift managers are responsible for the oversight and management of the day-to-day shift operations and personnel at the restaurant, working under the supervision of the Restaurant Manager and Operating Principal.
Del Taco requires at least five shift managers to attend and successfully complete their training programs as part of the initial training requirements, which also includes the Franchisee's Operating Principal and one full-time Restaurant Manager. After the restaurant opens, the franchisee must maintain a combination of nine additional Shift Managers trained and certified by Del Taco for the Restaurant. Franchisees are responsible for ensuring their managers and employees are adequately trained and supervised.
Del Taco may provide initial and ongoing training programs for the Operating Principal, Restaurant Manager, Shift Managers, and other approved employees. The cost of initial training instruction and required materials is covered by Del Taco, but the franchisee is responsible for all other expenses, including transportation, lodging, meals, wages, workers' compensation insurance, and trainees' meals during training sessions. Franchisees must also ensure that at least one Shift Manager is on duty at all times and that all staff are competent, conscientious, and trained to promptly serve customers and maintain good customer relations, adhering to Del Taco's prescribed dress code.