Who is responsible for the cost of instruction and materials for the training programs that Del Taco provides?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ection 5.1 below, which will not be unreasonably withheld, provided that such plans and specifications conform to Del Taco's general criteria. Franchisee understands and acknowledges that Del Taco has the right to modify the architectural plans and specifications as Del Taco deems appropriate from time to time.
- 4.2 Initial and Ongoing Assistance. Prior to the Restaurant opening, Del Taco may provide to Franchisee, its Operating Principal (as defined in Section 5.27.4.1 below), Restaurant Manager (as defined in Section 5.27.4.3 below), Shift Managers (as defined in Section 5.27.4.4 below) and to such of Franchisee's other employees of which Del Taco shall approve for training, such training programs as Del Taco may designate, to be conducted at such time(s) and location(s) designated by Del Taco. Del Taco may also provide such ongoing training as it may, from time to time, deem appropriate. Del Taco shall be responsible for the cost of instruction and materials, subject to the terms set forth in Section 5.4.7 below.
- 4.3 Opening Assistance. Del Taco shall provide such pre-opening assistance to Franchisee as Del Taco prescribes in the Manuals or otherwise in writing, including assisting Franchisee in formulating its initial opening orders for inventory and supplies. Del Taco may have one of its representatives present at the Restaurant for such assistance and consultation as it deems appropriate. The date and time of the preopening support will be determined by Del Taco. Franchisee must reimburse Del Taco for its representatives' travel, meals, and lodging incurred while providing pre-opening support. Del Taco or a third-party vendor approved by Del Taco may assist Franchisee with pre-opening technical support services. Franchisee agrees to pay Del Taco's and/or its Approved Vendor's fees associated with such technical support, which may include certain hourly fees. Del Taco will provide such additional onsite preopening and opening supervision and assistance as Del Taco deems advisable.
- 4.4 Manuals. Del Taco shall loan or otherwise provide Franchisee access to Del Taco's confidential Standard Operating Procedures Manual and other manuals (the "Manuals"), which may be revised from Del Taco from time to time.
- 4.5 Merchandising and Marketing Advice. Del Taco may provide Franchisee such merchandising, marketing and other related advice as Del Taco deems advisable and as Del Taco may develop from time to time.
- 4.6 Ongoing Assistance. Del Taco may provide such periodic individual or group advice, consultation and assistance, rendered by personal visit, telephone, online communications, mail or e-mail and made available from time to time as Del Taco deems advisable at the time(s) and in the manner determined by Del Taco.
- 4.7 Bulletins and Reports. Del Taco may provide Franchisee such bulletins, intranet information, brochures and reports published by Del Taco from time to time as Del Taco deems advisable regarding its plans, policies, research, developments and activities.
- 4.8 Technology System. Del Taco shall have the right to specify or require that certain brands, types, makes, and/or models of communications, computer systems, kitchen display systems and hardware to be used by, between, or among Restaurants, including: back office and point of sale systems, computer hardware and software, dedicated high speed communications equipment and services, dedicated telephone and power lines, modem(s), printer(s), firewalls, mobile app-related equipment, digital menu boards, communications devices, audio/visual equipment, services, software and/or requirements (collectively, the "Technology System").
- 4.9 Inspection. Del Taco may inspect the Restaurant prior to the opening of the Restaurant. Franchisee shall not open to the public and commence operation of the Restaurant without Del Taco's prior written approval.
- 4.10 Delegation of Duties.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 58–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Del Taco is responsible for the cost of initial training instruction and required materials. This means that for the initial training programs, franchisees will not have to pay for the instruction itself or the materials needed for the training. This can significantly reduce the upfront costs associated with starting a Del Taco franchise.
However, the franchisee is responsible for all other expenses related to the training. These expenses include transportation, lodging, meals, wages, and workers' compensation insurance for the franchisee, their investors, and all of their employees during the training sessions. These costs can add up quickly, especially if the franchisee needs to send multiple employees for training or if the training location is far from the franchisee's location.
Furthermore, if a franchisee transfers their franchise to a new owner, the new Operating Principal and any Restaurant Managers that Del Taco designates must complete all required training programs. While Del Taco will not charge a fee for attendance at these training programs, the transferee is responsible for the salary and all expenses of the person who attends the training. This is an important consideration for both the franchisee selling the business and the new owner taking over the franchise.
In the event that the Operating Principal or the Restaurant Manager ceases active management of or employment at the Restaurant, Franchisee shall enroll a qualified replacement in Del Taco's initial training program not more than thirty (30) days after the cessation of the former person's full-time employment and/or management responsibilities. Franchisee shall pay Del Taco's then-current training fees and per diem expenses.