Who is responsible for reimbursing Del Taco's representatives' travel, meals, and lodging incurred while providing pre-opening support to a Del Taco franchisee?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for reimbursing Del Taco for the travel, meals, and lodging expenses incurred by Del Taco's representatives while they are providing pre-opening support to the franchisee's new restaurant. This reimbursement covers the costs Del Taco incurs to have its personnel present at the restaurant to assist with the opening process.

This means that in addition to the initial franchise fee and other startup costs, a new Del Taco franchisee must also budget for these pre-opening support expenses. The exact amount will vary depending on the duration of the support, the distance traveled by Del Taco's representatives, and local costs for meals and lodging. It is important for prospective franchisees to discuss with Del Taco what level of support to expect and to get an estimate of these potential reimbursement costs to factor into their initial investment.

This arrangement is fairly common in franchising, as franchisors often provide on-site support to ensure a consistent brand experience and operational efficiency from day one. However, the specific terms of reimbursement can vary, so it's crucial for franchisees to understand their obligations upfront. Franchisees should clarify with Del Taco how these expenses are documented and billed to ensure transparency and avoid any unexpected costs.

In summary, while Del Taco provides valuable pre-opening assistance, the franchisee bears the financial responsibility for the travel-related expenses of Del Taco's support team. This is a key consideration for anyone evaluating a Del Taco franchise opportunity.