What is the scope of 'Covered Services' provided by Del Taco in relation to the software and equipment?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
the Approved Vendor, which will include, but not be limited to, the period of time deemed necessary by Del Taco or the Approved Vendor to provide Support Services to implement the Software and Licensee's Covered Equipment for the preparation of the store opening, or conversion, to Covered Equipment.
"Confidential Information" means the Software and Documentation, and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, which each are confidential and proprietary to Del Taco.
- "Covered Equipment" means the equipment described on the appendices to this Agreement approved for purchase by Del Taco and located in the Licensed Restaurants. The parties may add additional equipment to the Covered Equipment from time to time by adding additional appendices to include the additional equipment (with Del Taco's consent).
- "Covered Services" means 24-hour telephonic Help Desk support for the Software and the Covered Equipment, which is available 365 days a year.
- "Designated Contact" means Licensee's managerial employee at each Licensed Restaurant that is identified on the appendices who will be trained in the use of the Software and who will serve as Del Taco's point of contact with respect to the Support Services.
- "Documentation" means the proprietary and confidential manuals and other documentation (if any) for the Software.
- "Effective Date" means the date that Del Taco or the Approved Vendor completes the installation of the Software at all of the Licensed Restaurants.
- "License" means a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use a single copy of the object code version of the Software and the Documentation solely for Licensee's internal business purposes and only at one personal computer in each Licensed Restaurant.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 59–325)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Covered Services' include 24-hour telephonic Help Desk support for both the software and the 'Covered Equipment'. This support is available 365 days a year, providing franchisees with continuous access to assistance. The 'Covered Equipment' refers to the equipment described in the appendices of the agreement that Del Taco approves for purchase and is located in the licensed restaurants. Additional equipment may be added to the list of 'Covered Equipment' with Del Taco's consent through additional appendices to the agreement.
Del Taco also offers 'Billable Services,' which are support services beyond the 'Covered Services'. These are performed by Del Taco or an approved vendor at times determined by Del Taco. These services include the time necessary to implement the software and covered equipment for store opening or conversion to covered equipment. Licensees may request support services by calling the Del Taco Help Desk at (949) 462-7499.
As part of the 'Covered Services', Del Taco will install menu changes and price updates on the franchisee's personal computer periodically, as reasonably requested by the franchisee. However, Del Taco will not provide any additional services for alternate concepts or products that are not part of the standard Del Taco Restaurant system unless approved in writing by Del Taco. This ensures that the support provided is focused on maintaining the standard Del Taco operating system and menu.
Prospective franchisees should note that while 'Covered Services' provide a base level of support, additional on-site services such as computer and software installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting are considered 'Billable Services' and will incur additional fees. Franchisees are also responsible for operating the 'Covered Equipment' according to Del Taco's and the manufacturer's instructions to facilitate effective support services.