What are the specific obligations of a Del Taco franchisee regarding customer service, and how do these obligations relate to the franchisor's training programs?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee acknowledges that its owners and managers must be knowledgeable regarding the operation of Del Taco Restaurants, including the preparation and delivery of Menu Items and the provision of customer service in accordance with the brand standards established by Del Taco, which may be modified by Del Taco from time to time.
Franchisee acknowledges that successful completion of Del Taco's training programs by Franchisee's owners and managers is critical to properly own, operate and manage the Restaurant.
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 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.
You must participate in our electronic guest experience measurement program, which provides data regarding customer satisfaction with your Restaurant, among other information. No fee is charged, currently. This cost is currently covered by Marketing Fees, but we reserve the right to charge you in the future.
Franchisee shall offer for sale, and will honor for purchases by customers, any incentive, convenience or loyalty programs which Del Taco may institute from time to time, and Franchisee shall do so in compliance with Del Taco's standards and procedures for such programs.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure their owners and managers are knowledgeable in operating a Del Taco restaurant, including customer service, according to brand standards that Del Taco may modify. Successful completion of Del Taco's training programs by the franchisee's owners and managers is critical for properly operating the restaurant. At least seven individuals, including the Franchisee's Operating Principal, one full-time Restaurant Manager, and at least five Shift Managers, must attend and successfully complete Del Taco's training programs.
Del Taco franchisees must maintain a competent and trained staff sufficient to promptly service customers, including at least one Shift Manager on duty at all times. Franchisees must also ensure their employees maintain good customer relations and comply with any dress code Del Taco prescribes. Franchisees are responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, and compliance with wage and hour requirements.
Del Taco also requires franchisees to participate in an electronic guest experience measurement program to gather data regarding customer satisfaction. While there is currently no fee for this program as the cost is covered by Marketing Fees, Del Taco reserves the right to charge a fee in the future. Franchisees must also honor any incentive or loyalty programs that Del Taco institutes and must do so in compliance with Del Taco's standards and procedures for such programs. These obligations ensure that all Del Taco locations maintain consistent customer service standards and contribute to overall brand reputation.