What are the specific obligations of a Del Taco franchisee regarding employee training, and how do these obligations relate to the franchisor's training programs?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n required by Del Taco, Franchisee shall provide to Del Taco a summary of the expenditures incurred by Franchisee, on the format required by Del Taco, in connection with the acquisition, development and opening of the Restaurant and in connection with any remodeling or renovation of the Restaurant.
- 5.4 Training. 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. Franchisee acknowledges that applicable laws and regulations require that at least one person on the staff at a food service business must satisfactorily complete state and/or local mandated food handling training, and be certified as having successfully completed the training. Franchisee and at least one of its employees that attend Del Taco's management training program must also successfully complete a state and/or local mandated food handling program before commencing training with Del Taco, and Franchisee and each trainee must provide a certificate of successful completion of such program prior to commencing training. Also, Franchisee's employees must be covered by Franchisee's workers' compensation insurance policy prior to commencing training with Del Taco, and Franchisee must provide evidence of such coverage if requested by Del Taco. 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").
- 5.4.1 Initial Training. Prior to the opening of the Restaurant, the Franchisee's Principal Trainees, and such other employees of Franchisee who Del Taco shall have the right to approve, shall attend and successfully complete, to Del Taco's satisfaction, the initial training program offered by Del Taco. All aspects of the Franchised Business shall be conducted under the management and supervision of the Operating Principal. In addition, the daily operations of the Restaurant shall be supervised under the active full-time management of the Operating Principal or Restaurant Manager who has successfully completed (to Del Taco's satisfaction) Del Taco's initial training program.
- 5.4.2 Operating Principal and Restaurant Manager. If the Operating Principal or the Restaurant Manager cease active management of or employment at the Restaurant, Franchisee shall enroll a qualified replacement (who shall be reasonably acceptable to Del Taco) 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. The replacement shall attend and successfully complete the basic management training program, to Del Taco's reasonable satisfaction, as soon as it is practical to do so. Franchisee shall pay Del Taco's then-current training fees and per diem expenses.
- 5.4.3 Refresher Training / Annual Conventions. If Franchisee is in default of this Agreement, the Franchisee's Principal Trainees may also be required to attend such refresher courses, seminars, and other training programs as Del Taco may reasonably specify from time to time, including up to twenty (20) days of refresher programs each year during the term of the Agreement.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have several obligations regarding employee training. Franchisees must ensure their owners and managers are knowledgeable about Del Taco operations, including food preparation, delivery, and customer service, adhering to brand standards that Del Taco may modify. Successful completion of Del Taco's training programs by the franchisee's owners and managers is considered critical for the proper operation and management of the restaurant.
At least seven individuals, including the Franchisee's Operating Principal, one full-time Restaurant Manager, and at least five Shift Managers (collectively, the "Franchisee's Principal Trainees"), must attend and successfully complete Del Taco's training programs. Franchisees are also responsible for ensuring that at least one staff member has completed state and/or local mandated food handling training and is certified accordingly. Franchisees and their employees attending Del Taco's management training must also complete a state or local mandated food handling program before commencing training with Del Taco, providing a certificate of completion beforehand.
Del Taco will monitor the level of training after the first restaurant opens and provide assistance in maintaining proper training for management and crew. In-store training will be available to future management employees via an e-learning platform throughout the Franchise Agreement term. While Del Taco does not charge a training fee for this, franchisees must cover all costs and expenses, including salaries, wages, supplies, rooms, meals, and transportation for themselves, their managers, and employees participating in the training program. Franchisees are also responsible for costs related to required food safety and food handler certifications, such as ServSafe.
Franchisees must maintain a competent, trained staff sufficient to promptly serve customers, including at least one Shift Manager on duty at all times. They are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, and compliance with wage and hour requirements, regardless of any advice received from Del Taco. If a franchisee requests additional on-site training beyond what is described, they will be responsible for paying Del Taco's then-current per diem charges and out-of-pocket expenses as outlined in the manuals or in writing.