What was the total number of Del Taco outlets at the start of 2023?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets at Start of Year Outlets at End of Year | Net Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 306 | 301 | -5 | |
| Franchised | 2023 | 301 | 421 | +120 |
| 2024 | 421 | 461 | +40 | |
| 2022 | 294 | 290 | - 4 | |
| Company- | 2023 | 290 | 171 | -119 |
| Owned | ||||
| Owned | 2024 | 171 | 133 | -38 |
| 2022 | 600 | 591 | -9 | |
| Total Outlets | 2023 | 591 | 592 | +1 |
| 2024 | 592 | 594 | +2 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 54–58)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the total number of Del Taco outlets at the start of 2023 was 591. This number encompasses both franchised and company-owned locations.
Specifically, the FDD indicates that of these 591 locations, 301 were franchised and 290 were company-owned at the beginning of 2023. This information is crucial for potential franchisees as it provides a snapshot of the brand's footprint and the mix of franchised versus company-operated stores.
Understanding the distribution between franchised and company-owned restaurants can offer insights into Del Taco's strategic approach to market penetration and brand management. A higher number of franchised locations might suggest a greater emphasis on leveraging franchisee capital for expansion, while a significant number of company-owned stores could indicate a focus on maintaining direct control over operations and brand standards.