What training-related costs and expenses is a Del Taco franchisee responsible for?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
before opening.
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- We do not charge a training fee for your initial training or initial crew training, however as explained in Item 11, you must pay for all costs and expenses related to training such as, salaries, wages, supplies, transportation, lodging and food for yourself and your employees during training. The costs of those expenses will depend on the distance you must travel, the type of accommodations used, and the number of employees attending the training and their wages. You are also responsible for any costs and expenses related to any required food safety (Serv Safe Certification) and food handler certifications. This estimate includes the cost for the salaries, travel expenses, including lodging, for your Operating Principal and restaurant managers (one manager is included in the low estimate and two restaurant managers are included in the high estimate) for six weeks of training, as well as the salary for a restaurant manager for an additional eight weeks leading up to the opening of the restaurant. The estimate also includes the salary and travel expenses for your shift managers for five weeks of training, and for three weeks of in-store training.
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- These amounts represent an estimate of your operating expenses for the initial three months of business. We have based them on our own experience in operating Del Taco Restaurants, mainly in the western United States, as well as the experiences of our franchisees. These estimates include costs for payroll, taxes, food, paper, supplies, utilities, licenses, permits, bank charges, repair and maintenance, and insurance (annual premium). They do not include advertising or royalty payments made to us. Your costs will depend on factors like the size of your Restaurant; how closely you follow our methods and procedures; your management skill, expenses and business acumen; your financing costs; local economic conditions; the local market for Restaurants;
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 21–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while Del Taco does not charge a training fee for initial or crew training, franchisees are responsible for covering all costs and expenses related to training. These expenses include salaries, wages, supplies, transportation, lodging, and food for both the franchisee and their employees during training. The exact costs will vary depending on factors such as travel distance, type of accommodations, the number of employees attending, and their respective wages.
Specifically, the franchisee must cover the costs for salaries and travel expenses, including lodging, for the Operating Principal and restaurant managers (one to two managers) for six weeks of training. Additionally, the franchisee is responsible for the salary and travel expenses for shift managers during their five weeks of training, as well as three weeks of in-store training. The FDD also lists initial training expenses between $194,000 and $253,000 and crew training expenses ranging from $48,000 to $68,000.
Furthermore, Del Taco franchisees are responsible for any costs and expenses related to required food safety certifications, such as ServSafe Certification, and food handler certifications. These certifications are essential for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in the restaurant.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these training-related costs when evaluating the overall investment required to open a Del Taco franchise. Understanding and budgeting for these expenses is crucial for the financial planning and successful launch of their Del Taco restaurant.