Under what condition can a Del Taco franchisee change their opening hours?

According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees generally must keep their Del Taco Restaurant open 24 hours each day, every day of the year, except for Christmas. However, a franchisee can change these opening hours if they obtain express written approval from Del Taco. This means that while the standard expectation is for 24/7 operation, a franchisee can request an exception, but the final decision rests with Del Taco.

For a prospective Del Taco franchisee, this requirement highlights the importance of understanding the local market and potential customer demand for late-night or early-morning service. If a franchisee believes that operating 24 hours is not economically viable in their specific location, they must be prepared to present a compelling case to Del Taco for alternative hours. This could involve market research, financial projections, or other data to support the request.

The need for written approval underscores Del Taco's control over brand standards and operational consistency. While franchisees have some autonomy in running their business, key decisions like operating hours are subject to franchisor oversight. This is a common practice in franchising, as it helps ensure a consistent customer experience across all locations and protect the overall brand image. Franchisees should factor this requirement into their business planning and be prepared to adhere to the standard hours unless they receive explicit permission to deviate.