Frequently Asked Questions

Investment

• How Much Does a Del Taco Franchise Cost?

  The total estimated initial investment range is $1,497,200 - $3,321,000 and includes the initial franchise fees, training costs, inventory, build-out expenses, computer hardware and software, insurance and three months working capital. The investment varies for each Del Taco location depending on the market you choose. Please refer to Items 5 and 7 in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for a clear representation of the total fees and investment needed.

• Who's the Ideal Candidate for Franchising with Del Taco?

  We are looking for a special kind of franchisee — one who wants to be part of our iconic brand and invest in growth! The ideal candidate/group will be well-capitalized and have knowledge of the local real estate market, an understanding of development as well as multi-unit restaurant experience, and have a passion for getting involved in the local community. We are looking for candidates/investment groups who are pioneers and who are willing and eager to start off by developing new stores to build their empire.

• What Are the Financial Requirements to Open a Del Taco?

  Del Taco requires minimum liquidity of $500,000 and a minimum net worth of $1 million. The number of restaurants you’ve committed to developing and the size of your territory will determine your total financial requirements.

• What Are the Operational Requirements to Open a Del Taco?

  Today's competitive quick-serve restaurant industry calls for ownership groups with strong restaurant operational backgrounds. In order to qualify, your group must have at least one person with recent multi-unit restaurant operations experience and the ability and desire to enrich people’s lives through exceptional customer service, guest experience, and employee satisfaction. This operating partner must live in the market and have at least a 10% ownership in the Del Taco operations.

• What Are the Royalty & Marketing Fees at Del Taco?

  The ongoing royalty fee is 5% of net sales and the marketing fee is 4% of net sales.

• What Do I Get for My Franchise Fee & Royalties?

  • Use of the Del Taco® brand name, systems, logo, and store design.

  • A comprehensive Training Program designed to prepare you for daily operation of your restaurant.

  • Site selection support.

  • Construction & design support. Conceptual floor plans and site plans are provided. These must be sealed by an approved architect before submitting them to local government entities.

  • Franchise development support and a step-by-step guide through the process of new-store layout, ordering of equipment, furniture, and fixtures.

  • Support and training assistance in pre-opening and opening.

  • Ongoing support from: Franchise Business Consultants, Culinary & Innovation Team, and R&D. Plus, purchasing, distribution, and marketing support for local store.

• Are Single and Multi-Unit Opportunities Available?

  We prefer multi-unit agreements, but there are circumstances in which we may consider smaller (one or two unit) agreements.

• Does Del Taco Offer Multi-Unit Franchise Incentives?

  Yes, Del Taco offers an incentive for multi-unit franchisees who choose to sign up for three or more stores under our Development Incentive Program.

  Under the Development Incentive Program for qualified buyers, if you sign a Development Agreement for a minimum of three (3) restaurants to be developed and opened under the development schedule during the time frames specified in the Development Agreement, and certain other requirements are met, you may be eligible for the following incentive:

  The Royalty (which is currently 5% of Gross Sales) will be reduced to: (i) 1% of Gross Sales for the first year; (ii) 2% of Gross Sales for the second year; (iii) 3% of Gross Sales for the third year; (iv) 4% of Gross Sales for the fourth year; and (v) 5% of Gross Sales for all subsequent years.

• How Much Does a Del Taco Franchise Make?

  Based upon Federal Trade Commission guidelines, we are precluded from providing earnings estimates or profit potential. We encourage prospective franchisees to conduct significant due diligence prior to committing to a new business venture. We provide names and phone numbers of existing franchisees in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). A pro forma financial statement that shows the operating performance of our company owned locations is included in the FDD for your review. At the end of the day, you are in control of this question. Your willingness to adhere to our operating system and your dedication to customer service are the key factors in answering this question.

• How Long Does the Entire Process Take to Become a Franchisee?

  At Del Taco, we can go as fast as you are willing to go. The process to become a franchisee with Del Taco typically ranges from 90 - 120 days.

• Does Del Taco Offer Financing to Open a Restaurant Franchise?

  Del Taco does not provide financing; however, we do provide a list of banks/financing institutions that have expressed an interest in lending to Del Taco franchisees. To facilitate financing, Del Taco is listed on the SBA Registry.

• How Do I Begin the Franchise Application Process?

  To learn more about becoming a Del Taco franchisee, please complete this form and a member of our team will contact you!