Del Taco Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Del Taco, a prominent name in the fast-food industry, distinguishes itself with a unique blend of Mexican and American dishes.

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Lake Forest, California, Del Taco has established itself as a major player in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector.

The franchise began expanding in 1967, leveraging a model that combines a traditional QSR’s speed and convenience with the quality and freshness reminiscent of fast-casual dining, a niche known as QSR+.

Del Taco offers a diverse menu that includes tacos, burritos, burgers, and fries, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Del Taco franchise? It costs on average between $1,312,000 – $3,085,000 to start a Del Taco franchised restaurant.

This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Franchise Fee$35,000
Promotional Fee$10,000
Fee for Architectural and Engineering Services$27,000 – $124,000
Environmental Assessment$2,500 – $34,000
On-site Improvements$186,000 – $650,000
Building Improvements$490,000 – $1,200,000
Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment$400,000 – $750,000
IT Equipment & Installation, Computer-related Services & Licensing$59,000 – $100,000
Technical Support$1,700 – $3,500
Initial Training$15,000 – $25,000
Crew Training$48,000 – $68,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months$28,000 – $65,000
Inventory$7,000
Licenses, Fees and Deposits$3,000 – $6,000
Fee for trade area survey analysis$0 – $7,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment$1,312,000 – $3,085,000

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Del Taco franchise? A Del Taco franchised restaurant makes on average $1,525,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Del Taco fdd item 19 extract

This compares to $1,137,000 yearly revenue for similar Mexican franchises.

del taco franchise franchise competitors

Del Taco Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Del Taco locations are there?

As of the latest data, Del Taco operates 593 locations across the United States. The majority of these restaurants are in California, which hosts 355 locations, accounting for approximately 60% of the total.

What is the total investment required to open a Del Taco franchise?

The total investment required to open a Del Taco franchise ranges from $1,312,000 to $3,085,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Del Taco franchise?

Del Taco franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee and a 4% marketing fee, both based on net sales. These fees support brand consistency, system access, and marketing campaigns, collected weekly via electronic transfer.

What are the financial requirements to become a Del Taco franchisee?

To qualify as a Del Taco franchisee, you must meet specific financial criteria: a minimum net worth of $1 million and at least $500,000 in liquid assets. These requirements ensure you have the financial stability and resources necessary to support the initial investment and ongoing operations of a Del Taco franchise.

How much can a Del Taco franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Del Taco franchise are approximately $1.53 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.53 million yearly revenue can result in $230,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Del Taco?

Del Taco is owned by Jack in the Box Inc., a prominent American fast-food company. In December 2021, Jack in the Box announced its intention to acquire Del Taco for approximately $575 million. The acquisition was finalized in March 2022, bringing Del Taco under the Jack in the Box corporate umbrella.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

0