Del Taco vs Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Del Taco vs Qdoba Mexican Grill including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Del Taco Franchise
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Investment $859,700 - $2,116,500$475,500 - $1,095,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 4%1.25%
Year Founded 19641995
Year Franchised 19671997
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee $25K$5K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Del Taco Franchise
Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
Experience Del Taco is seeking passionate candidates who are committed to outstanding customer service to join us as we rapidly expand across the country. Our ideal franchisee is an experienced restaurant operator or an investor who will partner with an experienced operator and is committed to developing at least two restaurants over time.
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Real estate

  • Financing Options

     
    Del Taco Franchise
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Del Taco Franchise
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    Training Our leadership team, brand legacy and proven business model offer our franchisees the personal support, systems and resources needed to help establish manage and grow their business. From referring financing sources, site selection assistance and construction oversight to extensive hands-on management and crew training, new store opening support and robust marketing materials, our assistance doesn’t end when you open your doors. On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: At training store On-The-Job Training: 179 hours Classroom Training: 37 hours
    Support Our professional and experienced support team provides: Ongoing management/crew training and manuals State-of-the-art POS systems to help franchisees track business indicators 24-hour technical support help desk and customer comment line Local store marketing toolbox, including community-based programs Effective advertising materials and market research Assistance from a dedicated Franchise Business Consultant and Franchise Marketing Manager Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Loyalty program/app
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 40% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 50

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (35% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 90% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.


    Expansion Plans

     
    Del Taco Franchise
    Qdoba Mexican Grill Franchise
    US Expansion NoYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Del Taco

    Ed Hackbarth opened the first Del Taco restaurant in Barstow, California, in 1964. A few months later, he added a second restaurant with a drive-thru window in Corona, California. Locations eventually spread across California and many parts of the United States. Del Taco restaurants offer items including a value menu of tacos, burritos and nachos priced under $1, a Macho menu of large burritos, nachos and drinks, and an American menu featuring hamburgers, French Fries and shakes.

    Seeking new franchise units in: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming   


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    #90 on Franchise Rankings.com
    #127 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #224 in Franchise 500 for 2021.







    About Qdoba Mexican Grill

    The fast casual franchise chosen by the world's toughest restaurant critics: Successful Franchisees. We've attracted successful multi-unit franchisees from such brands as Jack in the Box, Papa John's, Burger King, Sonic, Popeye's and Village Inn, as well as a former president of KFC and a former CEO of Church's and Rally's. Clearly, they know a winning system when they see it.
    * Exceptional sales-to-investment ratio
    * 9 consecutive years of same store sales growth
    * Leader in the exploding Fast-Casual Mexican category
    Qdoba is more than just incredible food; it's a brand in the right place at the right time.
    Requirements for becoming a Qdoba Multi-Unit Developer
    Qdoba Mexican Grill is seeking multi-unit development partners in territories throughout the United States.
    To be considered, individuals or partnerships must meet the following minimum characteristics:
    * 3 years multi-unit restaurant management experience as an owner and/or operator
    * Minimum financial net worth of $2 million and liquidity of $500,000
    * Development agreement commitment of 3-20 units
    * Knowledge of real estate and trade areas in development territory
    * Must have enthusiasm, drive, and passion for the restaurant industry
    * Operating partner must live in the territory
    * Single unit franchises require a $750,000 net worth and are considered on a case by case basis
    If you meet the above criteria and are interested in taking the next step, please contact us.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Qdoba restaurant is $475,500 - $1,095,000. This includes $30,000 which must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a non-traditional Qdoba restaurant is $251,500 - $815,000. This includes $15,000 which must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The franchisor may offer the right to enter into a development agreement to develop a minimum of two Qdoba restaurants pursuant to a development agreement. You must pay a development fee to the franchisor in the amount of $10,000 for each restaurant to be developed (there are no additional fees payable to their affiliates).
    The total investment necessary under the development agreement, based on a commitment of two Qdoba restaurants, is $952,000 to $2,195,000. This includes $20,000 of development fees that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.

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    #152 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #293 in Franchise 500 for 2021.