The paperwork.
Take your pick: You can click our online application and submit the form electronically. You can download the Franchise Application Form and have the postal service deliver it to us. You can also scan and email or fax the completed form to:
Email: franchiseapplications@tacodelmar.com
Fax: 203-783-7336

Meet with your local representative.
Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by the Development Agent (DA), or a Company Representative. You’ll most likely visit the office, fill out some additional paperwork and receive your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Do your own research.
It may look intimidating, but the FDD is chock full of important information you will use in making your decision to move forward. Review it thoroughly.

The Stamp of Approval
Your application is reviewed by your DA or Company Representative, who will arrange for a formal interview, talk to you about completing a business plan, submitting additional financials, and completing any final details. Once accepted, you’re in!

Signed, sealed, delivered (oh yeah!).
Sign the franchise agreement on the dotted line and pay the franchise fee. Now things get really busy.

Check it out in the frontlines.
Some DAs encourage their new franchisees to spend some time in a local TACO DEL MAR® restaurant -- up to your elbows in beans, tortillas and happy customers -- before heading to Washington for formal training.

Location, location, location.
You’ve found just the right location. You submit a proposal to your DA or Company Representative who negotiates the financial and business terms with the landlord. A letter of intent and draft lease is sent to TDM Leasing, or TDM Leasing Canada, ULC for review and negotiation. Once the lease is complete, you will sign a sub-lease for the space.

Give and Take.
A few weeks before you open your restaurant for business, you head to Camp Carlos for 11 days of in-store training and classroom instruction.

Build your store.
Well, not you personally (unless you are a certified contractor). You submit specifications to the Store Design team, they draft floor plans ready for an architect’s approval, and off you go to get those permits.

Get Stocked Up and Shined Up.
Receive your food and supplies, take inventory, train your staff, learn the POS and make sure you know the lingo!

Celebrate Grand Opening!
Take a deep breath, make sure everything’s in order and unlock the front door. It’s time to start building a loyal base of burrito-loving fanatics.