FDD Analysis 2025 FDD

Taco Bell Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Key Facts & Financials

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that franchisors must provide to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before any agreement is signed or money changes hands.

This page summarizes the key facts and financials from Taco Bell's FDD, including franchise costs (Item 7), ongoing fees (Item 6), and unit growth trends (Item 20).

What the Taco Bell FDD Covers

Required disclosure items from the franchisor

Franchisor Background

Items 1-4: Company history, litigation, bankruptcy

Fees & Costs

Items 5-7: Initial fees, ongoing fees, total investment

Obligations & Restrictions

Items 8-16: Purchasing, territory, trademarks

Financial Performance

Item 19: Not disclosed by this franchisor

Franchise Costs (Item 7 Summary)

Initial investment required to open a franchise

Total Initial Investment$287,350 - $855,700
Franchise Fee$22,500

Investment Breakdown

Background Check Fee$500 - $700
Initial License Fee$22,500 - $22,500
First Unit Construction Services$27,250 - $27,250
Optional Real Estate Services$10,000 - $37,250
Permits, Licenses, Security Deposits$500 - $10,000

+ 5 more categories

Ongoing Fees (Item 6 Summary)

Recurring fees paid to the franchisor

Royalty Fee10% of gross sales
Marketing/Advertising Fee

Other Ongoing Fees

Late chargesVaries
All Access FeeVaries
Digital Transaction Fee for Mobile, Web, Kiosk, Successful Voice AI & Delivery OrdersVaries
Gift Card Transaction FeeVaries
Additional Trainee FeeVaries

Item 19 Financial Performance

Revenue and financial data (if disclosed)

No Item 19 Disclosure

Taco Bell does not provide a Financial Performance Representation in their FDD. Franchisors are not required to disclose this information.

Unit Growth & Franchisee Behavior (Item 20)

Franchise system size and trends

238

Total Units

+2

Net Growth (YoY)

+0.8%

Growth Rate

Franchised Units224
Company-Owned Units14

What the FDD Doesn't Make Obvious

Key considerations beyond the disclosure

Legal History

No material litigation disclosed in Item 3.

Real Estate & Location

FDDs often understate the challenge of finding suitable real estate. Site selection, lease negotiation, and buildout timelines can significantly impact your total investment and time to open.

Working Capital Needs

Initial investment ranges often assume a best-case scenario. Many franchisees need additional working capital during the ramp-up period, especially in the first 6-12 months of operation.

No Revenue Disclosure

Without Item 19 data, you'll need to conduct your own due diligence on unit economics by speaking directly with existing franchisees.

Related Resources

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