According to the Noodles & Company franchise agreement, what are 'Non-Traditional Venues'?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Because certain locations within the Protected Area are by their nature unique and separate in character from the sites to which we intend to grant you a franchise, those sites are referred to as "Non-Traditional Venues." Non-Traditional Venues are excluded from the Protected Area and we have the right to develop (by direct ownership, franchising, licensing) those locations even if those sites are located within the Protected Area and regardless of the proximity of those sites to any other Noodles & Company restaurant. Non-Traditional Venues include, for example: (1) transportation facilities, including airports, train stations, subways and rail and bus stations; (2) military bases and government offices; (3) sports facilities, including stadiums and arenas; (4) amusement parks, zoos and convention centers; (5) car and truck rest stops and travel centers and limited access highway oasis and rest and service areas; (6) casinos; (7) food courts; (8) Indian reservations and (9) museums.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 48–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, 'Non-Traditional Venues' are specific locations that, due to their unique nature, are excluded from the franchisee's protected area. Noodles & Company retains the right to develop these venues themselves or through other franchisees or licensees, even if they fall within a franchisee's protected territory. This means that a franchisee's exclusive operating rights do not extend to these specified locations.
The FDD lists several examples of Non-Traditional Venues. These include transportation facilities such as airports, train stations, subways, and bus stations. Other examples are military bases, government offices, sports facilities like stadiums and arenas, amusement parks, zoos, convention centers, car and truck rest stops, travel centers, limited access highway oasis areas, casinos, food courts, Indian reservations and museums.
For a prospective Noodles & Company franchisee, this is an important consideration. While a franchisee may be granted a protected area, Noodles & Company reserves the right to operate or franchise locations within these Non-Traditional Venues, regardless of their proximity to the franchisee's restaurant. This could potentially lead to competition within the franchisee's general area, although the nature of these venues often caters to a different customer base (e.g., travelers, event attendees). It is important for potential franchisees to understand this exception and factor it into their business planning and financial projections.