What does the 'additional funds' amount represent in the estimated initial investment for a Noodles & Company franchise?

• 1. This amount represents additional funds needed to cover operating expenses beyond revenue generated for the first three months after opening. The amounts shown are based on the actual experience of our restaurants in our 2024 fiscal year. On average, the restaurants included above did not require the use of additional funds during their three months of operations, but instead generated positive cash flow, which we have not included in the above table. The need for additional funds varies depending on a variety of factors. These Additional Funds may be used for restaurant-level employee wages and benefits, point of purchase collateral, other marketing costs, insurance, maintenance, linens, cleaning and office supplies, leased equipment, occupancy expenses and credit card processing fees, among other costs. These estimates do not include training expenses, general and administrative or area manager salaries or any payment to you. We do not represent that these additional costs will be your only departure from our costs. Further, we do not represent that your first three months of operating performance will be commensurate with ours. We experience wide fluctuations in development costs and in performance, particularly in the first three months after opening.
• 1. These estimates also do not take into account the finance charges, interest and related costs you may incur if any portion of your initial investment is debt financed.
• 1. You should review these figures carefully with a business advisor before making any decision to purchase the franchise. We do not offer any financing directly or indirectly for any part of the initial investment.

Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 23–27)