What approval is required regarding the premises for a Noodles & Company franchise renewal?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, to renew a franchise, a franchisee must demonstrate they have the right to remain in possession of the premises for the entire renewal term. Noodles & Company must also approve the premises as a suitable location based on their then-applicable site criteria.

If the premises are leased, the franchisee must extend the current lease to match the term of the Renewal Franchise Agreement. Noodles & Company retains the right to approve and modify the terms of any lease extension, and the franchisee must submit a copy of the lease extension for approval before signing. The lease extension should substantially conform to the previous lease approved by Noodles & Company.

The franchisee cannot execute any lease, lease extension, sublease, or purchase contract (or modifications) without Noodles & Company's approval. However, Noodles & Company's approval does not provide any warranty or representation about the fairness or suitability of the lease, nor does it guarantee the franchisee's ability to comply with its terms. The franchisee must provide Noodles & Company with a fully signed copy of the lease, lease extension, sublease, or purchase contract within five days of execution.

If the lease terminates before the agreement expires, Noodles & Company can require the franchisee to secure an alternative approved site within three months or another mutually agreed-upon timeframe. Alternatively, Noodles & Company may choose to terminate the agreement for that restaurant. For premises owned by the franchisee or an affiliate, any lease or lease extension must have commercially reasonable terms, conditions, and payments in Noodles & Company's opinion.