After Noodles & Company approves the space and signage plan, who is responsible for developing construction drawings and specifications?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(b) Plans and Licensed Architect. Upon completion and approval of the space plan and signage plan for each Restaurant, the Area Operator shall be responsible for developing construction drawings and specifications by a licensed architect and engineer for building permit submittal. You shall submit to us your final plans, including all construction plans and specifications and design specifications, for our acceptance before starting to develop the Premises. All final plans must be prepared by a licensed architect. You acknowledge that the design and materials used in the construction of Noodles & Company Restaurants is important to us and you agree to adhere to our design and constructions specifications and to use the materials and suppliers we require. You are solely responsible for developing your Noodles & Company Restaurant, for all expenses associated with it and for compliance with the requirements of any applicable federal, state or local law, code or regulation, including those concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar rules governing public accommodations for persons with disabilities. Our review and acceptance of your plans is not designed to assess compliance with federal, state or local laws, codes, and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, as compliance with such laws is your sole responsibility. All development and any signage must be in accordance with the plans and specifications we have approved and must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and local laws, codes, and regulations. Within two weeks of opening the Restaurant, you must submit all revised or "as built" plans and specifications.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after Noodles & Company approves the space plan and signage plan for each restaurant, the Area Operator is responsible for developing the construction drawings and specifications. These drawings and specifications must be created by a licensed architect and engineer for the purpose of building permit submittal.
The Area Operator must then submit these final plans, including all construction plans, specifications, and design specifications, to Noodles & Company for acceptance before starting to develop the premises. Noodles & Company emphasizes the importance of the design and materials used in construction and requires adherence to their design and construction specifications, including the use of required materials and suppliers.
The Area Operator bears sole responsibility for developing their Noodles & Company restaurant, covering all associated expenses, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, or local laws, codes, or regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Noodles & Company's review and acceptance of the plans does not assess compliance with these laws, as that responsibility rests solely with the Area Operator. All development and signage must align with the approved plans and specifications and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Within two weeks of opening the restaurant, the Area Operator must submit all revised or "as built" plans and specifications.