What are the approximate annual hardware and software maintenance costs for the required systems at a Noodles & Company restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
system should require, at a minimum, unique user logons and multi factor authentication for remote support.
We require you to use the current Aloha Quick Service™ application with kitchen video and Aloha Credit Card software. The typical hardware platform that is compatible with Aloha or any other Aloha hardware applications which may be used is specified by us in the Operations Manual and generally will cost $20,000 to $25,000 per restaurant. (This cost is included in Item 7.) Variations from the hardware specified in the Operations Manual may cause the POS system to experience proble
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees can expect to pay approximately $3,000 per year for hardware and software maintenance costs related to the required computer systems. These systems include the Aloha Quick Service™ application with kitchen video and Aloha Credit Card software.
The initial cost for the hardware platform, which is compatible with Aloha, typically ranges from $20,000 to $25,000 per restaurant. This initial cost is included in Item 7 of the FDD, which covers estimated initial investment costs. It is important for franchisees to adhere to the hardware specifications outlined in the Operations Manual, as deviations may lead to problems with the POS system.
Noodles & Company also requires franchisees to purchase IT support services, including support for internet/phone, Aloha (POS), OLO and NoodlesRewards, data security and PCI, restaurant Office365 email account and restaurant iPad management, pursuant to an IT Support Services Agreement. The IT Support Services Agreement details the specific IT Support Services franchisees must obtain from Noodles & Company for which they charge $1,000 per month, per restaurant. Franchisees are also responsible for purchasing and upgrading or replacing financial and inventory data processing and communications systems whenever Noodles & Company requires it, and all hardware and software should be maintained at the level or version supported by the providing vendor.