Besides appointing a manager, what is the alternative action Noodles & Company can take regarding the Restaurant's operation?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee has an Operating Partner, the Noodles & Company restaurant must be managed by that Operating Partner. Alternatively, the restaurant can be managed by an on-site general or assistant manager or a shift supervisor. To qualify for these roles, these individuals must have completed the appropriate training programs.

This requirement ensures that each Noodles & Company location has qualified leadership present during all operating hours. The franchisee (or their Operating Partner) must remain active in overseeing the restaurant's operations, even with a manager or supervisor in place. If the relationship with the Operating Partner ends, the franchisee must promptly hire a successor who meets Noodles & Company's approval and completes the required training.

The stipulation that a trained manager or supervisor must cover every shift is a fairly standard practice in the food service franchise industry. It protects brand standards and customer service. Franchisees should confirm the specific training requirements and costs for these positions to understand the full scope of their operational responsibilities and potential expenses.