What is 'The Binder' used for in the Noodles & Company franchise system?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ms. This training is described in detail later in this Item. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4);
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- We will allow you access to our internal site which is an app platform powered by PlayerLync. This site is internally referred to as "The Binder" and is operated on an iPad. You will provide the hardware (iPad) based on the requirements of the platform. The system cost is per device per month. "The Binder" will provide you access to our electronic Operations Manual and other helpful information. You may print one copy of the Noodles & Company Operations Manual (147 pages) from "The Binder", which is allowed as a loan to you. (The Operations Manual Table of Contents is attached as Exhibit D.) The Operations Manual currently consists of a series of documents and writings regarding training, management, quality assurance, health and safety, safety and security, customer service, Approved Suppliers and other requirements for the establishment and operation of a Noodles & Company restaurant. (Franchise Agreement, Sections 4.03 and 12). You are solely responsible for any access license fees associated with use of the portal and for obtaining all necessary hardware and software for this access; and
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- If you have not previously owned or managed a Noodles & Company restaurant, then, except in the case where you are an Affiliate of an existing area operator of Noodles & Company restaurants who has already opened restaurants, we will provide you with opening operational assistance for your first two Noodles & Company restaurants (Franchise Agreement, Section 3.06).
Continuing Obligations.
During the operation of your Noodles & Company restaurant:
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- We will provide guidance to you with regard to the System, including improvements and changes. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.02 and 12);
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Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, "The Binder" is an internal site, specifically an app platform powered by PlayerLync, operated on an iPad. Noodles & Company franchisees are responsible for providing the iPad hardware based on the platform's requirements, and they incur a per-device, per-month system cost.
"The Binder" provides franchisees with access to the electronic Operations Manual and other helpful information necessary for running a Noodles & Company restaurant. Franchisees are allowed to print one copy of the Operations Manual from "The Binder", which is considered a loan. The Operations Manual includes documents and writings about training, management, quality assurance, health and safety, customer service, approved suppliers, and other operational requirements.
Noodles & Company also periodically modifies "The Binder" to reflect changes in standards, specifications, and operating procedures. Franchisees are solely responsible for any access license fees associated with using the portal and for obtaining the necessary hardware and software. The internal procedure system is The Binder, while the training system is a web-based Learning Management system called The Table.