Does Noodles & Company charge a fee for guidance and certification of a franchisee's training program?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
wise is not qualified to manage or perform the required functions at a Noodles & Company restaurant. We will not charge any fees for attending the training programs we are required to provide pursuant to the Franchise Agreement; however, you must pay for additional training. As described in Item 7, you will be responsible for all compensation and expenses (including travel, meals and lodging) incurred due to any training programs. Neither you nor your employees will receive any compensation from us for services performed during training.
In addition to the training program, we will require you and/or your Operating Partner and other personnel for your Noodles & Company restaurant to attend and
successfully complete periodic or additional training or informational programs. We may, at our sole discretion, require or allow you to establish a certified training program (that must continue to meet our high standards) for some or all of your personnel.
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, Noodles & Company does not charge fees for required training programs outlined in the Franchise Agreement. However, franchisees are responsible for covering all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, associated with any training programs. Franchisees must also pay for additional training beyond what is required.
Noodles & Company may, at its sole discretion, require or allow franchisees to establish a certified training program for their personnel, which must adhere to Noodles & Company's standards. If personnel fail to meet the standards of the certified training program, they must complete the program again and be re-certified.
The training systems include The Binder, an internal procedure system, and The Table, a web-based Learning Management system. The cost for The Table is per restaurant per month. Franchisees are required to use the company-designated systems for procedures and training.