Does Noodles & Company conduct market research to determine consumer trends?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, Noodles & Company may conduct market research to determine consumer trends and the salability of new food products and services. Franchisees are required to participate in these market research programs by test marketing new food products and services in their Noodles & Company restaurant. Franchisees must also provide Noodles & Company with timely reports and other relevant information regarding the market research if asked to do so. Franchisees are required to purchase a reasonable quantity of the test products and make a reasonable effort to sell them.

Noodles & Company also has the option to establish and administer an Advertising & Brand Development Fund (ABDF) for the creation and development of creative materials and programs to increase brand awareness and promote the Noodles & Company brand. The ABDF may also pay for consumer research and the production and deployment of marketing and public relations materials.

This means that as a Noodles & Company franchisee, you may be required to participate in market research by testing new products and providing feedback. This participation is mandatory if Noodles & Company requests it. Additionally, while not guaranteed, the ABDF may be used to fund market research activities that could benefit the entire Noodles & Company system.