What must I do with all Confidential Information in my possession at the end of the term with Noodles & Company?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, at the end of the franchise term, you and your owners must return all confidential information in your possession to Noodles & Company. This requirement ensures that all proprietary information remains with Noodles & Company after the franchise agreement concludes.

The FDD defines confidential information as proprietary information related to the development and operation of Noodles & Company restaurants. This includes items such as recipes, site selection criteria, marketing programs, supplier information, operating results, and computer systems. The definition also extends to any information provided by Noodles & Company that is labeled as proprietary or confidential.

This obligation is a standard practice in franchising to protect the brand's intellectual property and trade secrets. Prospective franchisees should understand that this requirement is not limited to the initial term but extends indefinitely, preventing the use of confidential information in any other business or capacity, which is considered an unfair method of competition. Franchisees must also ensure that their owners, officers, directors, and general managers also adhere to these confidentiality agreements.