What is the deadline for the General Manager to begin Noodles & Company training relative to the restaurant opening?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You and your Operating Partner must complete all Noodles & Company training, which includes hands-on training and classroom training covering all phases of Noodles & Company restaurant operations, including food preparation, food safety, equipment operation and maintenance, cost control, inventory control and basic techniques of management. The training time periods and locations will be set forth by Noodles & Company, as amended, in the Noodles & Company Operations Manual and other materials as we deem appropriate. You and your Operating Partner must start your training at least 16 weeks prior to your first restaurant opening and your General Manager must start his/her training at least 12 weeks prior to the restaurant opening. Currently, training typically occurs at the Noodles & Company Central Support Office in Broomfield, Colorado, and at certified training restaurants in Colorado and in other states. The duration of general manager training under the current general manager training schedule is set forth in the Training Summary provided below. Training is currently scheduled based on a mutually agreed upon schedule between the FAO and Noodles & Company.
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 General Manager must start training at least 12 weeks before the restaurant opens. This training is comprehensive, covering all aspects of Noodles & Company restaurant operations, including food preparation, safety, equipment maintenance, and cost and inventory control. The training locations and specific schedules are determined by Noodles & Company and detailed in the Operations Manual.
Training typically takes place at the Noodles & Company Central Support Office in Broomfield, Colorado, or at certified training restaurants in Colorado and other states. The training schedule is mutually agreed upon between the Franchise Area Operator (FAO) and Noodles & Company. The document also mentions that Noodles & Company requires the use of company-designated systems for procedures and training, including 'The Binder' for internal procedures and 'The Table,' a web-based Learning Management system for new hire and development training.
Franchisees are responsible for all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, associated with the training programs. Neither the franchisee nor their employees will receive compensation from Noodles & Company for services performed during training. If an individual fails to complete the training program successfully or is not qualified to manage or perform the required functions, the franchisee must replace them.