How does Noodles & Company define a 'Designated Supplier'?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Designated Supplier' is defined as any supplier whom Noodles & Company authorizes to manufacture Proprietary Products. Proprietary Products are specific sauces, products, and other ingredients and raw materials that are manufactured following Noodles & Company's recipes, specifications, formulas, or are uniquely specified or sourced.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that you are required to purchase these Proprietary Products exclusively from suppliers that Noodles & Company has specifically authorized. Noodles & Company retains the right to modify the list of approved suppliers.

This arrangement allows Noodles & Company to maintain consistency and quality control across all franchise locations by ensuring that key ingredients and products meet their standards. While franchisees must adhere to this requirement, they also benefit from the assurance that the products they are using are approved and meet the brand's specifications. Franchisees are not entitled to view the specific recipes, specifications, or formulas of the Proprietary Products, or the terms and conditions of any supplier contracts.