How does Noodles & Company define 'Limited Access Highway' in the context of its franchise agreements?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Limited Access Highway' is defined as a portion of a highway that includes oasis or service center facilities designed for motorists and truckers. This definition also encompasses highways that have limited access from surface roads, which are frequently referred to as freeways or Interstate Highways.

This definition is relevant because Noodles & Company may operate or franchise locations in non-traditional venues, including car and truck rest stops, travel centers, and Limited Access Highway oasis and rest and service areas. These locations are explicitly excluded from any development area or protected area granted to a franchisee.

For a potential Noodles & Company franchisee, this means that while they may be granted exclusive rights to develop restaurants within a specific geographic area, the company retains the right to open Noodles & Company restaurants at locations along limited access highways, regardless of their proximity to the franchisee's locations. This is an important consideration for prospective franchisees as it clarifies the scope of their protected territory and potential competition from other Noodles & Company outlets.