Where are disputes to be resolved according to the Noodles & Company franchise agreement?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Section In IT Agreement | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| a. Length of term | Section 1 | Co-terminous with your Franchise Agreements |
| b. Renewal or extension | Not applicable | |
| c. Requirements for you to | Not applicable | |
| review or extend | ||
| d. Termination by you | Section 12.2 | You have the right to terminate on 30 days’ notice in the event of our material breach. You have the right to terminate for any reason on 90 days’ notice, effective at the end of the then current contract year. |
| m. Conditions for our | Not applicable | |
| approval of transfer | ||
| n. Our right of first refusal | Not applicable | |
| o. Our option to purchase | Not applicable | |
| your business | ||
| p. Death or disability | Not applicable | |
| q. r. Non-competition | Not applicable | |
| covenants | ||
| s. Modification | Section 13.4 | No modification unless agreed in writing by both parties. |
| t. Integration/merger clause | Sections 13.4, 13.9 | Agreement is complete and final statement of terms. |
| u. Dispute resolution | Section 13.7 | Disputes to be resolved in accordance with dispute resolution provisions of then current form of Franchise Agreement. |
| v. Choice of forum | Section 13.7 | Disputes to be resolved in accordance with dispute resolution provisions of then current form of Franchise Agreement. |
| w. Choice of law | Section 13.7 | Follows choice of law provisions of then current form of Franchise Agreement. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 63–83)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, the resolution of disputes, including the choice of forum and law, will be handled according to the dispute resolution provisions outlined in the then-current form of the Franchise Agreement. This applies to disputes arising under the IT (presumably, Information Technology) Agreement, as specified in Section 13.7 of that agreement.
For a prospective Noodles & Company franchisee, this means that the specific procedures, location, and governing laws for resolving any conflicts with Noodles & Company will be detailed in the Franchise Agreement itself. The IT Agreement incorporates these provisions by reference, ensuring consistency across agreements. It is important to carefully review the relevant sections of the Franchise Agreement to understand the dispute resolution process, including any requirements for mediation or arbitration, the designated venue for legal proceedings, and the state or jurisdiction whose laws will apply.
This approach is fairly standard in franchising, where the Franchise Agreement typically governs dispute resolution. Franchisees should pay close attention to these clauses, as they can significantly impact the cost and convenience of resolving disputes. Consulting with an attorney experienced in franchise law is advisable to fully understand the implications of these provisions before signing the Franchise Agreement with Noodles & Company.