What documentation related to the Operating Partner arrangement must a Noodles & Company franchisee provide to the franchisor?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Your Operating Partner: (a) shall exert full-time and best efforts to the development and operation of your Noodles & Company restaurants and all other Noodles & Company restaurants you own; and (b) may not engage in any other business or activity, directly or indirectly, that requires substantial management responsibility or time commitments or otherwise may conflict with your obligations hereunder. You agree to provide us with an executed copy of any arrangement, agreement, or contract, and all amendments thereto, with your Operating Partner. We shall have no responsibility, liability or obligation to any party to any such arrangement, agreement, or contract, or any amendments thereto, on account of our approval thereof or otherwise, and you agree to indemnify and hold us, and our Affiliates if applicable, harmless with respect thereto. Your Noodles & Company restaurants at all times must be managed by your Operating Partner or by an on-site general or assistant manager or a shift supervisor who has completed the appropriate training programs.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must provide the franchisor with an executed copy of any arrangement, agreement, or contract, including all amendments, made with their Operating Partner.
This requirement ensures that Noodles & Company is fully informed about the contractual relationship between the franchisee and the Operating Partner who manages the day-to-day operations. By reviewing these documents, Noodles & Company can assess whether the terms of the agreement align with their standards and protect their interests.
The franchisee is also responsible for indemnifying and holding Noodles & Company harmless with respect to these agreements. This means the franchisee assumes liability for any issues arising from the Operating Partner's agreement, further protecting Noodles & Company from potential disputes or liabilities related to the Operating Partner's actions or agreements.