Can Noodles & Company enter into joint ventures or partnerships to develop Noodles & Company restaurants?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, Noodles & Company may enter into joint ventures or partnerships to develop Noodles & Company restaurants. These arrangements can be made with existing Area Operators or other parties. The specific terms of these joint ventures or partnerships are subject to negotiation between the parties involved. This flexibility allows Noodles & Company to explore various development strategies and potentially leverage the resources and expertise of its partners.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that Noodles & Company might choose to partner with another entity, possibly even another franchisee, to develop restaurants in a specific area. This could impact the competitive landscape and development opportunities available to individual franchisees. It is important to note that the terms of these arrangements are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, so the implications can vary significantly.

Prospective franchisees should inquire about Noodles & Company's history of forming such joint ventures or partnerships, the criteria used for selecting partners, and how these arrangements might affect their own development plans and market exclusivity. Understanding the potential for these partnerships is crucial for assessing the overall risk and opportunity associated with investing in a Noodles & Company franchise.