What is the estimated grand total investment range for a franchise-owned Noodles & Company restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount (2) | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be Made | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | ||||
| Build-out Costs (3) | |||||
| Leasehold Improvements (4) | $381,000 | $822,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Contractors & Government Agencies |
| Architectural & Other Design Fees (4) | $47,000 | $116,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Architects & Engineers |
| Landlord Credits (5) | $(78,000) | $(183,000) | As Arranged | Post - Construction | Landlord |
| Kitchen Equipment (5) | $150,000 | $241,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Approved Suppliers |
| Millwork & Furniture (5) | $15,000 | $48,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Approved Suppliers |
| Computer Equipment (5) | $58,000 | $60,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Approved Suppliers |
| Signage (5) | $20,000 | $66,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Approved Suppliers |
| Pre-Opening Costs & | |||||
| Additional Funds | |||||
| Permits & Licenses (6) | $1,000 | $23,000 | Cash | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Government Agencies |
| Supplies & Smallwares | $6,000 | $10,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Approved Suppliers |
| Opening Inventory (7) | $6,000 | $10,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Approved Suppliers |
| Safe & Cash on Hand in | $1,000 | $3,000 | Cash | At Opening | Operations |
| Registers | |||||
| Utilities | $1,000 | $18,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Landlords |
| Pre-Opening Cash Occupancy Costs (8) | $— | $8,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Landlords & Approved Suppliers |
| Training (9) | $21,000 | $64,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Employees, Airlines, Hotels & Restaurants |
| Grand Opening Marketing Program (10) | $5,000 | $15,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Approved Suppliers |
| Legal Expenses (11) | $— | $— | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Attorneys |
| Additional Funds – 3 months (12) | $— | $56,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred, Subject to Negotiated Terms | Employees & Approved Suppliers |
| Fee to Franchisor | |||||
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $35,000 | Cash | See Item 5 Franchise Agreement | Noodles & Company |
| Total Fee to Franchisor | $35,000 | $35,000 | |||
| Grand Total for Franchise- | $669,000 | $1,412,000 | |||
| owned Restaurants (13)(14) |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 23–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated grand total investment for a franchise-owned restaurant ranges from $669,000 to $1,412,000. This total encompasses various expenses, including build-out costs such as leasehold improvements ($381,000 to $822,000) and architectural and design fees ($47,000 to $116,000). It also factors in potential landlord credits, which range from a reduction of $78,000 to $183,000.
Pre-opening costs are also included in the grand total, covering items like permits and licenses ($1,000 to $23,000), supplies and smallwares ($6,000 to $10,000), and opening inventory ($6,000 to $10,000). Additionally, the estimate accounts for training expenses ($21,000 to $64,000) and the grand opening marketing program, which ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. The franchise fee is a fixed cost of $35,000.
It's important to note that these figures are based on the costs incurred to open 10 recently opened company-owned restaurants, and these restaurants ranged in size from 2,000 to 3,500 square feet. These costs do not include finance charges, interest, or debt financing costs. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these figures with a business advisor to assess their financial readiness and understand the potential variability in costs based on location, construction, and other factors.