What examples of modifications or additions might Noodles & Company require a franchisee to make to their Noodles & Company restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (d) In addition to required maintenance and upkeep, we have the right to require you to undertake structural changes, remodeling and renovations and other modifications to your Noodles & Company Restaurant to conform to the design, trade dress, color schemes and presentation of the Proprietary Marks and the image of the System that we are then requiring of new Noodles & Company Restaurants; provided, however, that, with the exception of signage and equipment (as provided in Section 9.01(b) above) , we will not require such modifications more often than once every five years during the Term and at any time that you renew or transfer the franchise.
Capital expenses necessary for the repair and maintenance of your Noodles & Company Restaurant and modifications required by applicable law or required to abate a hazardous situation are not subject to the time limitations described in the preceding sentence.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, Noodles & Company has the right to require franchisees to undertake structural changes, remodeling, renovations, and other modifications to their restaurants. These changes are mandated to conform to the design, trade dress, color schemes, presentation of proprietary marks, and the overall image of the Noodles & Company system that is then required of new restaurants. Generally, Noodles & Company will not require these modifications more often than once every five years during the term of the franchise, or at any time the franchisee renews or transfers the franchise.
However, there are exceptions to the five-year limitation. Capital expenses for the repair and maintenance of the Noodles & Company restaurant, modifications required by applicable law, or those needed to abate a hazardous situation are not subject to these time restrictions. Additionally, franchisees must agree to make modifications and additions to their restaurant's layout, decor, operations, and general theme as required by Noodles & Company. This includes replacing worn-out or obsolete fixtures, equipment, furnishings, signs, and utensils, as well as repairing the interior and exterior, appurtenant parking areas, and periodic cleaning and redecorating, such as painting, new carpeting, wall coverings, and furniture fabrics.
If the general state of repair, appearance, or cleanliness of the Noodles & Company restaurant does not meet Noodles & Company's standards, the franchisee will be notified and given a specified action to correct the deficiency. Failure to initiate a program to complete the required maintenance within 14 days after receiving notice may result in Noodles & Company entering the premises to perform the maintenance at the franchisee's expense. Expenditures related to signage and equipment, including those needed for new menu items, are considered maintenance expenditures rather than remodeling expenditures, meaning they are not subject to the same time limitations.