What are some examples of 'Non-Traditional Venues' that Noodles & Company considers excluded from a franchisee's Protected Area?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You acknowledge, however, that certain locations within the Protected Area are by their nature unique and separate in character from the sites to which we intend to grant you a franchise; such sites are referred to as "Non-Traditional Venues." As a result, you agree that Non-Traditional Venues are excluded from the Protected Area and we shall have the right to develop (by direct ownership, franchising, licensing or other means) such locations even if such sites are located within the Protected Area and regardless of the proximity of such sites to any Noodles & Company Restaurant for which you have, or might have in the future, a franchise. Non-Traditional Venues include, for example: (i) transportation facilities, including airports, train stations, subways and rail, and bus stations; (ii) military bases and government offices; (iii) sports facilities, including stadiums and arenas; (iv) amusement parks, zoos, and convention centers; (v) car and truck rest stops, and travel centers and Limited Access Highway oasis and rest and service areas; (vi) casinos; (vii) food courts; (viii) Indian reservations; and (ix) museums.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, certain locations are considered "Non-Traditional Venues" and are excluded from a franchisee's protected area. This means that even if a Non-Traditional Venue is located within a franchisee's protected area, Noodles & Company retains the right to develop or franchise a Noodles & Company restaurant at that location.
These Non-Traditional Venues are considered unique and separate in character from typical franchise sites. Examples of Non-Traditional Venues include transportation facilities such as airports, train stations, subways and rail, and bus stations. Other examples are military bases, government offices, sports facilities like stadiums and arenas, amusement parks, zoos, convention centers, car and truck rest stops, travel centers, Limited Access Highway oasis and rest and service areas, casinos, food courts, Indian reservations and museums.
This policy allows Noodles & Company to pursue opportunities in locations that may not be suitable for a traditional franchise model. For a potential franchisee, this means that while they are granted a protected area, certain locations within that area are not exclusive and could potentially house a competing Noodles & Company restaurant operated by the franchisor or another franchisee. It is important for prospective franchisees to carefully review the Protected Area Exhibit to understand the specific boundaries and potential for Non-Traditional Venues within their territory.