What are some examples of Non-Traditional Venues for Noodles & Company restaurants?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You acknowledge, however, that certain locations within the Development Area are by their nature unique and separate in character from the sites to which we intend to grant you a franchise or area Development Rights pursuant to this Agreement; such sites are referred to as "Non-Traditional Venues." As a result, you agree that Non-Traditional Venues are excluded from the Development Area (and any Protected Area under any Franchise Agreement) 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 Development Area (and any Protected Area under any Franchise Agreement) and regardless of the proximity of such sites to any Noodles & Company restaurant for which you have or might have in the foreseeable 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, Non-Traditional Venues are locations that are unique and separate in character from typical franchise sites. These venues are excluded from the Development Area and any Protected Area granted to a franchisee. Noodles & Company retains the right to develop these locations through direct ownership, franchising, licensing, or other means, even if they are within a franchisee's Development or Protected Area. This means that Noodles & Company can operate or franchise a location in these venues regardless of its proximity to an existing Noodles & Company restaurant.
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, and convention centers. Car and truck rest stops, travel centers, Limited Access Highway oasis, rest and service areas, casinos, food courts, Indian reservations and museums are also considered Non-Traditional Venues.
This policy allows Noodles & Company to pursue opportunities in locations that may not be suitable for a traditional franchise model, such as those with high foot traffic or unique operating conditions. For a potential franchisee, this means that while they may have a protected area for traditional locations, Noodles & Company can still establish restaurants in these non-traditional venues within or near that area. This is a key consideration for prospective franchisees to understand the scope and limitations of their protected area.