What are some examples of the operating procedures that Noodles & Company franchisees must comply with?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree to comply with all mandatory specifications, standards and operating procedures, as modified from time to time (whether contained in the Operations Manual, the Design Book, the Weekly Roundup or any other written communication), relating to the appearance, function, cleanliness or operation of a Noodles & Company Restaurant, including: (a) type, quality, taste, weight, dimensions, ingredients, uniformity, and manner of preparation, packaging and sale of food products and beverages; (b) sale procedures and customer service; (c) advertising and promotional programs; (d) qualifications, appearance and dress of employees; (e) safety, maintenance, appearance, cleanliness, sanitation, standards of service and operation of your Noodles & Company Restaurant; (f) days and hours of operation; (g) bookkeeping, accounting and record keeping systems and forms; (h) type, quality, and appearance of paper products, small wares, and equipment; (i) training systems for both management and hourly staff members; and (j) information technology software and hardware, information technology ("IT") training, support services and processes.
You are prohibited from selling any products that are not on the approved Noodles & Company menu and you are required to serve the entire approved Noodles & Company menu
unless we approve in writing of an alternative menu for the Premises. Failure to comply with this Section 9.06 is a material breach and default of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific operating procedures and standards. These encompass various aspects of the restaurant's operation, including the type, quality, and preparation of food and beverages, as well as sale procedures and customer service protocols. Franchisees are also required to follow guidelines related to advertising and promotional programs, ensuring they meet Noodles & Company's standards. Employee-related procedures cover qualifications, appearance, and dress codes.
Operational standards extend to the safety, maintenance, cleanliness, and sanitation of the restaurant, along with specified days and hours of operation. Franchisees must also comply with bookkeeping, accounting, and record-keeping systems, as well as standards for paper products, small wares, and equipment. Training systems for both management and hourly staff are also mandated. Furthermore, franchisees must use approved information technology software and hardware, and adhere to related IT training, support services, and processes.
Noodles & Company emphasizes that franchisees are prohibited from selling any products not on the approved menu and must serve the entire approved menu unless written permission is granted for an alternative menu. Compliance with these specifications, standards, and operating procedures is considered a material aspect of the franchise agreement, and failure to comply can result in a breach of contract.