What is the exclusive means by which Noodles & Company approves a proposed site?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will approve or reject each site for which you submit to us a complete Site Package. Our executed Site Approval Form is the exclusive means by which we approve a proposed site. We will use all reasonable efforts to make a site approval decision and, if the site is accepted, deliver a Site Approval Form to you within 45 days after we receive the complete Site Package and any other materials we have requested. In deciding whether to approve or reject a site you propose, we may consider various factors, including the general location and neighborhood, demographic information, traffic patterns, access, visibility, site economics, location of other retail food establishments (including other Noodles & Company restaurants) and size, condition trade dress, configuration, appearance, and other physical characteristics of the site. Your restaurants may not be relocated without our prior written consent and compliance with our thencurrent site criteria.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the exclusive means by which Noodles & Company approves a proposed site is through their executed Site Approval Form. Before acquiring a site, franchisees must submit a complete Site Package, with Noodles & Company providing training to assist in this process for the first restaurant.
The Site Package will be reviewed, and Noodles & Company will determine whether to approve the site based on factors they deem appropriate. These factors include the general location, neighborhood, demographic information, site economics, traffic patterns, access, visibility, the location of other food establishments, the site's size, configuration, signage, trade dress, appearance, and other physical and non-physical characteristics. Noodles & Company aims to make a decision within 45 days of receiving a complete Site Package, though this timeframe is an estimate and may be subject to delays.
Noodles & Company states that their approval of a site does not constitute a warranty or representation of its suitability, and the decision to lease or purchase a site remains the franchisee's sole responsibility. Furthermore, a Noodles & Company restaurant cannot be closed or relocated without prior written consent from Noodles & Company. Franchisees are also responsible for conducting their own due diligence and consulting with professional advisors before making site selection decisions.