What expenses are included in 'Controllable Expenses' for Noodles & Company restaurants?

According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, controllable expenses include several categories of costs associated with running a restaurant. These expenses encompass repairs and maintenance, which are essential for keeping the restaurant in good working order. Additionally, controllable expenses cover the costs of small wares, which are the utensils, dishes, and other small equipment used daily.

Third-party delivery fees, which have become increasingly important with the rise of online ordering, are also included in controllable expenses. Other items falling under this category are cleaning supplies, office supplies, and trash removal, all of which are necessary for maintaining a clean and efficient operation.

Furthermore, controllable expenses account for uniforms for employees, employee activities, and other miscellaneous operating expenses. These are costs that a Noodles & Company franchisee can directly influence through management decisions and operational efficiency. The summary profit and loss statement shows that the average amount for controllable expenses is $182,152, representing 14.0% of net sales.