What factors affect the legal expenses incurred by a Noodles & Company franchisee?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, legal expenses can vary significantly depending on several factors. Item 7 indicates that for Company-owned Restaurants, Noodles & Company manages many legal activities using its existing management team, including internal legal counsel. However, as a franchisee, the extent to which you incur these costs will depend on your specific needs for legal counsel. This means that if you have a strong existing infrastructure and personnel capable of handling legal matters, your expenses may be lower.

The complexity of real estate and site requirements also plays a role. More complex legal and consultative matters will likely increase your legal expenses. The FDD indicates in the table in Item 7 that legal expenses for franchisees can range from $0 to $0, but this is likely due to Noodles & Company handling many of these costs for company-owned restaurants.

Prospective franchisees should carefully consider their existing resources and the potential complexity of their restaurant's legal needs when budgeting for these expenses. It would be prudent to discuss with Noodles & Company the types of legal matters that typically arise and to consult with experienced franchise attorneys to understand the potential range of costs based on your specific circumstances and location.