For Noodles & Company, does a failure to have sufficient funds available in the designated account constitute a default of all other agreements between the franchisee and Noodles & Company?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Your failure to have sufficient funds available in the designated account in an amount equal to any amount then due or your failure to pay all amounts when due, constitutes grounds for termination of this Agreement, as provided in Section 15, and shall be a default of all other agreements by and between you and us and shall constitute grounds for termination of said agreements.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, failing to have enough funds in the designated account to cover payments due is a serious breach that can trigger multiple consequences. Specifically, it constitutes grounds for terminating the Franchise Agreement and also triggers a default across all other agreements between the franchisee and Noodles & Company. This means that if a franchisee fails to maintain sufficient funds, Noodles & Company can terminate not only the franchise agreement but also any other agreements in place.
Section 6.04 of the FDD outlines the requirement for franchisees to establish a designated bank account from which Noodles & Company is authorized to withdraw amounts due, including Royalty Fees and Marketing Funds. The franchisee is responsible for maintaining sufficient funds in this account to cover these "Sweeps," and failure to do so is considered a material breach of the agreement.
Section 6.05 further clarifies that not having sufficient funds available in the designated account, or failing to pay amounts when due, provides grounds for termination of the agreement. It also explicitly states that such a failure constitutes a default of all other agreements between the franchisee and Noodles & Company, potentially leading to their termination as well. This provision underscores the importance of franchisees carefully managing their finances and ensuring timely payments to avoid jeopardizing their entire relationship with Noodles & Company.