Are the fees imposed by Noodles & Company on its franchises refundable?

According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, most fees are non-refundable. Specifically, the FDD states that, unless otherwise noted, all fees are imposed and collected by Noodles & Company, are non-refundable, and are uniformly imposed on its franchises. This means that franchisees should expect that fees paid to Noodles & Company will not be returned, regardless of the circumstances.

This policy is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as initial franchise fees and other ongoing fees are generally used to cover the franchisor's administrative, training, and support costs. The non-refundable nature of these fees underscores the importance of careful due diligence before investing in a Noodles & Company franchise. Prospective franchisees should thoroughly review the FDD, seek legal and financial advice, and fully understand all fee obligations before signing a franchise agreement.

While the general policy is that fees are non-refundable, the FDD does not explicitly detail if there are any specific fees that may be an exception to this rule. It is important for potential franchisees to clarify with Noodles & Company whether any fees are refundable under certain conditions. Understanding the specific circumstances under which a refund might be possible can help franchisees better manage their financial risks and expectations.