Must a Noodles & Company franchisee comply with the then-current qualifications and training requirements for new franchisees to be eligible for renewal?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (vii).
You must have complied with our then-current qualifications (including financial and operational qualifications) and training requirements for new Franchisees, and you must be eligible for renewal in accordance with our process for evaluating franchisee renewal eligibility as in effect from time to time.
If you are not so eligible, we will so notify you not less than 18 months before the end of an Initial Term or subsequent Renewal Term, which notice will include the reasons you are not so eligible, and you will have an opportunity to seek to satisfy such eligibility (and we will re-evaluate such eligibility) prior to the end of such term.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must meet the then-current qualifications and training requirements for new franchisees to be eligible for renewal. These qualifications include financial and operational standards. Additionally, the franchisee must be eligible for renewal according to Noodles & Company's evaluation process at the time of renewal.
Noodles & Company will notify a franchisee at least 18 months before the end of their current term if they are not eligible for renewal. This notice will include the reasons for ineligibility, giving the franchisee an opportunity to meet the requirements before the term ends. The franchisee will then have a chance to address the deficiencies and be re-evaluated by Noodles & Company.
This requirement ensures that all Noodles & Company locations maintain consistent standards of operation and service. For a prospective franchisee, this means a commitment to ongoing training and adherence to evolving brand standards is necessary not only for initial operation but also for long-term franchise renewal. Failing to meet these standards could prevent a franchisee from renewing their agreement, potentially losing their investment and business.