What is a Noodles & Company franchisee prohibited from doing regarding the use of services?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is restricted in how they engage with third-party food ordering and delivery systems. Specifically, they can only engage with these systems in a manner that Noodles & Company permits. This includes how they ring up and account for ordering, delivery, and catering charges that are not already included in the price of the products.

This restriction ensures that Noodles & Company maintains control over how its brand is represented and how transactions are handled through third-party services. By dictating the manner in which franchisees can use these systems, Noodles & Company can standardize the customer experience and ensure consistency in pricing and accounting practices across all franchise locations.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they must adhere to Noodles & Company's specific guidelines and procedures when using third-party delivery services. They cannot independently decide how to integrate or manage these services without the franchisor's approval. This could impact their operational flexibility but also provides a framework for managing these services effectively. It would be prudent for a potential franchisee to fully understand the scope of these permitted activities and the specific procedures required by Noodles & Company before signing the franchise agreement.