What is a Noodles & Company franchisee required to do to identify themselves in dealings with customers and other parties?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must conspicuously identify yourself in all dealings with customers, lessors, contractors, suppliers, public officials, employees and others as the owner of your Noodles & Company Restaurant and must place such other notices of independent ownership on such forms, business cards, stationery, advertising and other materials as we may require from time to time.
You may not make any express or implied agreements, warranties, guarantees or representations or incur any debt in our name or on our behalf or represent that the relationship of the parties hereto is anything other than that of independent contractors. We will not be obligated by or have any liability under any agreements made by you with any third party or for any representations made by you to any third party. We will not be
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must conspicuously identify themselves as the owner of their Noodles & Company Restaurant in all dealings with customers, lessors, contractors, suppliers, public officials, and employees. This requirement ensures transparency and clarifies that the franchisee is an independent entity, not an agent of Noodles & Company itself.
To further emphasize their independent ownership, Noodles & Company franchisees must also include notices of independent ownership on forms, business cards, stationery, advertising, and other materials, as required by Noodles & Company. This reinforces the separation between the franchisor and franchisee in all interactions and communications.
Additionally, franchisees are prohibited from making any agreements, warranties, guarantees, or representations in the name of Noodles & Company. They also cannot incur any debt on behalf of Noodles & Company or represent their relationship as anything other than independent contractors. This protects Noodles & Company from liabilities arising from the franchisee's actions and ensures that third parties understand the franchisee's independent status.