Is a Noodles & Company franchisee required to purchase IT support services from Noodles & Company?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ranchises) to a franchisee based on use of designated or approved suppliers.
You will be required to purchase IT support services from us. These services, and the related fees, are described in Item 11.
We estimate that the required purchases of Proprietary and Non-Proprietary goods, services, leases, supplies, fixtures, equipment and inventory from Designated
Suppliers and Approved Suppliers
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 28–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase IT support services directly from Noodles & Company. This requirement is in place to ensure that all Noodles & Company restaurants maintain uniform standards of quality and service. The FDD specifies that the franchisor is the only approved supplier of these IT support services, as outlined in the IT Support Services Agreement. Item 11 of the FDD provides further details regarding these services and associated fees. In 2024, Noodles & Company's revenue from IT Support Services was $1,089,840, representing 0.22% of their total revenue of $493,271,000.
This mandate means that franchisees cannot choose their own IT service providers, even if they find alternatives that may offer better pricing or more customized solutions. While this restriction might limit a franchisee's autonomy, it is intended to standardize IT infrastructure across all locations, potentially simplifying support and maintenance while ensuring data security and system compatibility.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review Item 11 of the FDD to fully understand the scope of IT support services provided by Noodles & Company and the associated costs. Understanding the specific services covered, the service level agreements, and the potential for additional fees is crucial for budgeting and operational planning. Additionally, franchisees should inquire about the process for addressing IT-related issues and the support channels available to them.