Are Noodles & Company franchisees or their employees compensated for services performed during training?

According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, neither franchisees nor their employees will receive compensation from Noodles & Company for services they perform during training. Franchisees are responsible for all compensation and expenses, including travel, meals, and lodging, incurred due to any training programs.

This means that while Noodles & Company provides the training programs without charging fees, the franchisee bears the full financial burden of sending themselves, their operating partner, and their general managers to the required training. This includes not only their salaries or wages during the training period but also all associated travel and living expenses.

This is a fairly standard practice in the franchise industry, where the franchisee is generally considered an independent business owner responsible for their own employee costs. Prospective Noodles & Company franchisees should factor these training-related labor and travel costs into their initial investment and operating budget.

Noodles & Company requires the franchisee and their operating partner to begin training at least 16 weeks before the restaurant opens. The general manager must start training at least 12 weeks prior to opening. Training typically occurs at the Noodles & Company Central Support Office in Broomfield, Colorado, and at certified training restaurants in Colorado and other states.