If a Noodles & Company franchisee brings a suit, action, or proceeding, where must all claims be brought?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(d) Waiver of Jury Trial. Furthermore, the parties agree that any legal action in connection with this Agreement shall be tried to the court sitting without a jury, and all parties hereto waive any right to have any action tried by jury.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, any legal action connected with the franchise agreement will be tried by a court without a jury. Both Noodles & Company and the franchisee waive their rights to a jury trial. This means that a judge, rather than a panel of citizens, will make the final decision in any legal dispute arising from the franchise agreement.
This waiver of jury trial has significant implications for prospective Noodles & Company franchisees. Jury trials can be more unpredictable and emotionally influenced, while a judge's decision may be more grounded in legal precedent. Franchisees should consider this when evaluating the potential risks and benefits of entering into an agreement with Noodles & Company.
Many franchise agreements contain clauses that govern how and where disputes will be resolved, including waivers of jury trials and requirements for arbitration. Franchisees should carefully review these provisions with legal counsel to understand their rights and obligations.