If a Noodles & Company franchisee has a Protected Area, does that area include Non-Traditional Venues?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Because certain locations within the Protected Area are by their nature unique and separate in character from the sites to which we intend to grant you a franchise, those sites are referred to as "Non-Traditional Venues." Non-Traditional Venues are excluded from the Protected Area and we have the right to develop (by direct ownership, franchising, licensing) those locations even if those sites are located within the Protected Area and regardless of the proximity of those sites to any other Noodles & Company restaurant. Non-Traditional Venues include, for example: (1) transportation facilities, including airports, train stations, subways and rail and bus stations; (2) military bases and government offices; (3) sports facilities, including stadiums and arenas; (4) amusement parks, zoos and convention centers; (5) car and truck rest stops and travel centers and limited access highway oasis and rest and service areas; (6) casinos; (7) food courts; (8) Indian reservations and (9) museums.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 48–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's protected area does not include Non-Traditional Venues. Noodles & Company retains the right to develop these venues themselves or through other franchisees or licensees, even if they are located within a franchisee's protected area.
Noodles & Company defines Non-Traditional Venues as locations that are unique and separate in character from typical franchise sites. These include transportation facilities like airports and train stations, military bases and government offices, sports facilities, amusement parks, zoos, convention centers, car and truck rest stops, casinos, food courts, Indian reservations, and museums.
This reservation of rights has significant implications for prospective Noodles & Company franchisees. Even with a protected area, the franchisee may face competition from a Noodles & Company restaurant in a Non-Traditional Venue within that area. This could impact the franchisee's potential customer base and revenue. It is important for potential franchisees to understand this exception and consider its potential impact on their business when evaluating a franchise opportunity with Noodles & Company.