What lease-related document must a Noodles & Company franchisee provide to Noodles & Company before opening a leased location?

According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee leases the premises for their restaurant, Noodles & Company must receive a fully executed copy of the lease, which Noodles & Company must approve in writing, before the franchisee is permitted to open the restaurant. This requirement ensures that Noodles & Company has reviewed and approved the lease terms, protecting their brand and the franchisee's interests.

This stipulation is a standard practice in franchising, allowing the franchisor to verify that the lease terms are reasonable and align with the brand's standards. It also helps to ensure that the franchisee has secured a suitable location with appropriate lease conditions, such as sufficient lease term and renewal options.

For a prospective Noodles & Company franchisee, this means that securing a lease that meets Noodles & Company's approval is a critical step in the opening process. The franchisee should work closely with Noodles & Company during the lease negotiation phase to ensure that the terms are acceptable and that the final lease agreement can be approved without delays. Failure to obtain lease approval could postpone or even prevent the restaurant opening.