What is the minimum aggregate term required for any lease or sublease for a Noodles & Company Premises?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree that any lease or sublease for the Premises must, in form and substance satisfactory to us, include all of the provisions set forth in the Addendum to Lease Form, as modified from time to time and which is contained in the Operations Manual, shall be for an aggregate term of (at least) 20 years in a combination of initial term and renewals, and shall include any other provisions as we may determine desirable from time to time. You may not execute a lease, sublease or purchase contract or any modification thereof without our approval. Our approval of the lease, sublease or purchase contract does not constitute a warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, as to its fairness or suitability or as to your ability to comply with its terms and we do not assume any liability or responsibility to you or to any third parties due to such approval. You must deliver a copy to us of the fully signed lease, sublease or purchase contract within five days after its execution.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any lease or sublease for a Noodles & Company restaurant must have a minimum aggregate term of 20 years. This term can be achieved through a combination of the initial lease term and any renewal options.
Noodles & Company retains the right to approve and modify the terms of any lease, sublease, or purchase contract for the premises. Franchisees must provide Noodles & Company with a copy of the lease for approval before signing. For the third restaurant and beyond, Noodles & Company may charge a fee for reviewing the lease, as detailed in their current Operations Manual.
The lease or sublease must be satisfactory to Noodles & Company in both form and substance, including all provisions outlined in the Addendum to Lease Form within the Operations Manual. Franchisees are prohibited from executing any lease, sublease, or purchase contract, or any modifications to these, without prior approval from Noodles & Company. However, Noodles & Company's approval does not constitute a warranty regarding the fairness or suitability of the lease, nor does it assume liability to the franchisee or any third parties. Franchisees must provide Noodles & Company with a fully signed copy of the lease, sublease, or purchase contract within five days of execution.