How often must Noodles & Company franchisees complete the facilitated SAQ, and who is the auditing partner?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
COMPANY RESTAURANT; AUDITS.
13.01 Inspections. We and our designees have the right at any reasonable time and without prior notice to: (a) inspect your Noodles & Company Restaurant; (b) observe, photograph, audio-tape and/or video tape the operations of your Noodles & Company Restaurant; (c) remove samples of any food and beverage products, materials or supplies for testing and analysis; and (d) interview personnel and customers of your Noodles & Company Restaurant. You agree to cooperate fully with such activities. You shall furnish to us immediately upon receipt by you all inspection reports, citations or warnings received from municipal or other authorities.
13.02 Audits. We have the right at any time during business hours, and on 10 days' prior notice to you, to inspect, copy and audit the books, records, tax returns and documents relating to the development, ownership, lease, occupancy or operation of your Noodles & Company Restaurant. You must cooperate fully with our representatives and independent accountants conducting such audits. If any inspection or audit discloses an understatement of Net Royalty Sales, you must pay us, within seven days after receipt of the audit report, the royalties and any advertising contributions due on the amount of such understatement, plus interest (as provided in Section 6.05) from the
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, the frequency with which franchisees must complete the facilitated Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and the identity of the auditing partner are not detailed in the provided excerpts. The excerpts do mention that Noodles & Company has the right to inspect, copy, and audit the books, records, tax returns, and documents relating to the operation of your Noodles & Company Restaurant.
While the FDD excerpts outline Noodles & Company's right to audit franchisee records and the conditions under which franchisees may be responsible for the costs of such audits, they do not specify the exact auditing process, the frequency of required SAQ completion, or the name of the auditing partner. The FDD excerpts do mention that Noodles & Company may require you and your Operating Partner and Restaurant management personnel to attend and successfully complete periodic or additional training programs.
A prospective Noodles & Company franchisee should seek clarification from the franchisor regarding the specifics of the SAQ, including how often it must be completed, who conducts the audit, and what the process entails. Understanding these details is crucial for budgeting time and resources and ensuring compliance with Noodles & Company's requirements.