How often can Noodles & Company require a franchisee to undertake structural changes, remodeling, and renovations to their Noodles & Company restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (d) In addition to required maintenance and upkeep, we have the right to require you to undertake structural changes, remodeling and renovations and other modifications to your Noodles & Company Restaurant to conform to the design, trade dress, color schemes and presentation of the Proprietary Marks and the image of the System that we are then requiring of new Noodles & Company Restaurants; provided, however, that, with the exception of signage and equipment (as provided in Section 9.01(b) above) , we will not require such modifications more often than once every five years during the Term and at any time that you renew or transfer the franchise.
Capital expenses necessary for the repair and maintenance of your Noodles & Company Restaurant and modifications required by applicable law or required to abate a hazardous situation are not subject to the time limitations described in the preceding sentence.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Noodles & Company has the right to mandate structural changes, remodeling, renovations, and other modifications to a franchisee's restaurant. These changes are to ensure the restaurant conforms to the current design, trade dress, color schemes, presentation of proprietary marks, and overall image of the Noodles & Company system.
However, Noodles & Company will not require these modifications more often than once every five years during the term of the franchise. This limitation also applies at the time of franchise renewal or transfer. This provides some predictability for franchisees in terms of capital expenditure planning.
There are exceptions to this five-year limitation. Noodles & Company can require modifications at any time if they are necessary for repairs and maintenance, required by applicable law, or needed to abate a hazardous situation. Additionally, expenditures related to signage and equipment are considered maintenance expenditures and are not subject to the five-year remodeling limitation.