Does the proprietary information for Noodles & Company include knowledge of operating results and financial performance of other Noodles & Company restaurants?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We also consider certain information used in the development and operations of Noodles & Company restaurants, trade secrets and proprietary information. This information includes, but is not limited to:
- (1) ingredients, recipes and methods of preparation and presentation of certain food products;
- (2) site selection criteria for Noodles & Company restaurants and plans and specifications for the development of Noodles & Company restaurants;
- (3) sales, marketing and advertising programs and techniques for Noodles & Company restaurants;
- (4) identity of suppliers and knowledge of specifications, processes, procedures and equipment, and pricing for authorized food products, materials, supplies and equipment;
- (5) knowledge of operating results and financial performance of Noodles & Company restaurants, other than your own Noodles & Company restaurants;
- (6) methods of inventory control, storage, product handling, food cost and management of Noodles & Company restaurants;
- (7) computer systems and software programs; and
- (8) other information and specifications related to the development and operation of Noodles & Company restaurants that are included in the Noodles & Company Operations Manual and in other materials that we provide to you.
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 58–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, the brand considers knowledge of operating results and financial performance of its restaurants as proprietary information. Specifically, this includes data from Noodles & Company restaurants that the franchisee does not own. This information is considered confidential and a trade secret.
As a Noodles & Company franchisee, you will have access to certain confidential information, and you are obligated to maintain its confidentiality. You are prohibited from using this information in any business other than your Noodles & Company franchise. This restriction extends even after you no longer have an ownership interest in the franchise.
The FDD specifies that you must not disclose or distribute any of Noodles & Company's confidential information. This includes knowledge of operating results and financial performance of other Noodles & Company restaurants. This measure is in place to protect the brand's competitive advantage and maintain the integrity of the Noodles & Company system.