Does Noodles & Company require me to identify myself as the independent owner of my Noodles & Company Restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Nothing contained in this Agreement, or arising from the conduct of the parties hereunder, is intended to make either party a general or special agent, joint venturer, partner or employee of the other for any purpose whatsoever. You must conspicuously identify yourself in all dealings with customers, lessors, contractors, suppliers, public officials, employees and others as the owner of your Noodles & Company Restaurant and must place such other notices of independent ownership on such forms, business cards, stationery, advertising and other materials as we may require from time to time.
You may not make any express or implied agreements, warranties, guarantees or representations or incur any debt in our name or on our behalf or represent that the relationship of the parties hereto is anything other than that of independent contractors. We will not be obligated by or have any liability under any agreements made by you with any third party or for any representations made by you to any third party. We will not be
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must conspicuously identify themselves as the independent owners of their Noodles & Company Restaurant in all dealings with customers, lessors, contractors, suppliers, public officials, and employees. This requirement extends to notices of independent ownership on forms, business cards, stationery, advertising, and other materials, as mandated by Noodles & Company from time to time. Franchisees cannot represent their relationship with Noodles & Company as anything other than that of independent contractors.
This stipulation ensures clarity in all interactions, reinforcing the franchisee's role as an independent entity responsible for their restaurant's operations. It also protects Noodles & Company from liabilities arising from agreements or representations made by the franchisee to third parties. This is a common practice in franchising, where the franchisor sets standards and provides support, but the franchisee manages the day-to-day business.
Furthermore, franchisees must use the Noodles & Company Marks as the sole identification of their restaurant, provided they identify themselves as the independent owner in the manner prescribed by Noodles & Company. Franchisees are restricted from using any Mark (or any abbreviation, modification, or colorable imitation) as part of any corporate or legal business name or in any other manner (including any Internet related use such as an electronic media identifier, for web sites, web pages or domain names) not expressly authorized in writing by Noodles & Company. They may not have a website that uses any Noodles & Company logos, Marks or the Noodles & Company name without prior written consent, which Noodles & Company may withhold at its discretion.
These requirements ensure that while franchisees benefit from the Noodles & Company brand and system, they also maintain their independent identity and operational control, subject to the franchisor's brand standards and guidelines. This arrangement balances the need for brand consistency with the franchisee's autonomy as a business owner.