Can Noodles & Company require participation in Multi-Area Marketing Programs?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
a program we have not mandated or provided.
- (b) You shall fully participate in all programs, public relations campaigns, prize contests, special offers, and other programs (including stored value cards, gift certificates and other similar programs), national, regional, or local in nature (including the introduction of new products, new franchises or other marketing programs directed or approved by us) which are prescribed from time to time by us. You shall be responsible for the costs of such participation. To the extent permitted by law, you will comply with any minimum or maximum price restrictions, including the use of coupons, which we may promulgate from time to time.
- (c) We may also require you to join and participate in Multi-Area Marketing Programs, and may specify maximum resale prices to the extent permitted by law. We may designate the coverage area, method and timing of payment, and any outside agencies.
- 10.07 Prior Approval of Marketing Materials and Use of Noodles & Company Provided Materials. You must submit to us for our written approval (which may be withheld in our sole discretion), no later than 30 days prior to your planned implementation, all marketing plans, written materials and samples of all marketing, public relations and promotional materials not prepared or previously approved by us and which vary from our standard marketing, public relations and promotional materials.
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTION ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 62–63)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to participate in Multi-Area Marketing Programs. The FDD states that Noodles & Company may require franchisees to join and participate in these programs. These programs are defined as regional, national, or international programs designed to increase business, including various customer, internet, event, and co-branding initiatives.
Participation in Multi-Area Marketing Programs may require franchisees to cooperate, including refraining from certain marketing channels, and adhere to maximum pricing, to the extent permitted by law. Franchisees are responsible for the costs associated with participating in these programs. Before implementing any marketing program that Noodles & Company has not mandated or provided, franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Noodles & Company.
Noodles & Company also requires that Area Operators participate in price point promotions, special promotions, Multi-Area Marketing Programs, and product launches that Noodles & Company establishes from time to time, at the Area Operator's expense, provided such promotions do not violate applicable law. Franchisees must fully participate in all programs, public relations campaigns, prize contests, special offers, and other programs, whether national, regional, or local, including the introduction of new products and other marketing programs directed or approved by Noodles & Company.