Is Noodles & Company responsible for financial outcomes associated with the site selection for a Noodles & Company restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Neither our approval of the premises nor any information communicated to you regarding our standard site selection criteria for Noodles & Company restaurants will constitute a warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, as to the suitability of the site for a Noodles & Company restaurant. Our approval of the proposed site merely signifies that we are willing to grant a franchise for a Noodles & Company restaurant at the site. The decision to enter into a lease or purchase agreement for a site is solely the responsibility of the franchisee. Noodles & Company is not responsible for financial outcomes associated with site selection. Your Noodles & Company restaurant may not be closed or relocated without first obtaining our written consent. (Franchise Agreement, Section 2.01; Area Development Agreement, Section 3.02).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, Noodles & Company is not responsible for the financial outcomes associated with site selection. While Noodles & Company does provide site selection criteria and must approve the site, the final decision to lease or purchase the site is solely the franchisee's responsibility.
Noodles & Company will provide area operators general guidance in selecting sites. Franchisees must submit a complete Site Package to Noodles & Company for approval, and Noodles & Company will review the package considering factors such as location, demographics, traffic patterns, and other characteristics. Noodles & Company aims to make a decision within 45 days of receiving a complete Site Package, though this timeframe is subject to delays.
Noodles & Company's approval of a site does not constitute a warranty or representation of its suitability. The franchisee is ultimately responsible for conducting independent due diligence and consulting with professional advisors before making site selection decisions. The FDD emphasizes that Noodles & Company's approval merely signifies their willingness to grant a franchise at the site, not a guarantee of financial success.
Franchisees are cautioned to not rely on any information communicated by Noodles & Company regarding site selection as a warranty of any kind. Additionally, franchisees cannot close or relocate their Noodles & Company restaurant without written consent from Noodles & Company.