What section of the Noodles & Company IT Support Services Agreement discusses leasing IT equipment?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree to purchase or lease all required equipment, furnishings, fixtures and signs for your Noodles & Company Restaurant from Designated Suppliers and Approved Suppliers as applicable.
You agree to purchase or lease only such types, brands and models of fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs and supplies that we approve for Noodles & Company Restaurants as meeting our standards and specifications, including standards and specifications for quality, design, warranties, appearance, function and performance.
Source: Item 9 — FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATIONS (FDD pages 33–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no specific section within the provided excerpts of the Noodles & Company IT Support Services Agreement that explicitly discusses leasing IT equipment. However, Item 22 generally mentions that franchisees must purchase or lease all required equipment, furnishings, fixtures, and signs from designated or approved suppliers. This suggests that while the IT Support Services Agreement itself isn't detailed in these excerpts, the broader franchise agreement allows for leasing equipment.
Given this, a prospective Noodles & Company franchisee should directly inquire with the franchisor about the specific terms and conditions for leasing IT equipment. This includes understanding which IT equipment can be leased, the approved lessors, and any standards or specifications that Noodles & Company requires for leased IT equipment. It would also be prudent to understand the implications of leasing versus purchasing IT equipment in terms of cost, maintenance responsibilities, and potential obsolescence.
Furthermore, franchisees should clarify whether the IT Support Services Agreement contains any clauses related to the compatibility or integration of leased IT equipment with Noodles & Company's existing IT infrastructure and support systems. Understanding these aspects is crucial for making informed decisions about acquiring and maintaining the necessary IT infrastructure for a Noodles & Company franchise.