Are site selection criteria and restaurant development plans considered proprietary information for Noodles & Company?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We claim copyright protection for our Noodles & Company Operations Manual; printed advertising and promotional materials; certain plans and specifications for the design, layout and development of Noodle & Company restaurants (and any modifications you make to those plans), product specifications, computer programs, training materials, newsletters, and other operations and accounting materials and forms.
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 Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, site selection criteria and restaurant development plans are considered proprietary information. Noodles & Company claims copyright protection for certain plans and specifications for the design, layout, and development of Noodles & Company restaurants, including any modifications a franchisee makes to those plans.
Noodles & Company also considers certain information used in the development and operations of Noodles & Company restaurants as trade secrets and proprietary information. This includes site selection criteria for Noodles & Company restaurants, as well as plans and specifications for their development. This means that Noodles & Company franchisees must keep this information confidential and use it only for the purpose of operating their franchised restaurants.
This designation as proprietary information has important implications for prospective franchisees. It means that franchisees are legally obligated to protect this information and cannot share it with unauthorized parties. It also means that Noodles & Company retains control over these elements of the business, ensuring consistency and protecting its brand identity. Franchisees must adhere to Noodles & Company's approved site selection criteria and development plans, and any deviations could potentially lead to a breach of the franchise agreement.