What standard of condition and appearance must a Noodles & Company restaurant maintain?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(a) You must constantly maintain and continuously operate your Noodles & Company Restaurant's condition and appearance so that it is attractive, clean and efficiently operated in accordance with the Operations Manual. You must maintain the interior and exterior of your Noodles & Company Restaurant and all fixtures, equipment, utensils, furnishings, floor coverings, interior and exterior signage, the building interior and exterior, interior and exterior lighting, landscaping and parking lot surfaces in firstclass condition and in the highest degree of cleanliness, orderliness, sanitation and repair in accordance with the requirements of the System and the Operations Manual and the lease or sublease for your Noodles & Company Restaurant (if applicable). You
unless we approve in writing of an alternative menu for the Premises. Failure to comply with this Section 9.06 is a material breach and default of this Agreement.
9.07 Compliance With Laws. You must maintain in force in your name all required licenses, permits and certificates relating to the operation of your Noodles & Company Restaurant. You must operate your Noodles & Company Restaurant in full compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to the sale of beer and wine (if applicable). You must notify us in writing immediately upon: (a) the commencement of any legal or administrative action, or the issuance of an order of any court, agency or other governmental instrumentality, which may adversely affect the development, occupancy or operation of your Noodles & Company Restaurant or your financial condition; or (b) the delivery of any notice of violation or alleged violation of any law, ordinance or regulation, including those relating to health, or sanitation, or liquor license violations at your Noodles & Company Restaurant.
All of your advertising and promotion must be completely factual and must conform to the highest standards of ethical advertising and is subject to our prior written approval. In all dealings with us, as well as your customers, suppliers, lessors and the public, you must adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, fair dealing and ethical conduct. You agree to refrain from any business or advertising practice which may be injurious to our business, to the business of other Noodles & Company Restaurants or to the goodwill associated with the Marks.
9.08 Insurance. You must maintain in force such insurance policies as we require from time to time as set forth in the Operations Manual and you shall provide insurance certificates to us within 10 days of executing the Franchise Agreement and annually at least 10 days to expiration of each policy. Such policies shall (a) name us and our Affiliates as additional insureds and loss payees; (b) provide for 30 days' prior written notice to us of any material modification, cancellation, non-renewal or expiration of such policy; and (c) include such other provisions as we may require from time to time.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must constantly maintain and operate their restaurants in an attractive, clean, and efficient manner, adhering to the standards outlined in the Operations Manual. This includes maintaining both the interior and exterior of the restaurant, along with all fixtures, equipment, signage, landscaping, and parking areas, in first-class condition, with a high degree of cleanliness, orderliness, sanitation, and repair.
Noodles & Company has the right to inspect the restaurant and specify any corrective actions needed if the condition, appearance, or cleanliness does not meet their standards. If a franchisee fails to initiate a program to address these deficiencies within 14 days of notice, Noodles & Company has the right, but not the obligation, to perform the maintenance at the franchisee's expense. Failure to maintain the restaurant's condition and appearance as required is considered a material breach of the franchise agreement.
Prospective Noodles & Company franchisees should understand that maintaining these standards is critical for upholding the brand's image and ensuring customer satisfaction. The franchisee is responsible for all costs associated with maintaining these standards. This also means that franchisees must use diligent efforts to ensure the landlord makes necessary repairs if those repairs are the landlord's responsibility.