Are there any exceptions to the remodeling frequency limitations for a Noodles & Company restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (d) In addition to required maintenance and upkeep, we have the right to require you to undertake structural changes, remodeling and renovations and other modifications to your Noodles & Company Restaurant to conform to the design, trade dress, color schemes and presentation of the Proprietary Marks and the image of the System that we are then requiring of new Noodles & Company Restaurants; provided, however, that, with the exception of signage and equipment (as provided in Section 9.01(b) above) , we will not require such modifications more often than once every five years during the Term and at any time that you renew or transfer the franchise.
Capital expenses necessary for the repair and maintenance of your Noodles & Company Restaurant and modifications required by applicable law or required to abate a hazardous situation are not subject to the time limitations described in the preceding sentence.
- (e) If your Noodles & Company Restaurant is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty, you must initiate within 30 days (and diligently continue until completion, which shall be accomplished in no more than 120 days) all repairs or reconstruction to restore your Noodles & Company Restaurant to its original condition (and all remodeling performed or required to be performed to date), unless your landlord fails to rebuild the premises.
If, in our reasonable judgment, the damage or destruction
is of such a nature that it is feasible, without incurring substantial additional costs, to repair or reconstruct your Noodles & Company Restaurant in accordance with the thenstandard Noodles & Company Restaurant layout and decor specifications, we may require you to repair or reconstruct your Noodles & Company Restaurant in accordance with those specifications.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, while Noodles & Company typically limits required remodels to once every five years, there are exceptions. Capital expenses for repairs and maintenance, as well as modifications mandated by law or to address hazardous situations, are not subject to these time limitations. This means a franchisee may be required to undertake modifications more frequently than every five years if these circumstances arise.
Additionally, if a Noodles & Company restaurant is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty, the franchisee must begin repairs or reconstruction within 30 days and complete them within 120 days to restore the restaurant to its original condition, including any remodeling required up to that point. If Noodles & Company deems it feasible to update the restaurant to the current standard layout and decor without substantial additional costs, they may require the franchisee to do so during the restoration process.
These exceptions are important for prospective franchisees to consider, as they could incur unexpected costs associated with more frequent remodeling or upgrades due to unforeseen circumstances or regulatory changes. It is essential to understand the potential financial impact of these scenarios and factor them into the overall investment and operating budget for a Noodles & Company franchise.