Are there any exceptions to the requirement for Noodles & Company approval of marketing materials?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You or the Cooperative shall submit written samples of all proposed marketing and promotional plans and materials to us for our approval (except with respect to prices to be charged) at least 30 days before their intended use, unless such plans and materials were prepared by us or have been approved by us within the previous six months.
Proposed marketing plans or materials shall be deemed to have been approved if they have not been disapproved by us within 15 days after their receipt by us;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees generally need to submit all marketing and promotional materials for approval, but there are exceptions. Specifically, materials prepared or already approved by Noodles & Company within the previous six months do not require resubmission for approval. Additionally, the approval requirement does not extend to the prices franchisees intend to charge. Proposed marketing plans are considered approved if Noodles & Company does not disapprove them within 15 days of receipt.
This means a Noodles & Company franchisee can use previously approved marketing materials without needing to go through the approval process again, provided they were approved within the last six months. This exception streamlines the marketing process, allowing franchisees to quickly implement campaigns using pre-approved resources. The 15-day automatic approval clause also benefits franchisees by setting a clear timeline for approval, preventing delays in implementing marketing plans.
However, franchisees must be careful to track which materials have been previously approved and when that approval was granted to ensure compliance. They also need to be aware that this exception does not apply to materials that have been altered or modified in any way. Franchisees should maintain organized records of all marketing materials and their approval dates to avoid inadvertently using unapproved materials. Furthermore, franchisees must still adhere to Noodles & Company's brand standards and guidelines, even when using previously approved materials.
It is also important to note that while franchisees have some flexibility in pricing, they must still comply with any minimum or maximum price restrictions set by Noodles & Company. This ensures consistency in pricing across all franchise locations and protects the brand's image. Franchisees should carefully review the franchise agreement and any updates to understand the specific requirements for marketing and advertising, as failure to comply can result in a material breach of the agreement.