Under what conditions is a Noodles & Company franchisee permitted to open their restaurant?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 3.04 Right to Open. You shall be permitted to open the Restaurant when all of the following conditions have been met:
- (a) Compliance with Agreements. You are not in default under this Agreement or any agreement with Noodles & Company or any of its Affiliates, you are not in default beyond the applicable cure period under any real estate lease, equipment lease or financing instrument relating to the Noodles & Company Restaurant, you are not in default beyond the applicable cure period with any vendor or supplier to the Noodles & Company Restaurant, and, for the last six months, you have not been in default beyond the applicable cure period under any agreement with Noodles & Company or its Affiliates.
- (b) No Monetary Defaults. You are current on all monetary obligations due Noodles & Company.
- (c) Architect Certification. Your registered architect has certified to Noodles & Company in writing that the Noodles & Company Restaurant was constructed substantially in accordance with the plans consented to by Noodles & Company.
- (d) Lease. If the premises are leased, Noodles & Company has received a fully executed copy of the lease (that has been approved by Noodles & Company in writing).
- (e) IT Support Services Agreement. You have entered into an IT Support Services Agreement with us.
- (f) Certificates. You have obtained a certificate of occupancy and any other required health, safety or fire department certificates.
- (g) Approval of the Restaurant and Staffing. Noodles & Company has determined that the Noodles & Company Restaurant has been constructed, equipped and staffed substantially in accordance with the requirements of this Agreement.
- (h) Training. You have complied with the pre-opening training requirements set forth in this Agreement.
- (i) Insurance Policies. Noodles & Company has been furnished with copies of all insurance policies required by Section 9.08 of this Agreement or such other evidence of insurance coverage and payment of premiums as Noodles & Company may request.
- 3.05 Grand Opening Marketing Program. You agree to conduct a grand opening advertising and promotional program for your Noodles & Company Restaurant in accordance with a Grand Opening Marketing Program approved in writing by us for the
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is permitted to open their restaurant only after meeting specific requirements. These conditions ensure that the franchisee is in good standing with Noodles & Company and has met all necessary operational and legal obligations.
Specifically, the franchisee must not be in default under the Franchise Agreement or any other agreement with Noodles & Company or its affiliates. They must also be current on all monetary obligations to Noodles & Company. The franchisee's architect must certify that the restaurant was constructed according to Noodles & Company's approved plans. If the premises are leased, Noodles & Company must have a fully executed copy of the approved lease. The franchisee must also enter into an IT Support Services Agreement with Noodles & Company.
Additionally, the franchisee needs to obtain a certificate of occupancy and any other required health, safety, or fire department certificates. Noodles & Company must determine that the restaurant is constructed, equipped, and staffed according to the agreement's requirements. The franchisee must also comply with pre-opening training requirements and furnish Noodles & Company with copies of all required insurance policies. Finally, the franchisee must conduct a grand opening advertising and promotional program approved by Noodles & Company.