Under what conditions can Noodles & Company revoke the certification of a franchisee's training program?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In addition to the training program, we will require you and/or your Operating Partner and other personnel for your Noodles & Company restaurant to attend and
successfully complete periodic or additional training or informational programs. We may, at our sole discretion, require or allow you to establish a certified training program (that must continue to meet our high standards) for some or all of your personnel. If any of your personnel fail to perform their duties in accordance with the certified training program you establish under our standards, they must again complete the certified training program and be re-certified.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, Noodles & Company may, at its sole discretion, require or allow a franchisee to establish a certified training program for their personnel, provided it continues to meet Noodles & Company's high standards. If any personnel fail to perform their duties in accordance with the certified training program established under Noodles & Company's standards, they must complete the certified training program again and be re-certified.
This means that while Noodles & Company may permit franchisees to run their own certified training programs, these programs are subject to ongoing compliance with Noodles & Company's standards. If employees do not meet the required performance levels according to the certified training program, the franchisee is responsible for ensuring they are retrained and re-certified. This ensures that all staff, regardless of where they are trained, meet the brand's operational and quality standards.
The FDD does not explicitly state the conditions under which Noodles & Company would revoke the certification of a franchisee's entire training program. However, it can be inferred that if a franchisee's training program consistently fails to meet Noodles & Company's standards or if personnel repeatedly fail to perform their duties even after completing the program, Noodles & Company may revoke the certification. This is to maintain quality and consistency across all franchise locations.
Prospective franchisees should clarify with Noodles & Company the specific criteria and procedures for maintaining certification of their training programs, as well as the consequences of failing to meet these standards. Understanding these details will help franchisees ensure their training programs remain compliant and effective.