Within how many days after construction is completed must a Noodles & Company Restaurant open?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must complete construction of your Noodles & Company Restaurant within 120 days after the start of construction, unless we agree otherwise. You must open your Noodles & Company Restaurant within 14 days after the date construction is completed and all necessary approvals have been obtained. Time is of the essence in the construction and opening of your Noodles & Company Restaurants and failure to comply with all deadlines relating thereto is a material breach or default of this Agreement. Any extensions of time are subject to our approval, which we may withhold at our discretion.
The requirement to complete construction of your Noodles & Company Restaurant includes obtaining all required construction and occupancy licenses, permits and approvals, all beer and wine licenses (if applicable), developing the Premises (including all outdoor features, patios, and landscaping of the Premises), installing all required fixtures, furnishings, equipment and signs, and doing all other things as may be required pursuant to this Agreement or by practical necessity to have your Noodles &
Company Restaurant ready to open for business. You must notify us 14 days prior to opening, and we may, at our discretion and expense, conduct a pre-opening inspection of the Premises. Your Noodles & Company Restaurant may not be opened for business until we have notified you that your Noodles & Company Restaurant meets our training requirements for opening and as properly staffed and equipped to provide a positive Noodles & Company guest experience.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 99–350)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must open their Noodles & Company restaurant within 14 days after construction is completed and all necessary approvals have been obtained. This requirement is a critical component of the franchise agreement, as time is considered "of the essence" in the construction and opening phases. Failure to meet this deadline constitutes a material breach of the agreement, potentially leading to default.
This strict timeline underscores the importance of efficient project management and coordination. Franchisees must ensure that all construction and occupancy licenses, permits, and approvals, including beer and wine licenses if applicable, are secured promptly. The development of the premises also includes all outdoor features, patios, landscaping, and the installation of all required fixtures, furnishings, equipment, and signs. All these elements must be completed to have the restaurant ready for business within the specified timeframe.
Noodles & Company also requires franchisees to notify them 14 days prior to opening. Noodles & Company may conduct a pre-opening inspection of the premises at their discretion and expense. The restaurant cannot open for business until Noodles & Company notifies the franchisee that the restaurant meets their training requirements and is properly staffed and equipped to provide a positive guest experience. This ensures that the restaurant meets Noodles & Company's standards before commencing operations.
Any extensions to the construction or opening timelines are subject to Noodles & Company's approval, which they may withhold at their discretion. This highlights the need for franchisees to proactively manage their construction schedule and maintain open communication with Noodles & Company to address any potential delays. Franchisees should factor in potential delays and ensure they have contingency plans to meet the stipulated deadlines to avoid breaching the franchise agreement.