How Much Does a Noodles & Company Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$669K – $1.4M
Franchise Fee
$35K
Royalty
5.0%
Ad Fund
0.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Noodles & Company is $35K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Noodles & Company franchise requires a total investment of $669K – $1.4M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $0 to $56K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Noodles & Company franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 5.0% of gross sales (Percentage of Net Royalty Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 0.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $1K.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Noodles & Company requires working capital of $0 – $56K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Noodles & Company's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $1.2M
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Noodles & Company?
SBA Loans Issued
6
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Noodles & Company has 6 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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