The Popular American Noodle Chain That's Closing Locations Across The Country

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Money Digest can't emphasize enough that the post-COVID 19 environment has been murder for brick and mortar retailers and restaurants alike. Joining the ranks of Jack in the Box, Denny's, Red Robin, and so many others, Colorado-based Noodles & Company is the latest eatery to announce store closings. 

During a recent reporting of the publicly traded (NASDAQ: NDLS) company's Q1 2025 earnings, it was announced that between 13 and 17 company-owned stores will cease to operate in the near term. That's in addition to another four franchised locations that are being shuttered. Some closings were expected, but up to 21 locations total is higher than the 12 to 15 stores that were previously projected.

Currently, the 30-year-old Noodles & Company chain operates locations across 31 states. That includes 380 company-owned locations and 89 locations that are licensed by franchise owners. At present, it hasn't yet been announced where exactly the doomed stores are geographically located. 

To its credit, Noodles & Company is attempting to turn things around by installing a new CEO in March 2024. As well, the menu has been revamped with new items added and increased spending is being made on advertising. 

"Our momentum is being driven by our fully reimagined new menu that launched on March 12th, supported by increased marketing investment and a new brand strategy," says new CEO Drew Madsen in a recent press release. He continues, "Since the new menu introduction, comparable sales have increased by approximately 5% through April."

If early indicators hold true, the dual-pronged strategy appears to be working. The company reports a 2% increase in revenue during the first few months of 2025 versus that same time period in 2024. Still, it's not all good news. The net loss for first-quarter 2025 was $9.1 million versus a smaller $6.1 million loss in first-quarter 2024.

Noodles & Company defines its offerings as, "From indulgent, cheesy Mac to globally inspired favorites like Japanese Pan Noodles, the menu is crafted for every taste, with options to satisfy, surprise, and inspire." Besides noodles and pasta, the restaurant also serves salads with the option of adding a protein like chicken. Some of the new menu items include Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese, Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine, and Lemon Parmesan Broccoli.

The year 2024 was a particularly rough one for the dining industry, with many beloved restaurant chains facing bankruptcy. Reasons include more expensive food inputs and labor because of inflation, higher borrowing costs, and a general softening of the economy. According to a downloadable 2024 Restaurant TrendWatch report from Vericast, 68% of Americans surveyed are buying more food at the grocery store and foregoing restaurant meals due to rising costs. When only Generation Z and Millennials are counted, that figure jumps to 71%.

More information on the affected Noodles & Company locations is expected over the coming weeks. Though it's worth noting that the fast casual eatery operates primary in the midwest and western states, with an absence in the southern United States, excepting Florida.