Noodles & Company

The idea for Noodles & Company was conceived by former Pepsi marketing executive Aaron Kennedy, after eating at Mamie's Asian Noodle Shop{{cite news |last=Thorn |first=Bret |year=2005 |title=Noodles & Company |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News}} in Greenwich Village, New York.{{cite book |first=Donald |last=Sull |title=The Upside of Turbulence |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wS8e7CYKQQcC&pg=PA57 |access-date=13 June 2013 |date=6 October 2009 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-193976-1 |pages=57}} He felt there were not enough restaurants that served noodle dishes, which are a staple for many international foods.{{cite news |date=September 24, 2000 |newspaper=Rocky Mountain News |first=Sandy |last=Graham |title=Pasta Entrepreneur Uses his Noodle |page=3G |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4E1145B6DDEED&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB4E1145B6DDEED?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. Kennedy started developing recipes out of his mother-in-law's kitchen with the future COO, Joe Serafin, and head chef, Ross Kamens, in 1994.{{cite news |date=January 1, 2002 |first=Monica |last=Rogers |magazine=Chain Leader |title=The zen of noodles: Noodles & Company menu master Ross Kamens never stops exploring new ways to prepare pasta |volume=7 |issue=1}}

Kennedy raised $72,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|73,000|1994|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars) in personal funds and $200,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|200,000|1994|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars) in investments from 24 friends and family members.{{cite news |title=Eatery Owner Adds Naperville to Plate |date=March 15, 2001 |first=David |last=Sharos |access-date=June 14, 2013 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/03/15/eatery-owner-adds-naperville-to-plate/}} The first Noodles & Company was opened in October 1995, in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.{{cite news |last=LaVecchia |first=Gina |year=2000 |title=Going Bowling |magazine=Restaurant Hospitality |pages=84 |number=7 |volume=62}}{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF4460EEB9F6E9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Denver institution Hummel's Deli closes after 52 years |newspaper=Denver Post |date=July 15, 1995 |author= |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAF4460EEB9F6E9?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank.{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4E3CF21C9CE82&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Restaurateur Uses His Noodle for Cherry Creek North Eatery Entrepreneur Hopes to Start Chain With Low Prices, Casual Dining, Eclectic Menu |newspaper=Rocky Mountain News |date=October 5, 1995 |page=65A |first=Michele |last=Conklin |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EB4E3CF21C9CE82?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. Kennedy was joined by partner and real estate developer Tom Weigand, whom he had met at Augustana College.{{cite news |title=Oodles of Noodles; Company plans B-N restaurants |date=March 19, 2005 |newspaper=The Pantagraph |first=Steve |last=Arney |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BL&p_theme=bl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1090569CDEFF076B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/1090569CDEFF076B?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. They opened a second location in Madison, Wisconsin, the following March.{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MD&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF0DF5023F7C04&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=State Street Deli to Go |newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal |date=December 15, 1995 |page=8B |first=Roger A. |last=Gribble |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAF0DF5023F7C04?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank.

In the first three months, Noodles & Company lost $42,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|42,000|1996|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars), and almost went out of business in 1996 after a reporter with the Wisconsin State Journal published a negative review.{{cite news |title=You can't always go it alone |first=Carole |last=Matthews |url=http://www.inc.com/articles/2003/04/25346.html |access-date=June 14, 2013 |magazine=Inc. Magazine |date=April 2, 2003}} The reviewer said Noodles & Company was "a killer idea"{{cite news |date=April 14, 1996 |newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal |title=Noodles & Company a Great Idea, but Food Comes up a bit limp; State Street Spot Doesn't Reach Potential |first=John |last=Kovalic |pages=7F |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MD&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF0E51D7AA5EC0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAF0E51D7AA5EC0?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. but "criticized nearly every dish he'd tried".{{cite news |title=Using Your Noodle |first=Kate |last=O'Sullivan |magazine=Inc. Magazine |url=http://www.inc.com/magazine/20010901/23354.html |date=September 1, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2013}} The Denver Post{{cite news |title=Menu has every kind of noodles (except hot) |first=John |last=Kessler |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=November 10, 1995 |page=2D |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF4474E56EFACB&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAF4474E56EFACB?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. and other newspapers{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MD&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF0E480E4B0FD1&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Using The Noodles: Why Didn't I Think Of That First? |newspaper=Madison Capital Times |date=March 30, 1996 |page=4E |first=Samara |last=Kalk |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EAF0E480E4B0FD1?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. had published similar reviews. In response, Kennedy started a "Redefine Noodles & Company" campaign "to redefine and refine nearly every aspect of the operation".

In mid-1996, the management team went to Chicago to observe other noodle restaurants and, the night of their return, the basement flooded at the Madison location.{{cite book |first=Tina |last=Gant |title=International Directory of Company Histories |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OA27AAAAIAAJ |access-date=14 June 2013 |date=22 June 2007 |publisher=Gale |isbn=9781558625907 }} The next day, Kennedy made a list of 15 areas for improvement. Rocky Mountain News said: "the team completely revamped the Noodles concept, overhauling the menu, the prices, the decor and more. It worked." The restaurant implemented a warmer color scheme. Steam tables to keep food warm were replaced with saute lines to cook each dish as it is ordered. Two new managers were hired and an executive chef re-worked the menu. According to Inc. Magazine, within sixty days "the food had improved dramatically".

File:Noodles & Company kitchen.jpg

From 1996 to 2000, Noodles & Company's revenues grew from $330,000 (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|330,000|1996|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars) to $13 million (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|13,000,000|2000|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars).{{cite news |newspaper=Rocky Mountain News |date=October 19, 2001 |title=Former Wild Oats Exec Joins Noodles & Company |first=Rachel |last=Brand |pages=2B |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EF452F508FDC444&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0EF452F508FDC444?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. Local food critics in many cities began naming Noodles & Company as the best fast-food restaurant in the city, and it was frequently listed as a "company to watch". It won a Hot Concept! award from Nation's Restaurant News.{{cite news |newspaper=The Gazette (Maryland) |date=April 17, 2003 |first=M. J. |last=Pleasure |title=Noodles & Company speaks a universal language: pasta |url=http://ww2.gazette.net/gazette_archive/2003/200316/entertainment/diningoutfeat/153572-1.html |access-date=June 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061144/http://ww2.gazette.net/gazette_archive/2003/200316/entertainment/diningoutfeat/153572-1.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }} $1 million (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1,000,000|1998|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars) in stock was sold in 1998, which was followed by a $2.5 million (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|2,500,000|1998|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars) round of funding and a $5 million round in 2000. (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US|5,000,000|2000|{{Inflation-year|US}}}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars)

The restaurant had 37 locations in 2002, 65 in 2003, and 142 by 2007. The company started franchising in 2003 and by 2007, 22 of its stores were franchises.{{cite book |first1=Michael A. |last1=Hitt |first2=R. Duane |last2=Ireland |name-list-style=amp |title=Competing For Advantage |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ptLXkW9lT2gC&pg=PT218 |access-date=13 June 2013 |year=2008 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-0-324-31666-7 |pages=218–}}{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company plots expansion with aggressive franchising |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News |date=June 2, 2003 |page=8 |volume=37 |number=22 |issn=0028-0518 |last=Berta |first=Dina |url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=9953911&site=ehost-live&scope=site |via=EBSCO |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 13, 2013}} The restaurants were redesigned in 2004 with lighter colors, new packaging, a greater emphasis on carryout orders and a floorplan that emphasized an open kitchen, where the saute line was visible to customers.{{cite news |title=Carving out a brand-new niche |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News |date=November 29, 2004 |pages=4–38 |volume=38 |number=48 |issn=0028-0518 |last=Lockyer |first=Sarah E. |url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=15247701&site=ehost-live&scope=site |via=EBSCO |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 14, 2013}}

According to Rocky Mountain News, the company was growing "so fast that it has had to move every two years".{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company Expands in Boulder |date=April 5, 2002 |newspaper=Rocky Mountain News |page=5B |first=John |last=Rebchook |url-access=subscription |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F2CFE0A37ED4106&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM}} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/0F2CFE0A37ED4106?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. In 2006, its headquarters were moved from Boulder to Broomfield, Colorado.{{cite news |title=Equity firm takes majority stake of Broomfield's Noodles & Co. |newspaper=Colorado Daily |first=Alicia |last=Wallace |date=December 28, 2010 |access-date=June 14, 2013 |url=http://www.coloradodaily.com/business/ci_16955605 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826022048/http://www.coloradodaily.com/business/ci_16955605 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |newspaper=The Denver Post |date=September 5, 2006 |title=Boulder weighs incentives |first=Will |last=Shanley |pages=C-01 |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2006/09/04/boulder-weighs-incentives/}} The company's founder, Aaron Kennedy, stepped down from his position as CEO that same year and was replaced by Kevin Reddy.{{cite news |title=Kennedy: Noodles' undercover chief investigates employee experience |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News |date=May 22, 2006 |pages=32 |volume=40 |number=21 |issn=0028-0518 |last=Berta |first=Dina |url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=20987844&site=ehost-live&scope=site |via=EBSCO |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 14, 2013}} The number of Noodles & Company locations grew threefold from the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis to 2013, reaching 339 locations.{{cite AV media

| title =World News Now

| medium =Broadcast Television

| publisher =WLS-CHI (ABC)

| location =Chicago, Il

| date =June 12, 2013

}}

File:Wauwatosa March 2024 09 (Lefeber Building--Noodles & Company).jpg

In 2010, a majority interest in Noodles & Company was acquired by an investment group led by Catterton Partners.{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company purchased |newspaper=Denver Business Journal |date=December 28, 2010 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2010/12/28/noodles-company-purchased.html |author=}}{{cite news |title=Broomfield-based Noodles & Company sold to investment firm |url=http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_16957901 |date=December 28, 2010 |access-date=June 14, 2013 |newspaper=Denver Post |author=}} In January 2013, bankers told the Financial Times that Noodles & Company was scouting for underwriters for an initial public offering (IPO).{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company shifts marketing message |first=Lisa |last=Jennings |url=http://nrn.com/latest-headlines/noodles-company-shifts-marketing-message |date=January 17, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News}}{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company interviewing advisors for initial public offering |first1=Michael |last1=Ballaban |first2=Soma |last2=Biswas |name-list-style=amp |newspaper=Financial Times |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/f180526e-5a75-11e2-a02e-00144feab49a.html#axzz2IG8rzgTZ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211231233/https://www.ft.com/content/f180526e-5a75-11e2-a02e-00144feab49a#axzz2IG8rzgTZ |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |date=January 9, 2013 |access-date=June 14, 2013 }} Two months later, the intent for a public offering was confirmed with a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a sale of $75 million in stock on NASDAQ OMX Group's NASDAQ stock exchange. Around this time, the company had reached 339 locations, 51 of which were franchises, and $300.4 million in revenues.{{cite news |newspaper=The Denver Post |title=Noodles & Co. Files intent for IPO |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2013/05/23/noodles-co-files-intent-for-ipo/ |first=David |last=Migoya |date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=June 14, 2013}} Within a day following Noodles & Company's (ticker symbol: NDLS) IPO on June 27, the stock price doubled. Fast Company and The Daily Beast called it "the hottest IPO of the year" and compared it to Chipotle's IPO.{{cite news |title=How a Pasta Chain Called Noodles & Co. Punked Wall Street |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/07/02/how-a-pasta-chain-called-noodles-co-punked-wall-street.html |first=Daniel |last=Gross |date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2013 |website=The Daily Beast}}{{cite news |title=The Recipe for Noodles & Company's Secret Sauce? |url=http://www.fastcompany.com/3013845/fast-feed/the-recipe-for-noodles-companys-secret-sauce-look-to-chipotle |magazine=Fast Company |first=Anya |last=Kamenetz |date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2013}}

On November 16, 2015, Noodles & Company announced that it had pulled out of Central Texas, closing all five of its locations in the Austin area. Restaurants in a handful of other cities had closed or were planned to close within the coming weeks, including locations in Lubbock and the Washington, D.C., area, according to published reports.{{cite news |title=Restaurant chain pulls out of Austin, closing 5 locations |url=http://www.mystatesman.com/news/business/restaurant-chain-pulls-out-of-austin-closing-5-loc/npPKF/ |first=Gary |last=Dinges |date=November 16, 2015 |access-date=November 16, 2015 |newspaper=Austin American-Statesman}} Ultimately, 16 locations were closed by the end of the year.{{cite news |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2015/11/05/noodles-co-to-shutter-16-restaurants-after-missing-earnings-target/ |title=Noodles & Co. to shutter 16 restaurants after missing earnings target |newspaper=Denver Post |date=November 5, 2015 |first=Alicia |last=Wallace}}

On July 25, 2016, in Alexandria, Virginia, two Noodles & Company employees refused to serve a uniformed police officer. The officer left the restaurant and reported the incident, which gained regional news coverage. The company issued an apology and terminated the employees involved in the incident.{{Cite web |url=http://www.fox5dc.com/news/182648444-story |title=Noodles & Company employees fired for refusing service to uniformed Virginia officer}}

In 2017, the company planned to close 55 underperforming restaurants, but also planned to open 14 to 17 new locations.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrn.com/operations/noodles-company-offers-update-restaurant-closures|title=Noodles & Company offers update on restaurant closures|date=March 2, 2017|work=nrn.com|access-date=April 28, 2017}} It also launched a pilot test in the Colorado Springs and Kansas City markets.{{Cite web|last=Vaupel|first=Andrew|date=May 17, 2017|title=Fast-casual restaurant with KC ties unveils pilot test|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2017/05/17/noodles-world-kitchen-pilot-test.html|access-date=2021-09-06|website=Kansas City Business Journal}} The test included a new name, Noodles World Kitchen,{{Cite web|date=2017-06-15|title=Noodles & Co. considers name change|url=https://www.nrn.com/marketing/noodles-co-considers-name-change|access-date=2021-09-06|website=Nation's Restaurant News|language=en}} as well as new menu items, customizations, rapid pick-up service, and a rewards program.{{Cite web|last=|date=June 1, 2017|title=Only in Colorado Springs: Noodles & Company tests new name and food|url=https://www.kktv.com/content/news/Only-in-Colorado-Springs-Noodles--Company-tests-new-name-and-food-425830534.html|access-date=2021-09-06|website=KKTV|language=en}}

File:Noodles & Company macaroni.jpgNoodles & Company offers international and American noodle dishes, as well as soups, salads, and pasta.{{cite news |newspaper=The Globe (Point Park University student paper) |title=Noodles & Company opens in Market Square, serves variety of pasta dishes |url=http://www.pointparkglobe.com/features/noodles-company-opens-in-market-square-serves-variety-of-pasta-dishes-1.2748459#.UbzQV-tQ14c |first=Akasha |last=Brandt |access-date=June 15, 2013 |date=January 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927213433/http://www.pointparkglobe.com/features/noodles-company-opens-in-market-square-serves-variety-of-pasta-dishes-1.2748459 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 }} It also sells baguettes and desserts like Rice Krispies Treats.

Originally, most pasta entrees came vegetarian with optional protein toppings such as tofu, chicken, beef or shrimp. In 2017, menu items started being marketed and featured with specific proteins, increasing the menu prices. For example, the Buffalo Chicken Mac can be ordered with another protein for nearly the same cost (depending on the protein) or no protein for a lesser cost.

Customers order at the counter and are served at their table, usually within five to seven minutes.{{cite news |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |date=June 3, 2005 |title=Using your noodle |first=Jeff |last=Korbelik |pages=20 |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LJSB&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10F45353D34B6078&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/10F45353D34B6078?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. The average check is approximately $8 per person.{{cite news |title=Noodles & Co. Restaurant Future Looks Tasty After IPO |first=Marilyn |last=Much |newspaper=Investor's Business Daily |date=September 20, 2013 |access-date=September 23, 2013 |url=http://news.investors.com/business-the-new-america/092013-671906-noodles-and-company-restaurant-growth-strong.htm}} The restaurants use soft lighting, furniture made from recycled bamboo and have bench seating and community tables.{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company set to open Tuesday |date=July 13, 2008 |newspaper=The State Journal-Register |pages=13 |author= |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=JR&p_theme=jr&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12228ABA122EC130&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/12228ABA122EC130?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank. Orders can be made online for dine-in or to-go, with the majority of locations offering curbside pickup{{Cite web |date=2020-04-15 |title=Noodles & Company sees sales improve after adding curbside pickup to 75% of restaurants |url=https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/noodles-company-sees-sales-improve-after-adding-curbside-pickup-75-restaurants |access-date=2021-09-06 |website=Nation's Restaurant News |language=en}} and select locations offering drive-up lanes for pickup.{{Cite web |date=2020-08-06 |title=New unit growth at Noodles & Company to focus on small-format stores with drive-up lanes for mobile orders |url=https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/new-unit-growth-noodles-company-focus-small-format-stores-drive-lanes-mobile-orders |access-date=2021-09-06 |website=Nation's Restaurant News |language=en}}

Seasonal items were first introduced to supplement the menu in 2002. Two years later, noodle-less entrees were added in response to the trend for low-carb diets.{{cite news |pages=10T |first=Jeremy |last=Iggers |newspaper=Star Tribune |date=November 11, 2004 |access-date=June 13, 2013 |title=Noodling around |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MN&p_theme=mn&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10654BA696B54A97&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription }} [http://iw.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/10654BA696B54A97?p=AWNB Alternate Link] via NewsBank.{{cite news |title=Oodles more 'Noodles' set for Utahns' Palates |first=Glen |last=Warchol |pages=E1 |newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=August 31, 2004 |url=http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/business/ci_2401171}} The following year it introduced a whole-grain Tuscan fettuccine.{{cite news |title=Stand by your bran |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/600113925/Stand-by-your-bran.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927114148/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/600113925/Stand-by-your-bran.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |first=Valerie |last=Phillips |newspaper=Deseret News |date=February 25, 2005 |access-date=June 14, 2013}}{{cite news |newspaper=Denver Business Journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2005/02/14/daily43.html?jst=b_ln_hl |date=February 17, 2005 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Noodles & Company offers whole-grain dish |author=}} Naturally raised pork was added as a meat option in 2012.{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company: Fast-casual chain finds success with Slow Braised, Naturally Raised Pork |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News |date=April 29, 2013 |page=48 |volume=47 |number=8 |issn=0028-0518 |last=Coomes |first=Steve |url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=87513091&site=ehost-live&scope=site |via=EBSCO |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 15, 2013}} Three seasonal items and a gluten-free fusilli were added in April 2013.{{cite news |title=Menu Tracker: New items from KFC, Little Caesars |first=Bret |last=Thorn |url=http://nrn.com/seafood-trends/menu-tracker-new-items-kfc-little-caesars?page=2 |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News |date=April 10, 2013}}{{cite news |title=In Hopes of Healthier Chickens, Farms Turn to Oregano |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/26/science/chicken-farms-try-oregano-as-antibiotic-substitute.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |newspaper=The New York Times |first=Stephanie |last=Strom |date=December 25, 2012 |access-date=June 14, 2013}}

In 2015, Noodles & Company debuted customizable kids' meals.{{cite web |title=Noodles & Company debuts customizable kids' meals |url=http://nrn.com/kids-menu/noodles-company-debuts-customizable-kids-meals |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News |date=30 September 2015 |access-date=13 March 2016 |first=Lisa |last=Jennings}}

Sometime between July 2016{{cite web |url=http://www.noodles.com/menu |title=Our Menu |work=Noodles & Company |date= |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729212544/http://www.noodles.com/menu |archive-date=2016-07-29 |url-status=dead}} and October 2016,{{cite web |url=http://www.noodles.com/menu |title=Our Menu |work=Noodles & Company |date= |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023001302/http://www.noodles.com/menu |archive-date=2016-10-23 |url-status=dead}} sandwiches were quietly removed from the Noodles website, with the last web snapshot that recorded the inclusion of sandwiches on the menu having occurred at the end of that July.

Although they offer gluten-free and vegan options, they warn that cross-contamination may occur.{{cite web |title=Nutrition Guide and Allergen Guide |url=http://www.noodles.com/nutrition/ |website=Noodles & Company |access-date=21 October 2014 |date= |author=}}

From 1997 to 2002, Noodles & Company sponsored outdoor and print ads. By 2002 it had a $1.3 million advertising budget and began airing ads on major television networks.{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company takes to airwaves, rolls 1st TV spots |magazine=Nation's Restaurant News |date=November 4, 2002 |page=14 |volume=36 |number=44 |issn=0028-0518 |author= |url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=7853610&site=ehost-live&scope=site |via=EBSCO |url-access=subscription |access-date=June 13, 2013}} Afterwards, in the early 2000s, the company reduced its advertising resources, before a rebranding effort that started in 2008.{{cite news |title=Noodles and Company Taps Carmichael Lynn |url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/noodles-and-company-taps-carmichael-lynch-97487 |magazine=Adweek |date=November 10, 2008 |access-date=June 21, 2013 |author=}}

The slogan "Your World Kitchen" was introduced in 2013. The largest component of Noodles & Company's advertising is in outdoor ads like billboards, but it also invests in radio, digital media and news sites. The billboards emphasize the global cuisine. One points to a parking lot and says "Recipes imported from more countries than these cars."{{cite news |publisher=QSR |title=Noodles & Co. Gets Creative with Campaign |url=http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/noodles-co-gets-creative-campaign |date=April 13, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |author=}}{{cite news |title=Noodles & Company Launches Multichannel Push |first=Kariene |last=Lukovitz |date=April 11, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2013 |url=http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/197879/noodles-company-launches-multichannel-push.html#axzz2WKzLJPZ7 |website=MediaPost Communications}}

File:Noodles & Company Sheboygan Wisconsin.jpg

Many Noodles & Company restaurants are owned and operated by Noodles & Company Incorporated, but some are operated in a franchise model. Franchise locations are operated by an independent franchisee that is trained by Noodles & Company and uses the same menu, pricing and branding as corporate-owned stores. As of 2010, the average Noodles & Company store generated more than $1 million in annual revenue, with a profit of 21 percent.{{cite news |website=Franchise Chatter |url=http://www.franchisechatter.com/2011/12/31/fdd-talk-average-sales-expenses-and-operating-profits-of-noodles-company-in-2010/ |title=FDD Talk: Average Sales, Expenses, and Operating Profits of Noodles & Company in 2010 |date=December 31, 2011 |author=}} Takeout orders account for approximately 25 percent of revenues. According to Inc. Magazine, Noodles & Company is more selective in franchise partners than other franchise-based restaurants, and has a higher ratio of corporate-owned stores than most franchising restaurants.{{cite news |magazine=Inc. Magazine |title=How to Choose the Right Franchise Location |url=http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/choosing-a-franchise-location.html |date=May 24, 2010 |first=Peter |last=Vanden Bos |access-date=June 14, 2013}}

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{{reflist|30em}}

• {{official website|https://www.noodles.com/}}
• [https://www.nrn.com/finance/noodles-ceo-kevin-reddy-talks-growth An interview with CEO Kevin Reddy about going public]

{{Fast-food chains of the United States}}

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Category:Fast casual restaurants

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Category:Noodle restaurants

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