The popular casual fast-food chain has announced it will close several restaurants this year, while also revealing plans to open new locations by 2025.
Noodles & Company, a restaurant chain known for its globally inspired noodle dishes, confirmed that it will shutter up to 21 of its branches in the coming months. According to the company’s first-quarter earnings report, this figure includes between 13 and 17 company-owned establishments and four franchises. Despite these closures, executives maintain that the brand remains committed to expansion, with the possibility of launching two new locations in 2025.
Why such a combination of closures and openings at the same time? Company representatives note that the decision reflects a need to streamline operations and prioritize a strong, healthy restaurant base. With more than 380 restaurants in 31 states, Noodles & Company hopes to maintain consistent customer satisfaction while positioning itself for future growth.
Why the company expects to shut down up to 21 locations across the country
Noodles & Company first projected closing up to 15 company-owned restaurants, but the updated plan now signals that the final number could reach 17, plus four franchises. This move aims to balance operational costs and optimize performance in the face of what the CEO calls a “challenging macroeconomic environment.” However, are customers worried about losing their favorite noodle spot? Some local patrons have expressed concern, but the company insists that only underperforming locations are on the chopping block.
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Noodles & Company has built a reputation for menu items like pad thai, Buffalo Chicken Ranch mac and cheese, and Cajun-style shrimp fettuccine. The chain also introduced new variations this spring, hoping to broaden its customer base and keep sales robust.
How this strategic closure aligns with brand goals and future expansion plans
Leaders at Noodles & Company emphasize that the closures are part of an overarching plan to maintain quality service and food standards. So, what exactly does this strategy look like? In essence, the brand is retiring underperforming sites to invest in upcoming locations that may offer greater potential. The company believes it can simultaneously address rising costs, increase marketing efforts, and preserve a loyal fan base.
According to the CEO, the chain saw strong traffic figures in the first quarter, boosted by a revamped menu and targeted marketing. This positive momentum, combined with cost savings from fewer total branches, could help strengthen the company’s balance sheet before new locations debut in 2025.
What to expect next for customers and communities impacted by these upcoming closures
The specific locations slated for closure have yet to be finalized, as officials continue to assess individual restaurant performance. In the meantime, customers can keep track of store updates on the brand’s official website. Below is a simplified overview of the company’s approach:
| Action | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Closure of 13–17 company-owned sites + 4 franchises | Streamlined operations, optimized performance |
| Opening of 2 new locations in 2025 | Broadened market presence and brand expansion |
| Continued marketing strategies | Enhanced menu awareness and customer loyalty |
Could this be the beginning of a broader restaurant industry shift, or just routine fine-tuning? For Noodles & Company, the plan is to emerge stronger, leveraging a refreshed brand image and retaining a dependable customer base.
In the months ahead, the company aims to finalize the list of closures and roll out new strategies for its remaining locations. The next steps involve maintaining consistent service quality while exploring fresh growth opportunities. Many patrons remain hopeful that the realigned focus will result in improved experiences both now and in 2025.