Established
1995
Franchise Units
450
Minimum Investment
$500,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$1,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Noodles & Company franchise represents a rare opportunity to own and operate a nationally recognized fast-casual restaurant brand that centers around one universally loved comfort food—noodles. Known for blending global flavors with American dining habits, Noodles & Company has carved out a distinct position in the competitive fast-casual space by offering customizable noodle bowls inspired by Asian, Italian, and American cuisines.
From Japanese pan noodles and pad thai to mac & cheese and penne rosa, the brand appeals to a wide demographic—families, students, professionals, and health-conscious diners alike. Its menu flexibility, strong brand identity, and efficient kitchen operations make it especially attractive to investors seeking scalability and operational simplicity.
With a clean, modern store design, digital-forward ordering systems, and a strong focus on off-premise dining (online ordering, takeout, and delivery), Noodles & Company is well aligned with current and future restaurant trends in the U.S. market. For entrepreneurs looking to invest in a proven fast-casual concept with national brand recognition, this franchise offers both credibility and growth potential.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
-
Established National Brand – A well-known name across the United States with strong consumer recall.
-
Unique Menu Positioning – One of the few fast-casual brands focused entirely on globally inspired noodle dishes.
-
Broad Customer Appeal – Vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, and customizable options expand market reach.
-
Efficient Operations – Streamlined kitchen layout and simplified prep processes reduce labor complexity.
-
Strong Digital Infrastructure – Robust online ordering, mobile app, loyalty program, and delivery integration.
-
Scalable Growth Model – Ideal for multi-unit operators and area developers.
-
Recession-Resilient Category – Fast-casual dining continues to outperform traditional casual dining segments.
Background
Brand Name: Noodles & Company
-
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurants / Specialty Dining
-
Established Year: 1995
-
Founder: Aaron Kennedy
-
Headquarters: Broomfield, Colorado, USA
-
Ownership: Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: NDLS)
-
Franchise Active Units: 450+ locations across the United States
Brand Journey & History
Noodles & Company was founded in 1995 with a simple yet powerful idea—bringing noodle dishes from around the world into one accessible, fast-casual restaurant format. What began as a single concept quickly gained traction due to its approachable menu, high perceived value, and customizable options.
Over the years, the brand has evolved with changing consumer preferences by introducing healthier menu options, plant-based dishes, and modernized restaurant designs. Today, Noodles & Company maintains a strong presence across urban, suburban, and college-driven markets throughout the U.S., positioning itself as a staple fast-casual brand with enduring relevance.
Support Training
Noodles & Company offers comprehensive support designed to help franchise partners succeed from day one and scale confidently over time.
Pre-Launch Support
-
Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
-
Lease negotiation support and restaurant design standards
-
Build-out planning and equipment specifications
-
Pre-opening marketing and launch strategy
Training & Operational Support
-
Extensive initial training program for owners and managers
-
Hands-on kitchen and operations training
-
Food safety, quality control, and inventory management systems
-
Standard operating procedures and playbooks
Marketing & Brand Support
-
National and regional marketing campaigns
-
Digital marketing, loyalty programs, and app-based promotions
-
Local store marketing guidance
-
Creative assets and promotional calendars
Ongoing Support
-
Dedicated franchise business consultants
-
Performance benchmarking and analytics
-
New product rollouts and menu innovation support
-
Continuous operational optimization and refresher training
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Noodles & Company franchisee is a motivated, growth-oriented entrepreneur who values systems, brand consistency, and customer experience.
Best-Fit Candidates Include:
-
Multi-unit restaurant operators or experienced QSR/fast-casual managers
-
Investors seeking a scalable, brand-driven food concept
-
Owner-operators ready to be actively involved in day-to-day operations
-
Area developers looking to build a regional footprint
Key Attributes
-
Strong leadership and people-management skills
-
Operational discipline and financial acumen
-
Passion for food service and guest experience
-
Ability to meet capital and liquidity requirements
-
Interest in high-traffic urban, suburban, or college-adjacent locations
Financial Detail
| Investment Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $500,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $300,000 – $700,000 |
| Equipment & Furniture | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of gross sales |
| Brand Marketing Fee | ~2% of gross sales |