Established
2003
Franchise Units
35
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Nothing But Noodles franchise represents a compelling opportunity in the fast-casual dining segment, combining globally inspired noodle dishes with a streamlined, guest-friendly operating model. Built entirely around the universal appeal of noodles, the brand delivers a diverse menu that includes Asian-style stir-fries, comforting pasta bowls, customizable sauces, and lighter, health-conscious options that align with modern consumer preferences.
Positioned between quick-service speed and casual-dining quality, Nothing But Noodles has established itself as a reliable everyday dining choice for families, students, professionals, and value-driven customers. Its approachable pricing, generous portions, and customizable menu encourage repeat visits while keeping operations efficient for franchise owners.
In a competitive restaurant landscape where convenience, variety, and consistency matter more than ever, Nothing But Noodles stands out as a focused concept with broad demographic appeal and strong adaptability across suburban, urban, and college-oriented markets throughout the United States.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Nothing But Noodles offers franchise investors a proven fast-casual concept supported by strong fundamentals and long-term scalability. Noodles are a globally recognized staple, giving the brand a natural advantage in attracting a wide customer base regardless of age or cultural background.
The fast-casual operating model allows owners to benefit from lower labor intensity, faster service times, and simplified kitchen workflows compared to traditional full-service restaurants. This efficiency helps control operating costs while maintaining high food quality and consistency.
Additionally, the brand’s standardized systems, manageable menu size, and established supply chain reduce complexity for franchisees. With many U.S. territories still available, investors have the opportunity to enter early in growth markets while leveraging an established brand presence in existing regions.
Background
Nothing But Noodles was founded in 2003 with a clear mission to create a restaurant concept centered exclusively on noodles. The founders identified a gap in the U.S. dining market for a brand that treated noodles not as a side item, but as the centerpiece of a customizable, made-to-order meal.
Since its launch, the brand has expanded steadily across the United States, building a loyal following and refining its franchise systems. Today, Nothing But Noodles operates over 35 active franchise units, with a strong presence in the Midwest and Southwest.
The company has focused on disciplined growth, operational consistency, and menu evolution rather than rapid overexpansion. Within the restaurant industry, Nothing But Noodles is categorized as a fast-casual dining franchise, competing effectively with customizable bowl concepts while maintaining a distinct noodle-focused identity.
Support Training
Nothing But Noodles provides franchisees with comprehensive support at every stage of the business lifecycle.
Pre-Launch Support includes assistance with site selection, market analysis, lease review, and restaurant layout planning. Franchisees receive detailed design standards, build-out guidelines, and approved vendor lists to help manage startup costs and ensure brand consistency.
Training Programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on operational training. Franchise owners and managers are trained in food preparation, inventory management, staffing, scheduling, customer service, and financial controls. Detailed operations manuals and ongoing learning resources support long-term consistency.
Marketing & Brand Support covers grand-opening marketing, local store promotion strategies, digital advertising guidance, and access to brand-approved creative assets. Franchisees also benefit from coordinated brand messaging and system-wide promotions.
Ongoing Support includes field support visits, performance reviews, menu updates, operational coaching, and access to a dedicated franchise support team. This ongoing partnership helps franchisees adapt to market changes while maintaining high operational standards.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Nothing But Noodles franchisee is an owner-operator or semi-absentee investor with a strong interest in food service and hospitality. While prior restaurant experience is beneficial, it is not required, as the franchise system is designed to support first-time operators through structured training and ongoing guidance.
Successful franchisees typically demonstrate strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. A passion for food, community engagement, and local marketing is important for building a loyal customer base.
Financially, ideal candidates should have sufficient capital to meet investment requirements and maintain adequate working capital during the initial ramp-up period. Preferred locations include high-traffic retail centers, suburban corridors, college towns, and mixed-use developments with steady lunch and dinner demand.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $100,000 – $180,000 |
| Signage & Branding | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Ad Fund Contribution | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering |