Noodles & Co. Store Closures & CEO Out

Introduction
Hello! Today, I've brought this topic to you! It's been a tough week for fans of a certain beloved pasta purveyor. If you've ever craved a quick Pad Thai or a comforting bowl of Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, you might be wondering about the future of Noodles & Company. Well, buckle up, because we're diving into some significant news about the chain's recent struggles and what it means for their many locations across the US.

☆ Topic 1: The Pasta Purveyor's Painful Cuts

Noodles & Company, the national chain known for its diverse menu of classic pasta and noodle dishes, has announced plans to close a significant number of its locations. According to their 2025 second-quarter financial results news release, the company intends to shut down 28 to 32 company-owned restaurants by the end of the year.

This news comes as a blow to many who enjoy their signature dishes, like the popular Basil Pesto Cavatappi or the spicy Japanese Pan Noodles. So far in 2025, the company has already closed six company-owned restaurants and an additional two franchise locations, while only opening one new spot. With over 400 locations operating around the United States, these closures represent a notable contraction for the Broomfield, Colorado-based chain, which has been serving up noodles since 1995.

☆ Topic 2: Why the Noodle Network is Shrinking

So, what's behind this significant reduction in footprint? Noodles & Company reported a net loss of $17.6 million in the second quarter of 2025, a noticeable increase from the $13.6 million loss reported during the same period last year. Furthermore, revenue saw a slight decrease of 0.7%, dropping to $126.4 million from $127.4 million.

Noodles & Company CEO Drew Madsen attributed these economic headwinds to two primary factors:

1. "The strong value-conscious climate": In simpler terms, consumers are being more careful with their money, opting for cheaper alternatives or cooking at home. Even their "delicious duo" combo, starting at $9.95, might not be perceived as enough value in today's economy.
2. "Slower guest adoption of the upgrades made to some of our historic menu items": The company completed a significant overhaul of its menu earlier this year. It seems these changes, while perhaps well-intentioned, haven't resonated strongly enough with their customer base to drive the desired sales. It's a classic case of trying to innovate, but perhaps missing the mark with loyal customers who loved the originals.

☆ Topic 3: A New Chef in the Kitchen and What's Next

In a related development, CEO Drew Madsen also announced his decision to step down from his role. He will be succeeded by Joe Christina, the company’s current Chief Operating Officer. Madsen expressed confidence in his successor, stating, "Joe Christina is absolutely the right leader to guide this brand forward." This leadership change, much like adding a new sauce to a classic dish, signals a fresh strategy for the brand as it navigates these challenging times.

Looking beyond 2025, Noodles & Company isn't out of the woods yet. The company anticipates closing an additional 12 to 17 restaurants in 2026. However, they also have plans to open two new locations during that same period, indicating a strategic, albeit cautious, re-evaluation of their market presence. As of now, the specific locations slated for closure or where the new restaurants will open have not been revealed.

☆ Questions

Q1. How many Noodles & Company locations are closing in total by the end of 2025?
A. Noodles & Company plans to close between 28 and 32 company-owned locations by the end of 2025. This is in addition to the 6 company-owned and 2 franchise locations already closed earlier in the year.

Q2. What are the main reasons cited for these closures?
A. CEO Drew Madsen cited two primary reasons: "the strong value-conscious climate" affecting consumer spending and "slower guest adoption of the upgrades made to some of our historic menu items" following a recent menu overhaul.

Q3. Is the CEO of Noodles & Company changing?
A. Yes, Drew Madsen is stepping down as CEO and will be succeeded by Joe Christina, the company's current Chief Operating Officer.

Q4. Will more locations close in the future beyond 2025?
A. Yes, Noodles & Company plans to close an additional 12 to 17 restaurants in 2026, while also opening two new locations to strategically adjust their footprint.

☆ Conclusion The landscape for fast-casual dining is constantly evolving, and Noodles & Company's recent announcement highlights the challenges even established brands face in a competitive and economically sensitive market. The combination of declining revenue, consumer price sensitivity, and lukewarm reception to menu changes has clearly led to these strategic, albeit difficult, decisions. The path forward for Noodles & Company looks like a mixed bowl – some closures, some new beginnings, and a new leader at the helm. It's a clear sign that even established chains need to continually adapt to consumer demands and economic pressures to stay afloat. We'll be keeping an eye on how Joe Christina steers the brand in this new chapter!