Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company could close up to 20 underperforming restaurants

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 07, 2024

As the fast-casual chain's turnaround effort unfolds, CEO Drew Madsen said a portfolio review could result in some units being shuttered.

Premium

Food

All of a sudden, fast casuals are staking a claim on steak

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 21, 2024

Consumer demand for protein is pushing steak to the center of the plate—and the salad bowl—in concepts where you’d least expect it.

Financing

Noodles & Company makes a deal with an activist

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 10, 2024

The fast-casual chain, working its way through sales and profitability challenges, gave a board seat to an activist investor. But that’s not the only activist it has.

Financing

Layoffs and sales declines hit Noodles & Co. last quarter

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

But CEO Drew Madsen sees signs of a turnaround, as sales and traffic turned positive in April while the chain works on menu and operations improvements.

Marketing

Amid the Zoodles and low-carb linguine, Noodles & Company finds what people want is steak

By Lisa Jennings on May 06, 2024

The fast-casual chain has run out of Steak Stroganoff after selling 110,000 bowls in the first two weeks. But don't worry, the LTO is coming back.

Operations

Noodles & Company names Drew Madsen CEO, plots menu overhaul

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 07, 2024

The former Panera Bread president has served on the board and was interim CEO since November. He has launched a return to roots, aiming to embrace an identity as a culinary comfort kitchen.

Leadership

Dave Boennighausen is out as Noodles & Company CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 10, 2023

Drew Madsen, a board member and former president of Panera Bread, was named interim chief executive as the struggling fast-casual looks for a replacement.

Operations

What to learn from two brands dubbed 'the next Chipotle'

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 08, 2023

Cava, the newly public fast-casual chain called "the next Chipotle" by investors, and Noodles & Co., which held that title a decade ago, just reported two very different quarters that are a study in contrasts—and offer a warning for Cava.

Food