Noodles & Company, a fast-casual noodle restaurant chain, plans to shutter more locations in 2026. The company said the closures are intended to improve overall performance.
Noodles & Company to Close 30–35 Restaurants in 2026
Noodles & Company, headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, aims to close 30 to 35 underperforming restaurants this year. This decision follows the closure of 33 company-owned and nine franchised restaurants in 2025.
According to Noodles & Company’s preliminary fourth-quarter 2025 sales report, it is currently operating a total of 423 locations. This includes 340 company-owned restaurants and 83 franchised locations across the United States.
Despite dozens of restaurant closures in the past year, the company has reported strong sales growth in the last quarter of 2025.
According to Global Newswire, Joe Christina, CEO and President of Noodles & Company, stated that the company achieved strong sales growth in the last quarter of 2025. However, Joe further added that the restaurant closures are part of a long-term strategy.
The company is currently focusing on its strongest restaurants. Christina emphasized that this approach has managed the sales growth in the last quarter and strengthened the brand’s financial position.
About the Company
Founded in 1995, Noodles & Company has been serving noodles for decades. The restaurant chain offers classic noodles inspired by global flavors. Some of the recommended items include Japanese Pan Noodles, Wisconsin Mac, and Crispy Chicken Bacon Alfredo.
The Noodles & Company restaurant is managing and running a portfolio optimization model by closing down underperforming restaurants. These closures in 2025 and 2026 highlight the company’s effort to focus on profitability and long-term growth.
