How many franchised Noodles & Company outlets were operating at the start of 2023?
Noodles_Company Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets at Start of the Year | Outlets at End of the Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised | 2022 | 76 | 93 | 17 |
| 2023 | 93 | 90 | -3 | |
| 2024 | 90 | 92 | 2 | |
| Company- | 2022 | 372 | 367 | -5 |
| Owned | ||||
| 2023 | 367 | 380 | 13 | |
| 2024 | 380 | 371 | -9 | |
| Total Outlets | 2022 | 448 | 460 | 12 |
| 2023 | 460 | 460 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 470 | 463 | -7 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 89–97)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Noodles & Company's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were 93 franchised outlets operating at the start of 2023. This information is part of a broader overview of the franchise system's performance over the past three fiscal years, detailing changes in both franchised and company-owned locations. The data provides a clear picture of the brand's growth and contraction trends.
Specifically, the table outlines the number of franchised Noodles & Company units at the beginning and end of each year, along with the net change. For a prospective franchisee, this historical data is valuable for understanding the stability and growth potential of the franchise network. It shows how many outlets were operating at a specific point in time and the overall direction of the franchise system.
Reviewing the data, a potential franchisee can see that the number of franchised Noodles & Company locations experienced a net decrease of 3 units during 2023, ending the year with 90 locations. This kind of information is crucial for assessing the risks and opportunities associated with investing in a Noodles & Company franchise. It is important to note that while the total number of franchised locations decreased, this does not necessarily reflect the performance of individual units, but rather the overall change in the franchise network.
Overall, this data point provides a snapshot of the Noodles & Company franchise system's size and trajectory, which is a key consideration for anyone evaluating a franchise investment. It is essential to consider this information in conjunction with other factors, such as financial performance, market trends, and the franchisor's support system, to make an informed decision.