What was the net change in the number of company-owned Noodles & Company outlets during 2022?
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 the 2025 Noodles & Company Franchise Disclosure Document, the net change in the number of company-owned Noodles & Company outlets during 2022 was a decrease of 5. At the start of 2022, there were 372 company-owned outlets, and by the end of the year, this number had decreased to 367. This indicates that Noodles & Company closed more company-owned restaurants than it opened during that year.
For a prospective franchisee, this information is useful in understanding the overall trend in the company's operations. A decrease in company-owned stores could signal a strategic shift towards franchising or could reflect financial challenges leading to closures. It is important to note that while the number of company-owned stores decreased, the number of franchise-owned locations increased by 17 during the same period, resulting in a net increase of 12 total outlets.
It is important for potential franchisees to investigate the reasons behind the decrease in company-owned stores. Understanding whether these closures were due to poor performance, strategic decisions, or other factors can provide valuable insight into the health and direction of the Noodles & Company brand. This information, combined with data on franchise outlet performance, can help a prospective franchisee assess the risks and opportunities associated with investing in a Noodles & Company franchise.