What was the total number of Noodles & Company outlets at the end 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, the total number of outlets at the end of 2023 was 460. This total comprises both franchised and company-owned locations. Specifically, there were 90 franchised outlets and 380 company-owned outlets.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates the overall scale and composition of the Noodles & Company system. Understanding the breakdown between franchised and company-owned locations can provide insights into the company's strategic focus and the relative importance of franchising within their business model. A potential franchisee might consider whether the balance between franchised and company-owned stores affects the level of support and resources available to franchisees.
It's worth noting that the total number of outlets remained the same from the start to the end of 2023, indicating no net growth during that year. This could be due to new openings being offset by closures or other factors. Further investigation into the reasons behind this lack of net growth could be a valuable area of inquiry for a prospective franchisee.
Reviewing the historical data, such as the changes in outlet numbers from 2022 to 2024, can provide a broader understanding of the brand's growth trajectory and stability. This information, combined with insights into specific state-level changes, can help a potential franchisee assess the brand's performance and potential in different markets.