What was the total number of Noodles & Company outlets at the start of 2024?
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, at the start of 2024, there were a total of 470 Noodles & Company outlets. This number includes both franchised and company-owned locations. Specifically, there were 90 franchised outlets and 380 company-owned outlets at the beginning of 2024.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates the existing scale and mix of franchise versus corporate locations within the Noodles & Company system. A large number of company-owned stores can mean the franchisor has a vested interest in the overall success of the brand. It also demonstrates Noodles & Company's approach to market penetration, as the balance between franchised and company-owned stores can influence brand strategy and resource allocation.
It is important to note that the total number of outlets at the end of 2024 was 463, indicating a net decrease of 7 outlets during the year. This change reflects the dynamics of outlet openings and closures within the Noodles & Company system, which is typical for franchise systems as they mature and optimize their footprint. Franchisees should inquire about the reasons for these changes and the support Noodles & Company provides to maintain and grow outlet numbers.