BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Noodles &
Company (NASDAQ: NDLS), known for serving bowls of classic noodle,
Zoodle and cauliflower noodle dishes from around the
world, has targeted at least 7% system-wide unit growth beginning
in 2022 and is leveraging franchise development to help meet that
goal. Despite the many challenges the pandemic posed on the
restaurant industry, Noodles was agile and quick to adapt, thanks
to its pre-pandemic focus on enhancing digital capabilities for
off-premise business.
In 2020, Noodles & Company saw a 128% increase in digital
sales, which accounted for 62% of sales. Prior to the pandemic,
Noodles & Company was already operating 56% of its business in
an off-premise setting and once COVID-19 hit, the company
accelerated its plans and quickly pivoted operations to further
accommodate the rapid change in guest behaviors. Significant
contributors to its sales recovery include the ability to quickly
adjust to an off-premise business model with convenient options
like delivery, curbside takeout, and Quick Pickup as well as
back-of-the-house efficiencies, ensuring that guests never have to
choose between quality and convenience.
With nearly 450 locations across 29 states, Noodles &
Company is leading the way in the fast-casual space offering an
innovative menu, affordable investment, a strong guest base, and a
successful operating model for off-premise dining. Reinforced by
the brand's longevity and attractive business model for
franchising, Noodles is positioned for aggressive growth and
development throughout the country.
"In our search to expand our business portfolio with an
established fast-casual concept, it was important for us to find a
company that aligned with our values and Noodles was the one," says
Noodles & Company franchisee and COO of Little Deep
Pasta, Dustin Jensen. "LDP has been franchising with Noodles
& Company since 2015. As a family-oriented business, we valued
Noodles being a people-centric company, that happens to serve food.
Their franchise model focuses on people and food first and
foremost. You can see that love reflected in their leadership team
and their Company owned locations. And although the franchise
community is a small footprint within their business, they make
sure support is always provided to their franchisees. The company
practices what they preach and lives by their values."
Noodles & Company's off-premise capabilities and digital
strength uniquely position the brand to meet the needs of today's
fast-casual environment and take advantage of long-term guest
trends. Focused on creating a frictionless experience rooted in
guest safety and overall convenience, Noodles delivers the ideal
guest experience through:
- Diverse Menu Options: Noodles & Company has a proven
menu that is sure to satisfy the whole family's palate. Standing
strong as the largest fast casual brand offering guests noodles and
flavors from around the world, the customizable menu brings a new
twist to traditional pasta by delivering convenient, made-to-order
dishes with fresh ingredients. Through efficient supply chain
management and culinary innovation, Noodles has a great
distribution system which provides fresh, high quality products to
accommodate a variety of dietary needs such as vegetarian,
gluten-friendly, paleo, Whole30, and more.
- Distinctive Store Designs: Noodles offers a strong
business model including options of flexible site selections and
smaller footprints that cater to guests dining in and those looking
to grab Noodles on the go. Off-premise dining has proven to be the
key to a restaurant's survival throughout the pandemic. Noodles
will continue to offer and improve options for guests to enjoy
their food both in restaurant as well as convenient to-go options
including Quick Pickup, curbside and delivery options, which will
become even more prevalent in new restaurants. Recently, Noodles
& Company has been streamlining operational procedures for a
more efficient kitchen including the introduction of steamers to
all restaurants by the end of 2021 which will reduce cook time by
nearly a minute.
- Digital Experience: The core of Noodles' off-premise
model is the technology that allows for guests to interact with
Noodles through an omnichannel experience. The Noodles Rewards app
is designed to provide a dynamic guest experience by personalizing
rewards, delivering offers tailored to their preferences, and
providing the convenience of mobile ordering all in the palm of
their hands. Through its website and social media channels, Noodles
is also able to engage and connect with its guests in real-time to
discover what they want and how to best meet their needs.
"Noodles & Company is a differentiated concept, being the
only brand that offers noodle dishes from around the world in a
fast-casual setting. With no direct national competitors, Noodles
is a trusted and successful partner for franchisees looking to be
part of a leading concept," said John
Ramsay, vice president of franchise sales. "With strong
average unit sales and attractive unit economics, we have a
compelling franchise model that is well-suited to meet today's
environment and the ability to adapt to the trends of tomorrow and
years to come. There's great opportunity for growth in major,
untapped markets and we're looking forward to working with
franchisees who are well connected in their community, passionate
about food, and are excited to bring fresh, delicious noodle dishes
to their market."
Noodles & Company is seeking qualified franchisees with an
entrepreneurial spirit, prior restaurant franchise experience and
strong ties to the company's values of We Care, We are Passionate,
We Show Pride, and We Love Life. Franchisees who join Noodles &
Company will have access to a team of experts who will support
during every step of the process from initial site selection to
marketing and training and beyond.
The planned expansion will target select DMAs in the Southern
and Southwestern markets including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New
Mexico, South Carolina, and
Texas.
To learn more about Noodles & Company and their franchising
opportunities, visit Noodles.com/Franchising.
About Noodles & Company
Since 1995, Noodles &
Company has been serving noodles your way, with noodles and flavors
that you know and love as well as new ones you're about to
discover. From indulgent Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to
better-for-you Zoodles, Cauliflower Noodles, and Cauliflower
Gnocchi, the company serves a world of flavor in every bowl. Made
up of more than 450 restaurants and thousands of passionate team
members, Noodles was named one of the Best Places to Work by the
Denver Business Journal for its unique culture built on the value
of "Loving Life," which begins by nourishing and inspiring every
team member and guest who walks through the door. To learn more or
find the location nearest you, visit www.noodles.com.
Media Contact:
Danielle
Moore, press@noodles.com
Yvonne Lo, ylo@konnectagency.com
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SOURCE Noodles & Company