Noodles & Company Announces Additional Restaurant Closures in 2026
Noodles & Company, a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in Denver in 1995 and operating nearly 400 locations nationwide, has confirmed additional closures for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. The company plans to close between 30 to 35 company-owned restaurants and five franchised locations as part of a multi-year strategy aimed at improving profitability by focusing on high-performing units. Since July 1, 2025, Noodles & Company has already closed 46 company-owned and 11 franchise locations. CEO Joe Christina explained that closures are primarily in areas where nearby restaurants perform well, allowing for a transfer of sales to those stronger sites. The strategy is helping increase average unit volumes while reducing costs. The latest round of closures follows similar efforts in previous years as the chain continues its broader turnaround plan amid rising operating expenses and shifting consumer dining habits.