Noodles & Company plans to close between 30 and 35 additional restaurants in 2026, continuing a deep pullback after a tough 2025.​

Scope of the 2026 closures

• The company has told investors it will shutter 30–35 “underperforming” locations this year as part of a broader effort to strengthen its finances and refocus on stronger markets.​

• These cuts come on top of 42 restaurants closed in 2025, meaning the fast‑casual pasta chain could shrink its footprint by more than 18% over a two‑year period.​

Why Noodles & Company is shrinking

• CEO Joe Christina has said the closures are intended to “refine the portfolio,” concentrating resources on restaurants with the best chance to perform and improve margins and adjusted EBITDA.​

• The chain has struggled with a slumping stock price, repeated Nasdaq delisting warnings, and shifting consumer habits in a value‑conscious dining market.​

Current footprint and future outlook

• As of late 2025, Noodles & Company operated roughly 423–428 restaurants, most of them company‑owned, across 31 states.​

• Executives say that despite the closures, same‑store sales have recently improved following menu revamps and value promotions, and they frame the 2026 cuts as a step toward more sustainable, profitable growth.​