April 19, 2021 // Franchising.com // BROOMFIELD, CO. - 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.
“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:
“Noodles & Company is a differentiated concept, being the only brand that offers noodle dishes from around the world in a fast-casual setting. 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.”
SOURCE Noodles & Company
Founded in 1995, Noodles & Company serves classic noodle and pasta dishes.