Noodles & Company Expands Into Texas Through Franchise Development Deal

By: Noodles & Company | 41 Shares 388 Reads

Franchisee Pasta Per Trio Inc. to Open Nine Austin Area Locations and 10 in Northeast Dallas

BROOMFIELD, CO--(Marketwire - May 7, 2008) - Noodles & Company, the quick-casual, globally inspired noodle restaurant that serves a balanced menu of freshly sautéed Asian, Mediterranean and American cuisine, today announced a new development agreement with franchise group Pasta Per Trio to bring Noodles & Company restaurants to Austin and northeast Dallas, Texas. Pasta Per Trio currently owns and operates 11 Noodles & Company locations in Michigan.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pasta Per Trio will open nine Noodles & Company restaurants in the Austin area and 10 Noodles & Company restaurants in northeast Dallas in the next five years. The first Noodles & Company restaurant is slated to open in late 2008 in Austin and will be the company's first entry into the Texas market.

"Our franchise partners are an important part of our growth plans, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with Pasta Per Trio to introduce our globally inspired noodle restaurant to the Austin and Dallas communities," said Kevin Reddy, president and CEO of Noodles & Company. "We appreciate Pasta Per Trio's dedication and commitment to our concept and look forward to their success."

Noodles & Company plans to continue its industry-leading growth by expanding its presence in existing markets and entering new areas such as Texas. The Company anticipates opening up to

50 new restaurants (both company-owned and franchise-operated) in 2008, and to exceed 500 restaurants in the next five to six years.

Since signing a franchise area operator agreement with Noodles & Company in June 2004, Pasta Per Trio has agreed to develop 30 restaurants throughout Michigan by 2011 in addition to their new Austin and Dallas development deals. Pasta Per Trio currently operates Noodles & Company restaurants at five Detroit area locations, two Ann Arbor locations, two Grand Rapids locations, as well as East Lansing and Portage.

About Noodles & Company

Colorado-based Noodles & Company was founded in 1995 and is the world's first quick-casual, globally inspired noodle restaurant. From healthy to indulgent and spicy to comforting, Noodles & Company's menu features Asian, Mediterranean and American inspired noodle dishes, soups and salads. At Noodles & Company, there are no freezers, no microwaves, and no can openers -- only fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu, and sautéed noodles and pasta, all prepared to order in minutes.

Noodles & Company believes you can eat well without compromising on taste or a nourishing meal. In fact, two thirds of its dishes are less than 500 calories. The company's educational Good Balance program was created to help guests make tailored food choices to meet their own balanced diet and needs. The program is supported by an in-store brochure and Web site that provide nutritional content and tips on how to manage calories, fat and sodium; increase daily fiber intake; dine vegetarian and achieve good balance for adults and kids.

Noodles & Company is a tip-free zone and is open seven days a week in more than 170 locations in 16 states. To view a menu and nutritional information, find a location or see what else is going on in Noodleville, visit www.noodles.com.

About Past Per Trio Inc.

Pasta Per Trio is led by Ralph Staelgraeve and his partners: Bill McCardell, Dr. Tom Zdeblick and Jeff Pauly. Since signing a franchise area operator agreement with Noodles & Company in June 2004, Pasta Per Trio has agreed to open 30 restaurants throughout Michigan by 2011. Areas of development include Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, the Lansing and East Lansing areas, Kalamazoo, Mt. Pleasant and Traverse City. Pasta Per Trio currently operates Noodles & Company restaurants at five Detroit area locations, two Ann Arbor locations, two Grand Rapids restaurants, as well as East Lansing and Portage.

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