Ramen becomes permanent at Noodles

Noodles & Company announced ramen will earn a permanent category on its menu following the success of a limited-time chili garlic ramen item last year.

One dish brought 156,000 new diners

The company called the chili garlic ramen dish one of the most successful menu launches in its history, noting it introduced one hundred fifty-six thousand new diners to its brand.

Three new ramen bowls launching

Noodles & Company will introduce Gochujang Carbonara Ramen Noodles, Sweet Sesame Steak Ramen Noodles, and Spicy Korean Steak Ramen Noodles, each offered as brothless bowls.

Global flavors in American setting

The new ramen selection draws on Italian, Korean, and Japanese cuisine, all served in a very American fast-casual setting, though not exactly authentic.

Culinary innovation drives the move

Tina Massey, vice president of culinary innovation at Noodles & Company, said ramen gives the chain another canvas for flavor and creativity after thirty years exploring noodles.

“We've spent more than 30 years exploring what's possible with noodles, and ramen gives us another incredible canvas for flavor and creativity.”

Chain faced recent struggles

Like many fast-casual competitors, Noodles & Company has struggled in recent years. In two thousand twenty-five, it shuttered forty-two locations citing a long-term plan to get back on track.

More closures planned for January

In January, Noodles & Company announced plans to close between thirty and thirty-five additional restaurants, trimming down its footprint considerably to improve profitability.

CEO defends closure strategy

Joe Christina, president and CEO of Noodles & Company, said decisions to close underperforming locations are made thoughtfully with a long-term view of the business.

“Decisions like this are made thoughtfully and with a long-term view of the business.”

Strategy appears to be working

In its last earnings report, same-store sales were up by ten percent, a sign that the decision to jettison underperforming locations is beginning to pay off.

Industry faces post-pandemic pressure

Fast-casual and fast-food chains have struggled in inflationary post-pandemic years as rising costs scare off customers who once didn't think twice about quick meals.

Chipotle among those humbled

The trends have humbled onetime-towering chains including the ubiquitous burrito bar Chipotle, forcing them to rethink their business models and cost structures.

Menu innovation drives recovery

Noodles & Company is now counting on menu innovations like its brothless global ramen experiments to bring new diners into the fold and sustain growth.