Franchise Deep Dive: Noodles & Company Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

This fast-casual pasta franchise has seen impressive growth over the past 25+ years and is seeking continued growth, especially in the southern states.

By Erica InmanStaff Writer

10:10AM • 11/03/23

LAST UPDATED: October 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://noodlesfranchising.com/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 474

REPORTED COST TO GET IN:$747,000 to $1,423,000

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,288,958 (average net sales for franchise locations)

Noodles & Company, the American fast-casual restaurant chain, offers international and American noodle-based dishes. The 474 unit brand competes against other pasta chains in the industry such as Fazoli’s and I Heart Mac and Cheese.

How Many Noodles & Company Locations Are There?

Noodles & Company currently has 474 locations in the United States.

The brand was founded in 1995 by Aaron Kennedy in Broomfield, Colorado. The brand has since made big strides in the world of franchising, with over 90 franchised locations currently operating, while remaining true to its core idea that a bowl of noodles is something that people enjoy, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

What Is the Noodles & Company Business Model?

Noodles & Company primarily offers in-line, order at the counter service. The brand’s menu includes pastas inspired by cuisines all around the world, with side options such as salads, soups and desserts.

Drive-thru and catering options are also available, as well as online ordering services.

How Much Can Noodles & Company Franchise Owners Make?

The financial performance representations below are from Noodles & Company’s 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document and include both company owned and franchised locations.

Company and Franchise Net Sales

Average Net Sales: $1,349,542
Median Net Sales: $1,317,125
High Net Sales: $2,681,158
Low Net Sales: $475,469

Company Net Sales

Average Net Sales: $1,362,385
Median Net Sales: $1,318,202
High Net Sales: $2,681,158
Low Net Sales: $475,469

Franchise Net Sales

Average Net Sales: $1,288,958
Median Net Sales: $1,271,807
High Net Sales: $2,061,718
Low Net Sales: $646,596

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Noodles & Company Franchise?

The estimated total investment needed to open a Noodles & Company Franchise ranges from $747,000 to $1,423,000.

A breakdown of initial investment costs according to the brand’s 2023 FDD are indicated below:

Leasehold Improvements: $490,000 to $891,000
Architectural and Other Design Fees: $59,000 to $132,000
Landlord Credits: ($46,000) to ($170,000)
Kitchen Equipment: $127,000 to $218,000
Millwork & Furniture: $22,000 to $44,000
Computer Equipment: $30,000 to $56,000
Signage: $17,000 to $51,000
Permits and Licenses: $0 to $24,000
Supplies and Smallwares: $1,000 to $10,000
Opening Inventory: $6,000 to $10,000
Safe and Cash on Hand in Registers: $1,000 to $3,000
Utilities: $0 to $4,000
Pre-Opening Cash Occupancy Costs: $0 to $8,000
Training: $7,000 to $64,000
Grand Opening Marketing Program: $1,000 to $2,000
Legal Expenses: $0
Additional Funds – 3 Months: $0 to $46,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000

The brand also requires an ongoing royalty fee of 5%.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Noodles & Company?

The Noodles & Company franchise fee is $35,000. This is the upfront fee that must be paid when opening a Noodles & Company franchise.

Who Is the Leadership of Noodles & Company?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Noodles & Company?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

Franchise Deep Dive: Noodles & Company Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS