Noodles & Company Turns Up the Heat with New Chili Garlic Ramen
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 09 2025
0mins
Should l Buy NDLS?
Source: PRnewswire
New Menu Item Launch: Noodles & Company is introducing Chili Garlic Ramen, a broth-less ramen bowl featuring buttery noodles, savory garlic, and a spicy chili kick, available for $8.95 starting October 15 for Rewards Members and October 17 for all customers.
Trend Alignment: The new dish aligns with Gen Z's preference for convenience and simplicity, reflecting current trends in food customization and the desire for effortless dining experiences, as seen in the popularity of ramen hacks on social media.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy NDLS?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on NDLS
About NDLS
Noodles & Company offers lunch and dinner within the fast-casual segment of the restaurant industry. The Company’s core offerings include noodle and pasta dishes, staples of various different cuisines. Its menu includes a variety of cooked-to-order dishes, including noodles and pasta, salads, soups and appetizers. It offers approximately 20 customizable dishes at its restaurants, taken to-go, or delivered to its customers. It operates approximately 460 restaurants in 31 states, which includes 369 company locations and 91 franchise locations. Its restaurants are typically between 2,000 and 2,600 square feet and are located in end-cap, in-line or free-standing locations across a variety of suburban, collegiate and urban markets. It is researching a smaller square footage restaurant prototype design. The Company's restaurants are located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Missouri, Minnesota and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Noodles & Company to Implement 1-for-8 Reverse Stock Split
- Reverse Stock Split Plan: Noodles & Company has announced a 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective February 18, 2026, aimed at regaining compliance with Nasdaq's $1.00 minimum bid price requirement, which is crucial for maintaining its listing status.
- Board Approval: The reverse split ratio was approved by the board within the previously authorized range of 1-for-2 to 1-for-15, indicating the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value and addressing market compliance proactively.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Noodles & Company's shares fell 7% in after-hours trading, reflecting a cautious market sentiment regarding the split and potentially impacting investor confidence.
- Financial Context: While the company reported higher comparable sales in Q4, the decision for a reverse split suggests underlying pressure on stock performance, necessitating measures to sustain investor interest and trust.
See More
Noodles & Company Revives Steak Stroganoff for a Limited Time, Driven by Fan Demand
- Fan-Driven Comeback: Noodles & Company is reviving its Steak Stroganoff for a limited time due to overwhelming fan demand, featuring a rich mushroom-sherry cream sauce and tender marinated steak to satisfy cravings for classic flavors.
- Social Media Engagement: The brand celebrates fan love for Stroganoff by transforming real social media posts into AI-powered mini-dramas, showcasing its commitment to customer feedback and enhancing brand loyalty.
- Chief StroganOff-icer Casting Call: From February 10 to 25, Noodles & Company will hold a casting call for its first-ever Chief StroganOff-icer, encouraging fans to demonstrate their passion for the dish and fostering deeper brand engagement.
- Rewards Program Attracts New Members: New Noodles Rewards members receive a free entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more, aimed at attracting more customers through point rewards and exclusive offers to enhance brand loyalty.
See More
Noodles & Company (NDLS) Reports 6.6% Q4 Sales Growth, Plans to Close 35 Restaurants
- Sales Growth Highlight: Noodles & Company reported a 6.6% increase in system-wide comparable sales for Q4 2025, driven by a 7.3% rise at company-owned restaurants and a 3.8% increase at franchised locations, showcasing effective execution in improving food quality and value.
- Sustained Growth Momentum: Compared to Q3, comparable sales at company-owned restaurants grew about 4%, indicating that ongoing improvements in product and service are driving sales growth and enhancing market competitiveness.
- Restaurant Operational Adjustments: As of December 30, 2025, the company operated 340 company-owned restaurants and 83 franchised locations, with plans to close 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026 to focus resources on higher-performing stores, optimizing overall business structure.
- Financial Outlook: The consensus for FY25 revenue stands at $494.70 million, reflecting market confidence in the company's future growth, while NDLS shares rose 17.25% to $0.88, indicating positive investor sentiment towards the company's strategic adjustments.
See More
Starbucks Closes 500 Stores Amid $1 Billion Overhaul Strategy
- Increased Market Pressure: In 2025, the restaurant industry faced severe challenges, prompting Starbucks to close approximately 500 North American cafes in response to declining sales, reflecting a trend of consumers shifting towards home cooking, which is expected to impact the company's short-term revenue.
- Strategic Restructuring: Starbucks has implemented a $1 billion overhaul strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency; although the decision to close its high-end Seattle Roastery has raised eyebrows, this move is intended to stabilize domestic sales and enhance market competitiveness.
- Industry Contraction: Several iconic chains have reduced their footprints in 2025, with Denny's closing 70 to 90 units and Papa John's shutting down 173 locations, indicating an overall industry shrinkage that may lead to further market share concentration.
- Investor Intervention: Following its store closures, Denny's was acquired by private investors for $620 million, aimed at stabilizing operations, reflecting investor confidence and expectations for recovery in the restaurant sector.
See More
Starbucks Plans to Close 500 North American Locations as Part of $1 Billion Restructuring
- Industry Decline: According to Black Box Intelligence, U.S. restaurant traffic fell every month in 2025 except for July, indicating that inflation-weary consumers are dining out less, prompting many chains to close underperforming locations.
- Starbucks Restructuring: Starbucks announced plans to close approximately 500 North American locations as part of a $1 billion restructuring effort aimed at reversing sales declines in its largest market, including the closure of its upscale Reserve Roastery in Seattle.
- Wendy's Strategic Review: Wendy's announced a strategic review in 2025, planning to close hundreds of underperforming U.S. locations as part of its
See More
Starbucks Plans to Close 500 Locations with $1 Billion Restructuring Investment
- Restructuring Plan: Starbucks announced plans to close approximately 500 North American locations as part of a $1 billion restructuring initiative aimed at addressing declining sales in the U.S. market, with the goal of improving overall business performance.
- Market Response: Under CEO Brian Niccol's leadership, Starbucks aims to reverse the sales slump, despite pressures from reduced consumer spending, and is expected to share more details during the upcoming investor day.
- Industry Trends: In 2025, the restaurant industry faces widespread challenges, with many chains opting to close underperforming locations, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards home dining and deals, resulting in an overall decline in traffic.
- Competitive Pressure: Amid intensified competition in the fast-food sector, brands like Wendy's and Denny's have also announced closures of hundreds of locations, highlighting the industry's operational difficulties and the need for a reassessment of market demand.
See More
Noodles & Company to Implement 1-for-8 Reverse Stock Split
- Reverse Stock Split Plan: Noodles & Company has announced a 1-for-8 reverse stock split effective February 18, 2026, aimed at regaining compliance with Nasdaq's $1.00 minimum bid price requirement, which is crucial for maintaining its listing status.
- Board Approval: The reverse split ratio was approved by the board within the previously authorized range of 1-for-2 to 1-for-15, indicating the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value and addressing market compliance proactively.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, Noodles & Company's shares fell 7% in after-hours trading, reflecting a cautious market sentiment regarding the split and potentially impacting investor confidence.
- Financial Context: While the company reported higher comparable sales in Q4, the decision for a reverse split suggests underlying pressure on stock performance, necessitating measures to sustain investor interest and trust.
See More
Noodles & Company Revives Steak Stroganoff for a Limited Time, Driven by Fan Demand
- Fan-Driven Comeback: Noodles & Company is reviving its Steak Stroganoff for a limited time due to overwhelming fan demand, featuring a rich mushroom-sherry cream sauce and tender marinated steak to satisfy cravings for classic flavors.
- Social Media Engagement: The brand celebrates fan love for Stroganoff by transforming real social media posts into AI-powered mini-dramas, showcasing its commitment to customer feedback and enhancing brand loyalty.
- Chief StroganOff-icer Casting Call: From February 10 to 25, Noodles & Company will hold a casting call for its first-ever Chief StroganOff-icer, encouraging fans to demonstrate their passion for the dish and fostering deeper brand engagement.
- Rewards Program Attracts New Members: New Noodles Rewards members receive a free entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more, aimed at attracting more customers through point rewards and exclusive offers to enhance brand loyalty.
See More
Noodles & Company (NDLS) Reports 6.6% Q4 Sales Growth, Plans to Close 35 Restaurants
- Sales Growth Highlight: Noodles & Company reported a 6.6% increase in system-wide comparable sales for Q4 2025, driven by a 7.3% rise at company-owned restaurants and a 3.8% increase at franchised locations, showcasing effective execution in improving food quality and value.
- Sustained Growth Momentum: Compared to Q3, comparable sales at company-owned restaurants grew about 4%, indicating that ongoing improvements in product and service are driving sales growth and enhancing market competitiveness.
- Restaurant Operational Adjustments: As of December 30, 2025, the company operated 340 company-owned restaurants and 83 franchised locations, with plans to close 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026 to focus resources on higher-performing stores, optimizing overall business structure.
- Financial Outlook: The consensus for FY25 revenue stands at $494.70 million, reflecting market confidence in the company's future growth, while NDLS shares rose 17.25% to $0.88, indicating positive investor sentiment towards the company's strategic adjustments.
See More
Starbucks Closes 500 Stores Amid $1 Billion Overhaul Strategy
- Increased Market Pressure: In 2025, the restaurant industry faced severe challenges, prompting Starbucks to close approximately 500 North American cafes in response to declining sales, reflecting a trend of consumers shifting towards home cooking, which is expected to impact the company's short-term revenue.
- Strategic Restructuring: Starbucks has implemented a $1 billion overhaul strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency; although the decision to close its high-end Seattle Roastery has raised eyebrows, this move is intended to stabilize domestic sales and enhance market competitiveness.
- Industry Contraction: Several iconic chains have reduced their footprints in 2025, with Denny's closing 70 to 90 units and Papa John's shutting down 173 locations, indicating an overall industry shrinkage that may lead to further market share concentration.
- Investor Intervention: Following its store closures, Denny's was acquired by private investors for $620 million, aimed at stabilizing operations, reflecting investor confidence and expectations for recovery in the restaurant sector.
See More
Starbucks Plans to Close 500 North American Locations as Part of $1 Billion Restructuring
- Industry Decline: According to Black Box Intelligence, U.S. restaurant traffic fell every month in 2025 except for July, indicating that inflation-weary consumers are dining out less, prompting many chains to close underperforming locations.
- Starbucks Restructuring: Starbucks announced plans to close approximately 500 North American locations as part of a $1 billion restructuring effort aimed at reversing sales declines in its largest market, including the closure of its upscale Reserve Roastery in Seattle.
- Wendy's Strategic Review: Wendy's announced a strategic review in 2025, planning to close hundreds of underperforming U.S. locations as part of its
See More
Starbucks Plans to Close 500 Locations with $1 Billion Restructuring Investment
- Restructuring Plan: Starbucks announced plans to close approximately 500 North American locations as part of a $1 billion restructuring initiative aimed at addressing declining sales in the U.S. market, with the goal of improving overall business performance.
- Market Response: Under CEO Brian Niccol's leadership, Starbucks aims to reverse the sales slump, despite pressures from reduced consumer spending, and is expected to share more details during the upcoming investor day.
- Industry Trends: In 2025, the restaurant industry faces widespread challenges, with many chains opting to close underperforming locations, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards home dining and deals, resulting in an overall decline in traffic.
- Competitive Pressure: Amid intensified competition in the fast-food sector, brands like Wendy's and Denny's have also announced closures of hundreds of locations, highlighting the industry's operational difficulties and the need for a reassessment of market demand.
See More
