A popular Italian-style restaurant chain is undergoing a major shakeup that will impact customers nationwide.

The news has left fans of the brand disappointed as they prepare to lose access to familiar menu favorites.

Financial challenges and leadership changes have combined to put dozens of locations at risk. With other major chains also facing shutdowns this year, the trend is becoming difficult to ignore.


Noodles & Company confirmed on August 14 that between 28 and 32 company-owned restaurants would be shuttered this year.

By 2026, the company expects to close up to 17 more locations, though it also plans to open two new ones.

The fast-casual chain began in 1995 in Colorado and has grown to over 450 nationwide restaurants. Known for its quick-service pasta, the brand built a loyal following through signature combos such as the “delicious duo” for $9.95.

The company reported a net loss of $17.6 million in its most recent earnings release. That figure represented a $4 million increase from the same quarter in 2024, when losses totaled $13.6 million.


Revenue also fell 0.7% year over year, sliding to $126.4 million from $127.4 million. CEO Drew Madsen attributed the struggles to “slower guest adoption of the upgrades made to some of our historic menu items” and a “strong value-conscious climate.”

In his statement, Madsen said, “We’ve been moving decisively to address these factors, particularly around guest value perception.”

At the same time, he announced that he would step down as CEO, with COO Joe Christina taking over leadership duties.

“Joe Christina is absolutely the right leader to guide this brand forward,” Madsen added. The company’s projection of up to 32 closures this year is an increase from its earlier maximum estimate of 21 announced in May.


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Noodles & Company is not the only restaurant facing downsizing in 2025. Denny’s has confirmed up to 150 closures, while Red Lobster is planning to shut down over 100 stores nationwide.

TGI Friday’s is still restructuring under bankruptcy and has already closed 30 locations this year. Applebee’s also expects to close 20 to 35 of its restaurants, though it is experimenting with dual-branded stores alongside IHOP.

Despite the closures, Noodles & Company has made efforts to strengthen its menu and brand identity.

Earlier this year, it introduced new dishes such as Buffalo & Cheese pasta, Garlic Bacon Crunch, Pulled Pork BBQ Mac & Cheese, Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine, Lemon Parmesan Broccoli and the Green Goddess.


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Madsen said the dishes used “more sauce, vegetables, and premium ingredients to elevate flavor, pushing ourselves to exceed expectations as consumer tastes evolve while simultaneously extending our reach and attracting new customers.”

He also noted that comparable sales rose by about 5% shortly after the new menu launched, reflecting a clear and measurable response that highlighted the immediate impact of the changes.

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Would you still support a chain like Noodles & Company even as it closes locations, or do you think it signals a bigger problem for sit-down casual dining? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you’ve noticed similar struggles at your favorite restaurants.