### Noodles & Company Announces Strategic Closures Amidst Sales Growth Noodles & Company, a popular fast-casual dining chain, has reported a strong fourth-quarter sales growth of 6.6% but simultaneously confirmed plans to close 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026. This decision is part of a broader portfolio optimization strategy aimed at strengthening the company's financial position and focusing resources on more successful locations. The chain, which ended 2025 with 423 locations, had already closed 42 restaurants the previous year, indicating a trend towards reducing its footprint in less profitable areas [https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01/popular-fast-casual-restaurant-plans-dozens-of-closures-in-2026.html][https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/noodles-company-to-close-an-additional-30-35-restaurants-this-year]. ### Overview of Noodles & Company's Closure Strategy 1. **Sales Performance**: Despite the planned closures, Noodles & Company reported a notable increase in same-store sales, suggesting that the closures are not a direct result of declining customer interest but rather a strategic move [https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/noodles-company-plans-to-close-up-to-35-restaurants-this-year]. 2. **Closure Details**: The company plans to close between 30 to 35 locations in 2026, with specific sites in Michigan yet to be identified. This follows a previous year where 42 restaurants were closed [https://wrkr.com/ixp/689/p/noodles-and-company-michigan][https://www.wqad.com/article/news/nation-world/noodles-company-2026-closures/507-eb68ceb5-90df-4f7a-9aa3-53afc08d8311]. 3. **Rationale Behind Closures**: Executives have indicated that the closures are part of a strategy to concentrate resources on stronger locations, thereby enhancing overall financial health [https://www.cheapism.com/noodles-company-closures-2026]. ### Supporting Data on Noodles & Company's Performance - **Sales Growth**: Noodles & Company reported a **6.6% increase** in same-store sales for Q4 2025 [https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/noodles-company-to-close-an-additional-30-35-restaurants-this-year]. - **Location Count**: The chain ended 2025 with **423 locations**, including **340 company-owned** and **83 franchise** outlets [https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/noodles-company-plans-to-close-up-to-35-restaurants-this-year]. - **Previous Closures**: In 2025, the company closed **42 restaurants**, indicating a trend towards reducing its operational footprint [https://bizwest.com/2026/01/12/noodles-plans-to-close-up-to-35-restaurants-in-2026]. ### Conclusion: Strategic Shift for Noodles & Company In summary, Noodles & Company's decision to close 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026 reflects a strategic shift aimed at optimizing its portfolio and focusing on more profitable locations. The company has demonstrated resilience with a significant sales increase, suggesting that the closures are a proactive measure rather than a reaction to declining performance. 1. **Sales Growth**: The company is experiencing positive sales trends, which supports the rationale for closures as a means to enhance profitability. 2. **Focus on Stronger Locations**: By concentrating resources on successful outlets, Noodles & Company aims to strengthen its market position. 3. **Ongoing Adjustments**: The closures are part of a broader strategy that has already seen significant reductions in the number of locations, indicating a commitment to long-term financial health [https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01/popular-fast-casual-restaurant-plans-dozens-of-closures-in-2026.html][https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/noodles-company-to-close-an-additional-30-35-restaurants-this-year].