American fast-casual chain Noodles & Company is preparing to shut down between 30 and 35 of its restaurants this year, a fresh wave of closures following the shuttering of 40 locations in 2025. The Colorado-based company, which operates 423 sites across the United States, confirmed the move in a strategic review released this week.
Strategic Closures Amid Financial Strain
The decision, described as "thoughtful" and taken with a "long-term view," was announced by the firm's CEO and President, Joe Christina. He stated the actions are intended to strengthen the brand's overall health and financial position. This comes despite the company reporting a 7 percent sales growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 for its company-owned restaurants.
However, this sales increase has been overshadowed by persistent struggles on the stock market. The company has fought to maintain its Nasdaq listing, having failed to keep its share price above the minimum $1 threshold for over 30 consecutive trading days in both December 2024 and June 2025. As of January 16, 2026, its share price stood at just $0.84.
A Dramatic Fall from IPO Heights
The current valuation marks a staggering decline from the chain's public debut. According to Nasdaq data, the company's shares have lost 97 percent of their value since it first went public in 2013, when a single share was priced at approximately $36.75. This precipitous drop has forced management to explore "strategic alternatives" to maximise shareholder value.
The brand, known for its noodle dishes and locations in busy malls and on highways, has not yet disclosed which specific restaurants are slated for closure. The latest cuts represent a continuation of a difficult period for the chain, which began a significant retrenchment last year.
Leadership Expresses Confidence for the Future
Despite the challenging circumstances, CEO Joe Christina struck an optimistic tone in the official press release. "As we head into 2026, we are energized by the progress we are making and confident in our plan to develop winning teams, drive guest satisfaction, ignite growth, and deliver improved financial results," he wrote.
The company's strategy now appears firmly focused on pruning its physical estate to ensure the long-term viability of the remaining portfolio. Whether this consolidation will be enough to reverse the fortunes of the beleaguered chain and restore investor confidence remains a central question for 2026.
