Core Viewpoint - Noodles & Company plans to implement a 1-for-8 reverse stock split of its Class A common stock to comply with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement, effective February 18, 2026 [1][2][3]. Group 1: Reverse Stock Split Details - The reverse stock split will convert 8 shares of Common Stock into 1 share, with proportional adjustments made to outstanding equity awards and stock incentive plans [4]. - The reverse stock split aims to meet the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for maintaining its Nasdaq listing [2][3]. - Over 96% of stockholders approved the reverse stock split proposal at a special meeting held on February 4, 2026 [3]. Group 2: Implementation Process - The new CUSIP number for the Common Stock post-split will be 65540B303, and trading will begin on a split-adjusted basis on February 18, 2026 [2]. - No fractional shares will be issued; stockholders will receive additional shares to round up to the next whole share if necessary [5]. - The company's transfer agent, Equiniti, will manage the exchange process for the reverse stock split, with instructions provided to stockholders [6]. Group 3: Company Background - Noodles & Company has been serving a variety of noodle dishes since 1995, with over 400 restaurants and a focus on flavor and customer experience [7].

Core Insights - Multiple fast-food and fast-casual chain restaurants in the United States are downsizing, focusing on stronger-performing stores [1] Noodles & Company - Noodles & Company closed 33 company-owned and nine franchise restaurants in 2025, with an expectation of 30 to 35 more closures in the coming year [2] - The company reported over 7% sales growth for its company-owned restaurants in the fourth quarter, indicating a strategic decision to close underperforming locations to strengthen the brand and finances [4][5] Wendy's - Wendy's plans to close approximately 300 stores nationwide starting in late 2025, which represents a "mid single-digit percentage" of its roughly 6,000 locations, equating to about 240 to 360 closures [6] - The strategy includes improving technology and equipment, transferring underperforming locations to new operators, or closing them, with closures expected to begin in the fourth quarter of the year [7] - Recent closures include locations in Levittown, Pennsylvania, West Lafayette, Indiana, and Stockton, California [9]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company plans to close between 30 and 35 restaurants in 2026 to improve financial performance [1] Company Strategy - The decision to close restaurants is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the company's financial health [1] - The closures are expected to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations [1] Financial Implications - The company anticipates that these closures will lead to improved financial metrics in the coming years [1] - The specific financial targets or metrics that will be impacted by these closures were not detailed in the announcement [1]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company is reintroducing its popular Steak Stroganoff dish for a limited time due to high demand from fans [1][2] - The return of Steak Stroganoff is celebrated through AI-powered mini-dramas that highlight fan engagement and emotional connections to the dish [2][3] Product Details - The Steak Stroganoff features wavy egg noodles in a mushroom-sherry cream sauce, marinated steak, Parmesan cheese, and fresh Italian parsley, creating a comforting flavor profile [1] - The dish is positioned as a nostalgic favorite, particularly appealing during colder weather [3] Marketing Strategy - The company is leveraging social media by transforming fan posts into dramatic reenactments, showcasing the emotional significance of the dish to its customers [2][3] - A casting call for the first-ever Chief StroganOff-icer will take place from February 10 to February 25, inviting fans to demonstrate their passion for the dish [4] Engagement Initiatives - Fans can participate by posting dramatic monologues about Steak Stroganoff on Instagram, with the winning entry being featured in an AI mini-drama [5][6] - The winner will receive a gift card for a free bowl of Steak Stroganoff every week in 2026, along with exclusive merchandise [6] Loyalty Program - New members of the Noodles Rewards program receive a free regular entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty [7] - Members earn points on orders, gaining access to new menu items and exclusive offers [7] Company Background - Noodles & Company has been serving globally inspired noodle dishes since 1995, with over 445 locations and a focus on flavor and customer experience [8][9]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company, a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 1995, is facing operational and financial pressures in a challenging market, despite its initial success and nationwide expansion [1][2] - The company is exploring "strategic alternatives" to maximize shareholder value, including refinancing, refranchising, or potentially selling the business [2][3] - Noodles & Company has received delisting warnings from Nasdaq for failing to maintain a minimum share price of $1 for over 30 consecutive trading days [3] Business Strategy - The company plans to close 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026 as part of a strategy to reduce its national footprint and improve performance [5] - As of the end of 2025, Noodles & Company operated 423 restaurants, including 340 company-owned and 83 franchise locations [5] - The closure of underperforming restaurants is expected to benefit nearby profitable locations, driving margin and Adjusted EBITDA improvement [6] Financial Performance - Noodles & Company reported a 32.7% increase in adjusted EBITDA, reaching $6.5 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $4.9 million the previous year [6] - The company's stock surged 14.6% at market close on January 12, representing a more than 21% year-to-date gain [7]

NOODLES & COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or Other Jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation) Identification No.) 520 Zang Street, Suite D Broomfield, CO 80021 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): January 12, 20 ...

Core Insights - Noodles & Company reported a preliminary increase in system-wide comparable sales of 6.6% for the fourth quarter of 2025, with a 7.3% increase at company-owned restaurants and a 3.8% increase at franchise restaurants [2][3] Sales Performance - The fourth quarter sales growth follows a 4% increase in the third quarter, indicating a positive trend in sales performance [3] - The company attributes this growth to disciplined execution, enhancements to food offerings, a compelling value proposition, engaged teams, and improved guest experiences [3] Portfolio Optimization - As of December 30, 2025, Noodles & Company operated 340 company-owned restaurants and 83 franchise restaurants, having closed 33 company-owned and nine franchise restaurants in 2025 [4] - The company plans to close an additional 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026 to focus resources on higher-performing locations [4][5] Strategic Focus - The CEO emphasized that the decisions regarding restaurant closures are made with a long-term view, aiming to strengthen the brand's overall health and financial position [5] - The company is confident in its strategy to drive guest satisfaction, ignite growth, and improve financial results moving into 2026 [3][5]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company is closing underperforming units and plans to accelerate closures, with 20 restaurants closed last year and an expected 31 to 34 closures in 2025 [3][4] - The company has faced activist pressure, conceding a board seat to an activist investor in 2024, and is exploring strategic alternatives including a potential sale [3][6] - Galloway Capital Partners, which holds a 6% stake, recommends selling 200 company-owned locations to generate approximately $60 million to reduce high-cost debt [5][6] Company Performance - Noodles & Company has seen an increase in sales and profits at nearby locations following the closure of underperforming restaurants, expecting to retain about 30% of sales from closed stores [4] - Despite outperforming some competitors in same-store sales growth, the company is experiencing growing net losses, revenue declines, and negative operating margins [6] - As of September 30, the company had 349 company-owned units and only 86 franchised units, indicating a shift towards an asset-light model [4][6]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Noodles & Company experienced a significant increase following the disclosure of a stake by Galloway Capital Partners, indicating potential investor confidence in the restaurant chain [4]. Company Summary - Galloway Capital Partners has acquired over 2.8 million shares of Noodles & Company, which constitutes a 6.01% ownership stake in the company [4].

Core Viewpoint - Noodles & Company is launching a limited-time Holiday Crispy treat made with SNICKERS®, aimed at providing a sweet indulgence during the busy holiday season [1][2]. Product Offering - The Holiday Crispy is priced at $3.50 and combines Noodles & Company's rice crispy with SNICKERS® caramel and peanut filling, available for a limited time in December [1][2]. - The product is made fresh in-house daily, and inventory is limited, encouraging customers to order while supplies last [3]. Marketing Strategy - The company emphasizes the importance of taking a moment for oneself during the hectic holiday season, with 60% of consumers budgeting for little treats [2]. - The partnership with SNICKERS® is positioned as a fun way to add joy to the holiday experience, appealing to consumers looking for indulgent snacks [2]. Customer Engagement - Noodles & Company promotes its Noodles Rewards program, which allows members to earn points on orders, access exclusive offers, and receive a free entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more [4]. Company Background - Noodles & Company has been in operation since 1995, focusing on globally inspired noodle dishes and has over 445 restaurants [5]. - The brand is recognized for its commitment to flavor and customer satisfaction, receiving accolades from Newsweek and Forbes [5].