BROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) today announced that it will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Joe Christina, Chief Executive Officer, and Mike Hynes, Chief Financial Officer, will host the call. A press release with fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results will be issued after the market close that same day. The conference call can be access ...

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 - 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 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 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].

Core Insights - Noodles & Company reported a 4% increase in comparable restaurant sales for Q3 2025, outperforming the fast casual benchmark, with October sales accelerating to an 8% increase [3][6] - The company experienced a net loss of $9.2 million in Q3 2025, compared to a net loss of $6.8 million in Q3 2024, largely due to $5.3 million in pre-tax restaurant impairments [6][24] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 32.7% to $6.5 million in Q3 2025, up from $4.9 million in the same quarter of the previous year [6][26] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q3 2025 decreased by 0.5% to $122.1 million from $122.8 million in Q3 2024 [6][21] - Restaurant contribution margin improved to 13.2% in Q3 2025 from 12.8% in Q3 2024, indicating better restaurant-level productivity [6][36] - Operating margin was reported at (5.2)% for Q3 2025, compared to (3.9)% in Q3 2024 [6][21] Liquidity and Debt - As of September 30, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.7 million and outstanding debt of $109.8 million [4] - The available amount for future borrowings under its revolving credit facility was $12.2 million [4] Business Outlook - The company revised its guidance for fiscal year 2025, expecting total revenue between $492 million and $495 million, with comparable restaurant sales growth projected at 3.6% to 4.2% [7] - The company plans to close 31 to 34 company-owned restaurants and 7 to 8 franchise restaurants, while opening two new company-owned locations [7] Strategic Review - On September 3, 2025, the Board of Directors initiated a review of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value, which may include refinancing, refranchising, or selling parts of the business [8]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company is facing challenges in increasing guest counts and is implementing catering discounts to attract customers during the holiday season [1][2] - The company has been developing its catering business over the past two years, successfully promoting its noodle trays as suitable for catering [3] - Noodles & Company is also encouraging gift card purchases and running a promotional giveaway to engage customers [4][5] Catering Discounts - The chain is offering a 25% discount on the second catering pan ordered through November with the code PANS25 [2] - From November 18 to the end of the year, a 15% discount is available on catering orders over $150 using the code MERRYNOODLES [2] - The discounts cannot be combined [2] Catering Business Development - Noodles & Company has focused on its catering business, highlighting that its noodle trays, including popular mac & cheese, are well-suited for catering [3] - The company has seen some success in this area, aiming to provide varied options to avoid customer veto votes [3] Gift Card Promotions - The company is promoting gift card sales by offering a $10 bonus card for purchases of $50 or more on gift cards from November 5 to the end of the year [3] - A giveaway of 100 $50 gift cards is being held from November 17 to 24, aimed at consumers who prefer noodles over pizza during the holidays [4] Sales Performance and Management Changes - Sales began to decline in early 2023 due to aggressive price hikes, with new CEO Drew Madsen indicating deeper operational issues [6] - A new menu was introduced in March, and the "Delicious Duos" combo meal was launched on July 30, initially boosting sales and traffic [7] - The company has engaged Piper Sandler to explore potential sale options among other strategies [7]

Core Viewpoint - Noodles & Company will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 5, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET [1] Group 1: Conference Call Details - The call will be hosted by CEO Joe Christina and CFO Mike Hynes [1] - A press release with the financial results will be issued after market close on the same day [1] - The conference call can be accessed live by dialing 201-389-0920, with a replay available until November 19, 2025 [2] Group 2: Webcast Information - The conference call will also be webcast live on the company's corporate website under the "Events & Presentations" page [3] - An archive of the webcast will be available shortly after the call concludes [3] Group 3: Company Background - Noodles & Company has been in operation since 1995, focusing on a variety of noodle dishes [4] - The company operates over 400 restaurants and emphasizes a people-first culture [4] - Noodles & Company has received recognition from Newsweek and Forbes for its restaurant quality and employee satisfaction [4]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company is experiencing declining traffic attributed to a perceived erosion of value, prompting the company to offer significant discounts to loyalty program members from October 4 to October 6 [1][2] Promotions and Discounts - The chain is celebrating its 30th anniversary by offering classic dishes at 1990s-level discounts, with prices temporarily reduced to $4.95 for items that typically range from $7.25 to $10.25 [2] - The promotion is available to members of the Noodles Rewards loyalty program, which provides points for every dollar spent and includes a birthday reward, with new members receiving a free entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more [3] Leadership and Strategic Changes - Joe Christina has been appointed as CEO effective August 31, following the resignation of Drew Madsen, and he aims to honor the company's legacy while looking forward to new offerings [4] - Shortly after Christina's appointment, the company initiated a significant menu revamp and has been focusing on operational improvements, including staff training and technology upgrades [5] Financial and Compliance Issues - The company has reported a 2.5% decline in traffic, attributed to increased price sensitivity among customers, and has engaged Piper Sandler to explore future options, including a potential sale [5] - Noodles & Company is currently out of compliance with Nasdaq regulations due to its share price being below $1 for over 30 consecutive business days, marking the second instance of non-compliance within a year [6]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company reported a net loss of $17.6 million for Q2 2025, compared to a net loss of $13.6 million in Q2 2024, indicating a decline in profitability [5][21][26] - Comparable restaurant sales increased by 1.5% system-wide, with a 1.5% increase at company-owned restaurants and a 1.6% increase at franchise restaurants [5][24] - The company is optimistic about future growth under new CEO Joe Christina, who is expected to enhance the brand's value perception and drive sustainable growth [3] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q2 2025 decreased by 0.7% to $126.4 million from $127.4 million in Q2 2024 [5][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $6.0 million, down from $9.2 million in Q2 2024 [5][26] - Operating margin for Q2 2025 was -11.7%, compared to -9.0% in Q2 2024 [5][21] Liquidity and Debt - As of July 1, 2025, the company had available cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million and outstanding debt of $108.3 million [4] - The amount available for future borrowings under its revolving credit facility was $13.7 million [4] Business Outlook - The company revised its guidance for fiscal year 2025, expecting total revenue between $487 million and $495 million, with comparable restaurant sales growth of 2.5% to 4.0% [6] - The company plans to open two new company-owned restaurants while closing 28 to 32 company-owned restaurants [6][7] Restaurant Activity - As of July 1, 2025, the company operated 364 company-owned restaurants, down from 369 at the end of Q1 2025 [23] - Franchise restaurants at the end of the period totaled 89, a decrease from 91 [23]