Noodles & Company Announces Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Key Highlights
- ➤Comparable restaurant sales increased 9.5% system-wide, marking eight consecutive quarters of growth
- ➤Adjusted EBITDA increased 34.3% to $8.7 million year over year
- ➤Net loss narrowed to $2.1 million from $9.2 million year over year
- ➤Fiscal 2026 revenue guidance tightened to $485 million-$495 million
- ➤Credit facility maturity extended to November 30, 2027, with $101.0 million debt outstanding
Expert Statements
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company
“We are very excited that our third quarter performance continued our strong sales momentum and margin expansion, underscoring the sustainability of our growth and the impact of the improvements we have made across the business.”
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company
“System-wide comparable sales grew 9.5%, which was our third consecutive quarter above 9.0% and eighth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales growth.”
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company
“Our impressive sales growth reflects enhanced restaurant execution, more innovative and craveable menu offerings, more strategic and focused marketing, together with what we believe is a permanent shift of a significant portion of predominately off premise sales to nearby locations from our successful closed store program.”
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company
“We are converting this sales momentum into stronger restaurant economics.”
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company
“Year to date, restaurant contribution margin exceeded 16% and Adjusted EBITDA has nearly doubled, reflecting the leverage from higher AUVs, improved cost efficiencies, and the elimination of underperforming restaurants from our portfolio.”
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company
“We have also reduced debt by more than $9.0 million year to date, further strengthening our financial foundation.”
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company
“Our focus remains on making Noodles & Company a more compelling choice for guests and a more profitable business, with disciplined execution that supports durable, outsized long-term growth.”
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Nov. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noodles & Company (Nasdaq: NDLS) today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 29, 2026.
Key highlights for the third quarter of 2026 versus the third quarter of 2025 include: * Total revenue decreased 1.0% to $120.9 million from $122.1 million. * Comparable restaurant sales increased 9.5% system-wide, comprised of a 10.7% increase at company-owned restaurants and a 4.9% increase at franchise restaurants. * Net loss was $2.1 million, or $0.36 loss per diluted share, compared to net loss of $9.2 million, or $1.58 loss per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2025. * Operating margin was 0.1% compared to (5.2)% in the third quarter of 2025. * Restaurant contribution margin((1)) was 16.7% compared to 13.2% in the third quarter of 2025. * Adjusted EBITDA((1)) increased 34.3% to $8.7 million compared to $6.5 million in the third quarter of 2025.
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