Noodles & Company Appoints Drew Madsen as Permanent CEO

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – Restaurant chain Noodles & Company (Nasdaq: NDLS) has announced the appointment of Drew Madsen as their permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective from March 6, 2024. Madsen will also continue his role as a member of the Board of Directors.

Jeff Jones, Chairman of the Noodles & Company Board, expressed the board’s excitement over Madsen’s appointment and applauded his quick assessment of the company’s key opportunities. Jones highlighted the five strategic priorities Madsen has identified to drive traffic growth. These include operational excellence, brand relevancy through new menu offerings, digital strengths, catering business growth, and financial fortification.

Prior to this appointment, Madsen had been serving as the interim CEO since November of 2023. Madsen brings a wealth of experience from his time in the restaurant industry. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer at successful establishments, including Panera Bread and Darden Restaurants. His contributions at Panera Bread lead to industry leadership in several areas including clean food, digital sales, and home delivery, combined with improved operations execution and aggressive cost reduction.

Madsen, excited about his appointment, expressed his belief in Noodles as a differentiated brand with a strong value proposition. Convinced about Noodles’ potential, Madsen looks forward to working with the management team and the 7,000+ team members to fulfil the brand’s potential.

About Noodles & Company, it was founded in 1995 and serves a variety of noodles and flavors. With around 470 restaurants and over 7000 team members, the company aims to nourish and inspire every guest who walks through their doors.

Readers interested in more information can visit www.noodles.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and further contact details for media and investor relations were also provided in the press release.

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