Noodles Serves Up Pacific Northwest Expansion

Noodles & Company, the Jeffco-based national fast-casual chain recognized for its noodle bowls and quality service, has entered into a partnership with DND Group Inc. This agreement signifies the company’s continued growth in the Pacific Northwest region, with plans to open a total of 10 new restaurants in Oregon by 2030.

DND Group will immediately acquire six restaurant locations, the first of which is set to open in 2025 in Portland. The franchise deal encompasses some of the biggest cities in Oregon, including Portland, Eugene, Bend, and Yakima-Kennewick-Pasco.

Dara Dejbakhsh, President and CEO at DND Group Inc, is spearheading this multi-unit agreement. With over 43 years’ experience in the restaurant and franchising industry, Dejbakhsh directs the operation of 56 restaurants across nine states under the DND Group umbrella. The company’s existing brand portfolio boasts recognizable franchises such as Dairy Queen, Zaxby’s, Taco John’s, and Paris Baguette.

“We are excited to add Noodles to our portfolio of brands and bring the brand’s globally inspired dishes and flavors to Portland and the surrounding areas,” said Dejbakhsh. He indicates the new franchise agreement embodies further growth for Noodles & Company in the Pacific Northwest, a region where DND Group’s other brands also thrive. He lauded Noodles & Company as “one of the strongest brands in the fast-casual space,” extolling the company’s leadership in menu innovation and unique focus on people.

Drew Madsen, CEO of Noodles & Company, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership and praised DND Group’s proven record of excellent operations and high level of expertise, characterizing them as the ideal partner to expand the Noodles & Company brand in Oregon. “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with DND Group, Inc., which reflects significant progress towards our goal of establishing an even stronger Noodles presence in the Pacific Northwest,” said Madsen.

This move is part of Noodles & Company’s larger expansion plan, with the company intent on increasing its franchise presence throughout the U.S., notably in the southern region of the country with a heightened focus on markets in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Established in 1995, Noodles & Company operates more than 450 restaurants across the U.S., serving a diverse menu of noodles and flavors. The company has been awarded one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity and one of the Best Employers for Women by Forbes in 2021, and was recognized by QSR as one of 2022’s Best Brands to Work For.

Source: Press Release