Quarterly ResultMay 6, 2026, 04:18 PM
Noodles & Company Q1 Comparable Sales +9.1%; Adjusted EBITDA +218%
AI Summary
Noodles & Company announced strong first quarter 2026 financial results, exceeding its outlook with a 9.1% increase in system-wide comparable restaurant sales and a 218% surge in Adjusted EBITDA to $7.7 million. The company also significantly improved its net loss to $(3.4) million from $(9.1) million in the prior year. Based on this momentum, Noodles & Company raised its full-year 2026 guidance for revenue, restaurant level contribution margin, and Adjusted EBITDA. The strategic review initiated in September 2025 to explore ways to maximize stockholder value is still in process.
Key Highlights
- System-wide comparable restaurant sales increased 9.1% in Q1 2026.
- Adjusted EBITDA surged 218% to $7.7 million in Q1 2026.
- Net loss improved to $(3.4) million, or $(0.58) per diluted share, from $(9.1) million.
- Restaurant contribution margin rose to 14.9% from 10.3% year-over-year.
- Raised full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $483M-$498M, with 7-10% comparable sales growth.
- Increased full-year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $32.5M-$37.5M.
- Closed 20 underperforming stores in Q1 as part of portfolio optimization.
- Strategic review initiated in September 2025 to maximize stockholder value remains ongoing.