Noodles & Company Announces New Franchise Development Deal

BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Noodles & Company, the Colorado-based restaurant concept that serves made-to-order noodles, salads and sandwiches inspired from around the world, today announced a new development agreement with franchise group Prairie Pasta Company, Inc., an affiliate of Border States Management, Inc. based in Willmar, Minn. The new franchise partner is slated to open its first Noodles & Company location in Fargo, N.D. in 2011, plus seven additional locations in North and South Dakota over the next five years. Areas of future development will include Grand Forks, Fargo/Moorhead, Bismarck, Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

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"With its proven track record of managing successful restaurant franchises, Prairie Pasta Company was clearly the right choice as we looked for a partner to introduce our globally inspired concept in more neighborhoods in the northern U.S.," said Kevin Reddy, CEO and Chairman of Noodles & Company. "In addition, the team is very passionate about Noodles and will be excellent stewards of the brand."

Added Joe Cody, principal partner and CEO of Prairie Pasta: "We immediately saw the growth potential in Noodles & Company. It's a unique global concept with a menu of both sophisticated flavors and comfort foods that's new to this region. We're confident it's going to be very well received and are excited to be part of the team."

This year, Noodles & Company was ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing chains by Technomic, Inc., and named one of Parents magazine's "10 Best Restaurant Chains".  In 2010, the company received Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious Golden Chain Award and has been named one of "America's Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants" by Health magazine in 2008 and 2009. The company plans to continue its industry-leading growth by expanding its presence in existing markets and entering new areas such as the upper Midwest. The Company anticipates double-digit unit growth (both company-owned and franchise-operated) in 2011.

For Noodles & Company franchise information, please visit www.noodles.com or contact J.B. Hewetson, Director of Franchise Sales, at 720-214-1968 or [email protected].

About Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company is about serving real food, real quick. The menu features made-to-order noodles, salads and sandwiches inspired from around the world that make everyone happy from kids to adults. Think Mac & Cheese, Pad Thai, Chinese Chop Salad, Pesto Cavatappi and a Wisconsin Cheesesteak Sandwich all under one roof. Within minutes of ordering, a fresh, made-to-order dish will be delivered to the table on real china with real silverware. Nothing fake here. You also don't have to clear your table or leave a tip. Noodles & Company is a collection of more than 255 neighborhood restaurants in 18 states and growing. Please visit www.noodles.com to find a restaurant near you.

About Border States Management, Inc.

Border States Management, Inc. (BSMI) was founded by Joe Cody to provide comprehensive leadership and management services across a number of franchised and non-franchised restaurant concepts including Old Chicago, Erbert & Gerbert's, TGI Friday's, Arby's, Taco John's, McMillan's Family Restaurants and now Noodles & Company. Today, BSMI services seven different concepts totaling 27 restaurants with several more under development.

CONTACTS:
Jill Preston, Noodles & Company
720.214.1929
[email protected]

Ted Horan, Prairie Pasta Company, Inc.
701.371.2665
[email protected]

SOURCE Noodles & Company