Noodles & Company is proud to introduce the best pork you can fork

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Noodles & Company, the fast-casual restaurant concept with more than 300 locations throughout the U.S. that features a collection of dishes from around the world, is bringing slow-braised, naturally raised pork to the menu. As one of the most popular meats across many of the world's cuisines, the addition of slow-braised pork allows guests to further enhance the global flavors found on Noodles' vast menu. To highlight the new slow-braised pork offering, Noodles has introduced a Barbecue Pork Mac and Peppery Pork Sandwich, both available for a limited time.

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The recipe for the slow-braised, naturally raised pork was developed with versatility in mind.  A go-to favorite is completely transformed by adding the tender, mildly peppery, shredded pork. "We wanted to create a shredded pork that is amazing on its own, but nothing short of mind-blowing when paired with most any of our global dishes," explained Tessa Stamper, Noodles & Company chef and registered dietitian. "It's yet another way for our guests to get a different taste every day."

The new slow-braised, naturally raised pork has decadent flavor without a hefty nutritional price tag.  Being a lean protein, it has just 160 calories and 8 grams of fat per serving. "We specifically developed this protein with nutrition in mind.  It's one of the leanest cuts from the pork shoulder – typically thought to be a rich and fatty cut.  By cooking it sous-vide style, we lock in its natural juices and cook it low and slow for five hours.  That keeps it incredibly moist, but not greasy," said Stamper.

As the first naturally raised protein on the menu, the introduction of slow-braised, naturally raised pork is evidence of Noodles' overall commitment to providing the best-quality, best-tasting ingredients available.  The brand has taken special care in each step of the process to provide an option that has exceptional flavor and is better for the animal. The animals are raised entirely without growth hormones or antibiotics, and are fed a vegetarian diet. "This will change the way people think about our food," said Kevin Reddy, chairman and CEO, Noodles & Company.  "When we decided to add pork, we wanted to do it right.  It's one of the best-tasting things on our menu." 

Noodles & Company encourages customization of any dish, and the introduction of another protein opens up a new world of options. The braised pork gives an unexpected twist to something familiar. The new protein can be added to any dish for $2.69. Learn more about the new option at noodles.com/slowbraisedpork.

About Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company was founded in 1995 with the opening of its first restaurant in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Noodles & Company is a collection of more than 300 neighborhood restaurants in 23 states and growing. Noodles & Company features timeless dishes from around the world. From Penne Rosa and Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to The Med Salad and Indonesian Peanut Saute, there are favorites for both kids and adults. Every dish is prepared fresh with a commitment to quality ingredients.  Because the food isn't prepackaged, each dish is customizable to diet and taste preferences. The restaurant delivers these fresh, made-to-order dishes within minutes of ordering right to the table on real china with real silverware. For more information, visit http://www.noodles.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
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SOURCE Noodles & Company