Noodles and Company Startup Story
Noodles and Company was started by founder Aaron Kennedy at the age of 33 in 1995 with $250,000 raised from 25 private investors, friends, and family.
Founder of Noodles & Company: Aaron Kennedy
Age at Founding: 33
When: 1995
Industry: Restaurants
Annual Revenue: $220.8MM
# of Employees: 5,444
Famous For: Fast Casual Noodle Dishes
The Founder's Start: Dining at a Thai Noodle Shop inspired this entrepreneur’s idea of creating a noodle shop that would appeal to patrons of all cultures.
Prior Experience: Brand manager for Pepsi Cola and Oscar Mayer Lunchables
Startup Capital: 1995: $250k raised from 25 private investors, friends & family.
Follow on Funding:
1998: $1MM
1999: $3.2 MM
2002: $10MM
First Year Revenue: $100,000 Year's to Profitability: 11 months.
Important Startup Milestones for Noodles & Company:
1995: The first Noodles & Company restaurant opens in Denver, Colorado
1996: A negative review of the store prompts the company to refine its concept.
1998: With five restaurants in operation, revenues reach $2.4 million.
2000: The company accelerates growth with ten new store openings.
2001: Named a "Hot Concept." by Nation's Restaurant News
2002: Raises $10MM via a private stock offering to provide working and expansion capital.
2012: Noodles & Company opens it’s 300th location.