Noodles & Company Announces that Kids Eat Free Every Day that Ends in "Y"

Rhea-AI Summary

Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) announces a -time offer of free kids' meals with the purchase of any regular entrée, available any day and time. This promotion, accessible in-restaurant, via the Noodles app, or online using the code KIDSEATFREE, aims to support families during the busy fall season. The offer includes popular kids' menu items like Wisconsin Mac & Cheese and Spaghetti & Meatballs, along with sides and a drink.

CEO Drew Madsen emphasizes the company's commitment to providing value and nourishment to families. The promotion aligns with Noodles' Goodness Guarantee program, allowing customers to exchange dishes they don't love at no cost. Additionally, the company encourages customers to join the Noodles Rewards program for more benefits, including a free entrée for new members and access to exclusive offers.

Positive

• -time offer of free kids' meals with any regular entrée purchase, potentially increasing customer traffic and sales
• Promotion available through multiple channels (in-restaurant, app, online), enhancing accessibility and convenience
• Goodness Guarantee program allows dish exchanges at no cost, potentially improving customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Noodles Rewards program offers additional benefits, including a free entrée for new members, which could drive customer acquisition

Negative

• Free kids' meals promotion may impact profit margins in the short term
• -time nature of the offer may not sustain long-term customer engagement

Insights

Market Research Analyst

Noodles & Company's new promotion is a clever customer acquisition strategy aimed at families, potentially boosting foot traffic and sales. While the free kids' meals might impact short-term margins, it could lead to increased adult entrée sales and customer loyalty. The timing, coinciding with the busy fall season, is strategic. However, the promotion's -time nature may not significantly alter long-term financial projections.

The company's focus on value proposition and customer-centric approach, evident in their Goodness Guarantee and rewards program, could strengthen brand loyalty. This move aligns with industry trends of offering more value to combat inflationary pressures on consumers. Investors should monitor the promotion's impact on same-store sales and customer acquisition costs in upcoming quarters.

Financial Analyst

While this promotion may drive short-term traffic, its financial impact is likely to be neutral. The free kids' meals could pressure gross margins, but this might be offset by increased adult entrée sales and potential upselling of sides or drinks. The key metrics to watch will be average ticket size and transaction volume.

Noodles & Company's stock (NASDAQ: NDLS) has been volatile and this promotion alone is unlikely to significantly move the needle. Investors should focus on the company's ability to manage costs amidst inflationary pressures and its same-store sales growth. The rewards program expansion could potentially improve customer lifetime value, a important long-term metric for the fast-casual sector.

Noodles & Company knows that fall is full of hectic days and jam-packed schedules, which is why the fast-casual chain is taking dinner off guests' plates with FREE kids' meals, all day, every day, with any regular entrée 

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bringing families together this fall, Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS), the nationwide fast-casual chain known for spreading Uncommon Goodness, announces today that, for a limited time, guests will receive a free kids' meal with the purchase of any regular entrée any day of the week, any time of day, for any occasion. Guests can redeem the free kids' meal offer in-restaurant, through the Noodles app, or online at Noodles.com, using the code KIDSEATFREE. 

Uncommon Goodness in Action
The beloved restaurant is showcasing its guest-centric mission by offering a free meal to its junior noodlers! With the purchase of any regular entree, guests can select a free kids' meal every day of the week, any time of day, for a limited time, including Noodles' famous kids' Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, kids' Spaghetti & Meatballs, kids' Buttered Noodles or kids Grilled Chicken Breast with Marinara. The kids' meal also includes the choice of two sides, including applesauce, a kids' crispy (with ooey-gooey marshmallows and melted butter), or steamed broccoli, and a drink.

"Fall is always a busy time for families, and we're delighted to show our appreciation to our loyal guests by offering free kids' meals every day of the week," said Drew Madsen, CEO of Noodles & Company. "Our variety of freshly prepared, craveable comfort food is now an even better value when families choose Noodles to nourish their loved ones." 

Picky Eaters Get to Be Picky! 
Under its Goodness Guarantee program, Noodles guarantees all the goodness of its globally inspired dishes. Noodles encourages guests to step outside their comfort zones and try something new, promising that if they don't love their entree, it can be exchanged for a different dish on the menu at no cost. Guests can learn more about the Goodness Guarantee at Noodles.com/goodnessguarantee. 

Unlock Even More with Noodles Rewards
For even more Uncommon Goodness, guests can sign up to join Noodles Rewards for free via the Noodles mobile app, or the Noodles website. Upon signing up, new members receive a free regular entree reward after their first purchase using their Noodles Rewards account and immediately start earning points with every order. Members also have access to exclusive offers such as birthday rewards and the all-new Extra Goodness platform, which guarantees there's always a reward available for members. 

Rewards members and guests also have access to Noodles Catering, which is a great option for workplace events, family and friendly gatherings, and more. Guests can conveniently get their noodle fix via quick pick-up or delivery by placing an order online at noodles.com, via the Noodles mobile app, or by visiting their nearby Noodles location. For more information please visit https://www.noodles.com/rewards/. 

About Noodles & Company 
Since 1995, Noodles & Company has been serving guests Uncommon Goodness and noodles your way, with noodles and flavors you know and love as well as new ones you're about to discover. From indulgent Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to better-for-you Zoodles and Other Noodles, the company serves a world of flavor in every bowl. Made up of more than 460 restaurants and thousands of passionate team members and named one of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America, America's Favorite Restaurants and Best Loyalty Programs by Newsweek in 2024, and one of the Top 500 Franchises by Franchise Times, Noodles is well-known for its delicious noodles and industry-leading team member benefits. Noodles has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Diversity in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and one of America's Best Employers for Women in 2021 and 2024. Additionally, QSR named Noodles one of 2022 and 2023's Best Brands to Work For, and the Denver Business Journal has called Noodles one of 2023's Best Places to Work for its unique culture focused on Uncommon Goodness and built on the value of "Loving Life," which begins by nourishing and inspiring its communities and every team member and guest who walks through the door. The company has also earned the Women in the Lead Certification for its investment in women-empowering initiatives for its female team members and has proudly partnered with the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance to build cultural intelligence within its teams. To learn more and to find the location nearest you, visit www.noodles.com.

Media Contact:
Danielle Moore
press@noodles.com 

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SOURCE Noodles & Company

FAQ

What is Noodles & Company's new promotion for kids' meals?

Noodles & Company is offering free kids' meals with the purchase of any regular entrée, available any day and time for a period.

How can customers redeem the free kids' meal offer at Noodles & Company?

Customers can redeem the offer in-restaurant, through the Noodles app, or online at Noodles.com using the code KIDSEATFREE.

What is included in the Noodles & Company kids' meal offer?

The kids' meal includes a main dish (e.g., Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Spaghetti & Meatballs), two sides (options include applesauce, crispy, or steamed broccoli), and a drink.

What is the Goodness Guarantee program at Noodles & Company?

The Goodness Guarantee allows customers to exchange their entrée for a different dish at no cost if they don't love their initial choice.

What benefits does the Noodles Rewards program offer?

Noodles Rewards offers a free regular entrée for new members after their first purchase, points earning on orders, birthday rewards, and access to the Extra Goodness platform with additional rewards.