Dive Brief:
- Noodles & Company announced Tuesday that Joe Christina, currently its chief operating officer and president, will become president and CEO on Aug. 31, replacing Drew Madsen, who is stepping down for personal medical reasons.
- Madsen, who has orchestrated a menu overhaul and sales growth revival at the chain in the last year and a half, will remain as an advisor through August and continue as a board member.
- The brand delayed its earnings call scheduled for Wednesday to Aug. 13 as a result of the transfer of power.
Dive Insight:
Christina has only been with the brand since February, when he was hired as COO after a stint as CEO of Tijuana Flats, which he led through the early part of its Chapter 11 restructuring. Before that, Christina led Church’s Chicken as CEO, according to the press release.
Christina said Madsen’s tenure as CEO has set Noodles up for a renewal.
“This is a standout brand with a unique, revitalized menu, strong culture, and tremendous runway for growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to have joined the Company under Drew’s leadership,” Christina said.
Madsen oversaw a major menu overhaul, which saw the brand add three dishes in October and another nine new menu items in March. After a long streak of shrinking or stagnant sales that began in Q2 2023, Madsen’s menu transformation — combined with increased marketing — helped the chain log a solid quarter of sales growth earlier this year, with comps up 4.4%.
Continuing its effort to improve value perception and strengthen its menu’s appeal, in July Noodles announced a new Delicious Duos combo system that paired a small entree with a side for prices beginning at $9.95.
