S-1

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 18, 2013

Registration No. 333-

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

_____________________________________________________________

NOODLES & COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_____________________________________________________________

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 5812 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) 84-1303469 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

_____________________________________________________________

520 Zang Street, Suite D

Broomfield, CO 80021

(720) 214-1900

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including

area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

_____________________________________________________________

Kevin Reddy

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Noodles & Company

520 Zang Street, Suite D

Broomfield, CO 80021

(720) 214-1900

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of agent for service)

_____________________________________________________________

	Copies to:
Andrew L. Fabens Steven R. Shoemate Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 200 Park Avenue New York, NY 10166 (212) 351-4000	Paul A. Strasen Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary Noodles & Company 520 Zang Street, Suite D Broomfield, CO 80021 (720) 214-1900	Joshua N. Korff Michael Kim Kirkland & Ellis LLP 601 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10022 (212) 446-4800

_____________________________________________________________

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. o

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer ý (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED	AMOUNT TO BE REGISTERED(1)	PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE(2)	PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE(2)	AMOUNT OF REGISTRATION FEE
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	5,175,000	$43.05	$222,783,750	$28,695

(1) Includes shares that may be purchased by the underwriters to cover the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from the selling stockholders at the public offering price less the underwriters’ discount. See “Underwriting.”

(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based on the average of the high and low prices for the registrant’s common stock on November 12, 2013 pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission acting pursuant to such section 8(a) may determine.

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We and the selling stockholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we and the selling stockholders are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)

Issued December          , 2013

Shares

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

______________________________________________

Noodles & Company is offering shares of the Class A common stock. The selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are offering an additional shares of Noodles & Company Class A common stock. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our Class A common stock by the selling stockholders.

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NDLS. On November , 2013 the last sale price of the shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $ per share.

Noodles & Company is an “emerging growth company” as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements in future reports after the closing of this offering.

________________________________________________

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12.

________________________________________________

PRICE $ A SHARE

________________________________________________

	Per Share	Total
Price to Public	$	$
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to Noodles & Company	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholders	$	$

________________________________________________

The selling stockholders have granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional shares of Class A common stock to cover over-allotments. We expect to enter into an agreement with , to repurchase           shares of our common stock directly from certain of our officers in a private, non-underwritten transaction at a price per share equal to the net proceeds per share the selling stockholders receive in this offering.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of Class A common stock to purchasers on or about December , 2013.

________________________________________________

MORGAN STANLEY UBS INVESTMENT BANK

________________________________________________

BofA MERRILL LYNCH JEFFERIES BAIRD PIPER JAFFRAY RBC CAPITAL MARKETS

, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Prospectus Summary	8
Risk Factors	11
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	26
Use of Proceeds	27
Dividend Policy	29
Capitalization	30
Selected Consolidated Financial Data	31
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	35
Business	58
Management	70
Executive Compensation	75
Principal and Selling Stockholders	80
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions	83
Description of Capital Stock	86
Shares Eligible for Future Sale	88
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences	90
Underwriting	94
Legal Matters	99
Experts	100
Where You Can Find Additional Information	101

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free-writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We have not, and the selling stockholders have not and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. We and the selling stockholders are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus or any free-writing prospectus is accurate only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery or of any sale of shares of our Class A common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

For investors outside the United States: We have not, the selling stockholders have not and the underwriters have not, done anything that would permit this offering, or possession or distribution of this prospectus, in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.

In this prospectus, "Noodles & Company," "Noodles," "we," "us" and the "Company" refer to Noodles & Company and, where appropriate, its subsidiaries, unless expressly indicated or the context otherwise requires. We refer to our Class A common stock as "common stock," unless the context otherwise requires. We sometimes refer to our common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock as "equity interests" when described on an aggregate basis. The rights of the holders of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock are identical in all respects, except that our Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors unless converted on a share for share basis into Class A common stock.

i

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our Class A common stock, which we refer to in this prospectus as “common stock,” unless the context otherwise requires. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and notes to those consolidated financial statements, before making an investment decision.

NOODLES & COMPANY

A World of Flavors Under One Roof

Noodles & Company is a high growth, fast casual restaurant concept offering lunch and dinner within a fast growing segment of the restaurant industry. We opened our first location in 1995, offering noodle and pasta dishes, staples of many cuisines, with the goal of delivering fresh ingredients and flavors from around the world under one roof-from Pad Thai to Mac & Cheese. Today, our globally inspired menu includes a wide variety of high quality, cooked-to-order dishes, including noodles and pasta, soups, salads and sandwiches, which are served on china by our friendly team members. We believe we offer our customers value with per person spend of approximately $8.00 for the twelve months ended October 1, 2013. We have 372 restaurants, comprised of 311 company-owned and 61 franchised locations, across 29 states and the District of Columbia, as of November 15, 2013. Our revenue and income from operations have grown from $170 million and $2 million in 2008 to $300 million and $16 million in 2012.

YOUR WORLD KITCHEN

Our Differentiated Offering

Your World Kitchen captures the breadth of our differentiated offering and defines our customers’ experience. Our company was founded on the core principle that food can be served quickly and conveniently in an inviting environment without sacrificing quality, freshness or flavor.

“Your” . . . On trend with our world today, where customization is commonplace, we put control into our customers’ hands. Each dish is cooked-to-order and can be customized to each customer’s personal tastes. “Your” also represents the control our customers have over their dining experience, whether they want a meal to go, a quick sit-down lunch or a leisurely dinner with friends or family.

“World” . . . We offer globally inspired flavors with more than 25 Asian, Mediterranean and American dishes together in a single menu. At many restaurants, people are limited to a particular ethnic cuisine or type of dish, such as a sandwich, burrito or burger. At Noodles & Company, we aim to eliminate the “veto vote” by satisfying the preferences of a wide range of customers, whether a mother with kids, a group of coworkers, an individual or a large party.

“Kitchen” . . . Open kitchens are the focal point of our restaurants. Our customers can see the freshness of our ingredients and watch their food being cooked. “Kitchen” says “cooking” and emphasizes that we cook each dish to order.

LEADING RESTAURANT GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE

From 2004 to 2012, we increased the number of our total restaurants from 100 to 327, representing a CAGR of 16.0%.

Total Restaurants at End of Fiscal Year

1

We have experienced steady growth in comparable restaurant sales (at restaurants open for at least 18 full periods) in 30 of the last 31 quarters, due primarily to an increase in customer traffic. System-wide comparable restaurant sales growth for 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 3.7%, 4.8% and 5.4%, respectively. Our company-owned restaurant average unit volumes (“AUVs”) grew from $1,098,000 at the beginning of 2010 to $1,178,000 at the end of 2012. In 2012, our company-owned restaurant contribution margin (restaurant revenue less restaurant operating costs) was 21.2% for all restaurants and 23.2% for restaurants in the comparable base, which we believe places us in the top-tier of the restaurant industry.

Our new restaurant investment model calls for a total cash investment of approximately $725,000, net of tenant allowances. Our current target cash-on-cash return on investments we make in restaurant development for a new company-owned restaurant is 30% in its third full-year of operations. Company-owned restaurants that were open a full three years by January 1, 2013, achieved an average cash-on-cash return on investments made in restaurant development of 35.1% in their third full year of operations. There can be no guarantee the Company’s comparable restaurant sales growth and cash-on-cash return rates will continue at similar rates in future periods.

OUR INDUSTRY

We operate in the fast casual segment of the restaurant industry. According to Technomic, in 2012, fast casual concepts in the 500 overall largest restaurant chains grew sales by 13.2% to $24.2 billion, compared with 4.9% for all of the 500 overall largest restaurant chains in the United States. While the fast casual segment of the restaurant industry has grown faster than the restaurant industry as a whole in recent years, there can be no guarantee that this trend will continue.

We believe we are the only national fast casual restaurant concept offering a menu with a wide variety of noodle and pasta dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches inspired by global flavors. We believe our attributes-global flavors, variety and fast service-allow us to compete against multiple segments throughout the restaurant industry and provide us a larger addressable market for lunch and dinner than competitors who focus on a single cuisine. We believe we provide a pleasant dining experience by quickly delivering fresh food with friendly service at a price point we believe is attractive to our customers. You do not have to jostle your gear or carry trays of food to or from your table. Grab a drink, have a seat and we will deliver your food to your table-all without the need to tip.

Our Strengths

We believe the following strengths set us apart from our competitors:

Variety Makes Togetherness Possible

We have purposefully chosen a range of healthy to indulgent dishes to satisfy carnivores and vegetarians. Our menu encourages customers to customize their meals to meet their tastes and nutritional preferences with our selection of 14 fresh vegetables and six proteins-beef, pork, chicken, meatballs, shrimp and organic tofu. We believe our variety ensures that even the pickiest of eaters can find something to crave, which eliminates the “veto vote” and encourages people with different tastes to enjoy a meal together.

All of our dishes are cooked-to-order with fresh, high quality ingredients sourced from our carefully selected suppliers. Our commitment to the freshness of our ingredients is further demonstrated by our use of seasonal ingredients and healthy add-in options, such as organic tofu, and by the daily freshness inspection of our ingredients. Our culinary team strives to develop new dishes and limited time offers ("LTOs") to further reinforce our Your World Kitchen positioning and regularly provide our guests additional options. For example, we recently introduced a Winter World Tour menu featuring three new dishes from different parts of the world: Thai Hot Pot soup, Adobo Flatbread, with flavors from Latin America, and Alfredo MontAmore. This focus on culinary innovation, combined with our commitment to classic cooking methods, allows us to prepare and serve high quality food.

Value That Is Greater Than Our Competitive Price Point

The value we offer, the quality of our food and the warmth of our restaurants create an overall customer experience that we believe is second-to-none. Our per person spend of approximately $8.00 for the twelve months ended October 1, 2013 is competitive not only within the fast casual segment, but also within the quick-service segment. We believe the speed of our service and the quality of our food contributes to a value proposition that enables us to take market share from casual dining restaurants. We deliver value by combining a family-friendly dining environment with the opportunity to enjoy many dishes containing ingredients like our award-winning slow-braised, naturally raised pork.

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Everything Is a Little Nicer Here
We design each location individually, which we believe creates an inviting restaurant environment. We believe the ambience is warm and welcoming, with muted lighting and colors, comfortable seating and our own custom music mix, which is intended to make our customers feel relaxed and at home.
We design each location individually, which we believe creates an inviting restaurant environment. We believe the ambience is warm and welcoming, with muted lighting and colors, comfortable seating and our own custom music mix, which is intended to make our customers feel relaxed and at home.
Consistent with our culture of enhanced customer-service, we seek to hire individuals who will deliver prompt, attentive service by engaging customers the moment they enter our restaurants. Our training philosophy empowers both our restaurant managers and team members to add a personal touch when serving our customers, such as coming out from behind the counter to explain our menu and guide customers to the right dish. Our restaurant managers are critical to our success, as we believe that their entrepreneurial spirit and outreach efforts build our brand in our communities.
After our customers order at the counter, their food is served on china by our friendly team members. To further enhance our customers’ dining experience, we check on them throughout their meal. We offer them drink refills, a glass of wine or dessert, so they do not have to leave their seats.
Desirable and Loyal Consumer Base
A report that we commissioned based on customer data and surveys estimates that approximately 40% of our customers visit our restaurants at least once each month. Our customers skew slightly younger and more affluent than the general population, and according to a recent Gallup survey, this demographic spends more on dining than others. We believe the variety of our food and our ability to accommodate a customer’s desire to eat quickly or to enjoy a longer meal enable us to draw sales almost equally between lunch and dinner. Our broad appeal and customer loyalty have led to industry and media recognition:
l	Nation’s Restaurant News, MenuMasters Award, 2013, Golden Chain Winner, 2010, awarded on the basis of the impact of menu items on the restaurant industry.
l	The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, COEX Innovator Award, 2013, awarded annually to a national chain shaping the restaurant industry through innovation.
l	DigitalCoco, Top 10 “Most Loved” food and beverage brands in social media, 2012, awarded on the basis of positive comments made by customers on social media.
l	Restaurant Social Media Index, Top Social Media Brands and Top Social Consumer Sentiment, 2012, awarded on the basis of comments made by customers on social media.
l	Parents Magazine, Parents Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurant Chains, 2011 and 2009, awarded on the basis of the healthfulness and quality of ingredients of menu items.
l	Health Magazine, America’s Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants, 2009, America’s Healthiest Restaurants, 2008, awarded on the basis of healthfulness of dishes and use of organic produce, among other factors.
Consistent Restaurant Economics and a Flexible Footprint
Our restaurant model generates strong cash flow, consistent restaurant-level financial results and a high return on investments we make in restaurant development. Our restaurants have been successful in diverse geographic regions, with a broad range of population densities and real estate settings. We believe we are an attractive tenant to the owners and developers of a wide variety of real estate development types, which allows us to be highly selective in our evaluation of potential new sites. Our disciplined approach to site selection is grounded in an analytical data-driven model with strict criteria including population density, demographics and traffic generators. We take pride in selecting sites where we can design and construct a comfortable, warm environment for our customers.

3

Experienced Leadership
Our strategic vision and culture have been developed and nurtured by our senior management team under the stewardship of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Reddy, and our President and Chief Operating Officer, Keith Kinsey. Kevin and Keith joined Noodles in 2005 after working at McDonald’s and, more recently, Chipotle. At Chipotle, they were instrumental in growing the concept from a small number of restaurants to more than 400 across the country between 2000 and 2005 with the financial backing of McDonald’s. They delivered a similar growth trajectory when they joined Noodles eight years ago, increasing the restaurant base from 100 to 327 between 2005 and 2012, a CAGR of 16.0%. Kevin and Keith have assembled a talented senior management team with restaurant experience across a broad range of disciplines. We believe our management team is integral to our success and has positioned us well for long-term growth.
Steady, Reliable Financial Performance
Our globally inspired flavors and differentiated dining experience have resonated with our customers and have resulted in our track record of building profitable restaurants. We achieved our sales growth through a combination of new restaurant openings and comparable restaurant sales increases. Our approach has resulted in stable gross margins despite minimal price increases and allows us to stay true to our principle of quality food at a price we believe is attractive to our customers. By design, our selection of dishes is comprised of a diverse collection of ingredients, mitigating exposure to commodity price inflation.
A Clear Path Forward
We believe we have significant growth potential because of our brand positioning, strong unit economics, financial results and broad customer appeal. We believe there are significant opportunities to expand our business, strengthen our competitive position and enhance our brand through the continued implementation of the following strategies:
Continuing to Grow Our Restaurant Base
We have more than doubled our restaurant base in the last six years to 372 locations in 29 states and the District of Columbia, as of November 15, 2013, including the 35 company-owned restaurants and 10 franchise restaurants opened in 2013. In 2012, we opened 39 company-owned restaurants and six franchise restaurants. In 2013, we have or plan to open between 41 and 42 company-owned restaurants and 10 franchise restaurants. For 2014, we anticipate increasing our company owned restaurant count by 13-15% and our franchise restaurant count by 15-20%.
Although we expect the majority of our expansion to continue to be from company-owned restaurants, we are strategically expanding our base of franchise restaurants. Our franchise program is a low cost and high return model that allows us to expand our footprint and build brand awareness in markets that we do not plan to enter in the short to medium term. As of November 15, 2013, we have 61 franchise units in 13 states operated by 10 franchisees. Our franchise partners have opened 10 new restaurants in 2013.
Improving Our Performance
Our system-wide comparable restaurant sales growth for the first three quarters of 2013 was 2.7%. We plan to build on our growth performance by increasing brand awareness, customer frequency, new customer visits, per person spend and sales outside our restaurants. The following is our plan to achieve these goals:
l	Heighten brand awareness. We believe that our food is our best currency and that once people try it they become loyal and repeat customers; however, before customers can try our food, they need to know about us. We differentiate Noodles & Company through an innovative, community-based marketing strategy at the corporate and restaurant level to build brand awareness and customer loyalty. Our restaurant managers engage in local relationship marketing where they approach nearby businesses, groups and individuals for appreciation days, tastings and hero lunches to introduce our neighbors to our food. We also communicate directly to the 833,000 members in our Noodlegram club and use our other social media outlets to promote brand awareness.
l	Increase existing customer frequency. In the past twelve months we refreshed the interior signage in all of our restaurants to encourage menu exploration, which we believe will increase customer frequency. Our new Welcome Wall menu board, placed at the entrance of each of our company-owned restaurants, shows pictures of our dishes in an easily understandable layout so customers can fully grasp our world of flavors without feeling overwhelmed. We believe this merchandising enables our customers to peruse our offerings without feeling the pressure of holding up a line of hungry people. This new merchandising has already resulted in meaningful improvements to AUVs in the restaurants where it has been implemented, and we expect similar results in the rest of our restaurant base.

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l	Increase new customer visits. We would like to be top-of-mind for customers whenever they need to eat, drink or simply find a place where they feel welcome. Although we serve our food quickly, we would like customers to view our restaurants as places to dine and enjoy the company of friends and family. To further drive customer visits at dinner, we have recently enhanced our beer and wine offerings and expanded our appetizer selection.
l	Improve our per person spend. While we have generally implemented modest price increases to offset rising costs, we also strive to increase the per person spend by offering additional items, including our expanded beverage selection and appetizers. Our menu development team periodically creates LTOs, which we believe are innovative and sometimes become permanent menu items, such as our Spinach & Fresh Fruit Salad. This strategy allows us to offer our customers greater variety and entices them to “opt-up” to a premium menu offering.
l	Grow sales outside of our restaurants. We are taking steps to sell more food outside our restaurants. We currently offer our larger Square Bowls to families and local business, and we believe the convenience and price point of these offerings will drive take-out sales. In addition, we believe our commitment to freshly prepared food and variety provides us with an opportunity to expand catering sales.
Our Equity Sponsors
Catterton Partners (“Catterton”) is one of the largest consumer focused private equity firms in the United States, with over $4.0 billion of equity capital under active management. Catterton’s investment professionals bring complementary strategic and operating experience to their portfolio companies and support management teams in accelerating the value creation process after investment. Catterton invests in all major consumer segments, including food and beverage, retail and restaurants, consumer products and services, and media and marketing services. As of October 1, 2013, Catterton and its affiliates owned approximately 35.7% of our outstanding equity interests and will own approximately % of our outstanding equity interests immediately following the closing of this offering.
Argentia Private Investments Inc. (“Argentia”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (“PSPIB”), a Canadian Crown corporation established to invest the amounts transferred by the Canadian government equal to the proceeds of the net contributions since April 1, 2000, for the pension plans of the Public Service, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and since March 1, 2007, for the Reserve Force Pension Plan. PSPIB is one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers, with $76.1 billion of assets under management at March 31, 2013. Their skilled and dedicated team of approximately 450 employees manages a diversified global portfolio including stocks, bonds and other fixed-income securities, and investments in private equity, real estate, infrastructure and renewable resources. Immediately prior to this offering, Argentia owned approximately 35.3% of our outstanding equity interests and will own approximately % of our outstanding equity interests immediately following the consummation of this offering. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”
Corporate Information
We were incorporated in 2002 in Delaware and merged with The Noodles Shop Co., Inc., a Colorado corporation, in 2003. In June of 2013, we became a public company. We opened the first Noodles & Company in 1995 in Denver, Colorado. In December 2010, Catterton, certain of its affiliated entities and Argentia collectively became our majority stockholders (the “2010 Equity Recapitalization”) and, as of October 1, 2013, own approximately 71% of our outstanding equity interests. Our central support office is located at 520 Zang Street, Suite D, Broomfield, Colorado 80021, and our telephone number is (720) 214-1900. Our website is www.noodles.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

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Risks Associated with Our Business
Investing in our common stock involves significant risks. You should carefully consider the risks described in “Risk Factors” before making a decision to invest in our common stock. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Below is a summary of some of the principal risks we face.
l	We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy if we are unable to identify appropriate sites for restaurant locations, obtain favorable lease terms, attract customers to our restaurants or hire and retain personnel.
l	We may not be able to maintain or improve levels of our comparable restaurant sales.
l	The restaurant industry is a highly competitive industry with many well-established competitors.
l	We may be unable to protect our brand name, trademarks and other intellectual property rights.
l	We may be unable to protect our brand name, trademarks and other intellectual property rights.
l	Minimum wage increases and mandated employee benefits could cause a significant increase in our labor costs.
l	We may face negative publicity or damage to our reputation, which could arise from concerns regarding food safety and foodborne illness or other matters.
l	We may fail to secure customers’ confidential or credit card information or other private data relating to our employees or us.

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			THE OFFERING
Class A common stock offered by Noodles & Company				shares
Class A common stock offered by the selling stockholders				shares
Total shares of Class A common stock offered				shares
Class A common stock outstanding after this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option)				shares
Class B common stock outstanding after this offering(1)				shares
Over-allotment option				shares
Use of proceeds				We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repurchase shares of Class A common stock from . See “Use of Proceeds.”
Risk Factors				See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of factors that you should consider carefully before deciding whether to purchase shares of our Class A common stock.
Nasdaq Global Select Market Symbol				NDLS
We expect to enter into an agreement with , to repurchase $  million worth of common stock, or approximately      shares (estimated based on the closing price of our common stock on November     , 2013), directly from in a private, non-underwritten transaction at a price per share equal to the net proceeds per share the selling stockholders receive in this offering
The number of shares beneficially owned after the offering does not reflect shares we expect to repurchase from the upon the completion of this offering. After the offering and after giving effect to our repurchase of           shares of our common stock from , there will be           shares outstanding.
	Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus:
	l	excludes (i) 3,472,437 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of October 1, 2013 and (ii) 3,262,482 shares of our common stock reserved for future grants under our stock incentive plan and 735,673 shares reserved for future purchase under our employee stock purchase plan;
	l	assumes no exercise of the warrant to purchase up to 57,700 shares of our Class B common stock held by Fahrenheit 212, LLC, and no change to the 6,315,929 shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of October 1, 2013; and
	l	assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to additional shares from the selling stockholders.
______________________________
(1)	The rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except that our Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors unless converted on a share-for-share basis into Class A common stock

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes our consolidated historical financial and operating data. The statements of income data for the fiscal years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010 and the balance sheet data as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and the balance sheet data as of December 28, 2010 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The statements of income data for the three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 and the balance sheet data as of October 1, 2013 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of October 2, 2012 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The reclassification of restaurant-level marketing costs, as discussed in the accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements, is reflected in all periods presented in this prospectus. The financial data presented includes all normal and recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for such periods.
The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. This information should be read in conjunction with “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
We operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal years 2012 and 2010, which ended on January 1, 2013 and December 28, 2010, respectively, each contained 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on January 3, 2012, contained 53 weeks. We refer to our fiscal years as 2012, 2011 and 2010. Our fiscal quarters each contain thirteen weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53 week fiscal year, which contains fourteen weeks.
	Fiscal Year Ended							Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010			October 1, 2013 (unaudited)		October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Statements of Income Data:
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$	297,264	$	253,467	$	218,560		$	256,744	$	220,261
Franchising royalties and fees	3,146		2,599		2,272			2,711		2,220
Total revenue	300,410		256,066		220,832			259,455		222,481
Costs and Expenses:
Restaurant Operating Costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	78,997		66,419		56,869			67,524		58,423
Labor	89,435		75,472		64,942			77,464		66,002
Occupancy	29,323		25,208		21,650			25,824		21,669
Other restaurant operating costs(1)	36,380		32,031		27,403			32,962		27,449
General and administrative(1)(2)	29,081		26,463		27,302			27,808		21,426
Depreciation and amortization	16,719		14,501		13,932			15,074		12,165
Pre-opening	3,145		2,327		2,088			2,873		2,000
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	1,278		1,629		2,815			837		663
Total costs and expenses	284,358		244,050		217,001			250,366		209,797
Income from operations	16,052		12,016		3,831			9,089		12,684
Debt extinguishment expense	2,646		275		—			—		2,646
Interest expense	5,028		6,132		1,819			2,199		3,894
Income before income taxes	8,378		5,609		2,012			6,890		6,144
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,215		1,780		(366		)	2,633		2,540
Net income	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378		$	4,257	$	3,604

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		Fiscal Year Ended									Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
		January 1, 2013			January 3, 2012			December 28, 2010			October 1, 2013 (unaudited)			October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
		(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Earnings per Class A and Class B common share, combined:
	Basic	$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.10		$	0.17		$	0.16
	Diluted	$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.09		$	0.16		$	0.16
	Weighted average Class A and Class B common shares outstanding, combined:
	Basic	23,238,984			23,237,698			24,386,059			25,382,805			23,238,984
	Diluted	23,265,542			23,237,698			25,226,989			26,528,004			23,250,745
	Selected Operating Data:
	Company-owned restaurants at end of period	276			239			212			310			261
	Franchise-owned restaurants at end of period	51			45			43			58			48
	Company-owned:
	Average unit volumes(3)	$	1,178		$	1,147		$	1,126		$	1,181		$	1,174
	Comparable restaurant sales(4)	5.2		%	4.2		%	3.2		%	3.1		%	5.6		%
	Restaurant contribution(5)	$	63,129		$	54,337		$	47,697		$	52,970		$	46,718
	as a percentage of restaurant revenue	21.2		%	21.4		%	21.8		%	20.6		%	21.2		%
	EBITDA(6)	$	30,125		$	26,242		$	17,763		$	24,163		$	22,203
	Adjusted EBITDA(6)	$	36,283		$	30,488		$	26,472		$	32,040		$	27,183
	as a percentage of revenue	12.1		%	11.9		%	12.0		%	12.3		%	12.2		%
		As of
		January 1, 2013			January 3, 2012			December 28, 2010			October 1, 2013 (unaudited)			October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
		(in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data(7):
Total current assets		$	16,154		$	12,879		$	214,498		$	18,512		$	12,904
Total assets		156,995			126,325			311,148			181,810			144,002
Total current liabilities		23,760			20,557			213,664			27,562			25,009
Total long-term debt		93,731			77,523			77,030			1,714			83,557
Total liabilities		142,987			118,802			309,070			59,298			131,922
Temporary equity		3,601			2,572			2,572			—			—
Total stockholders' equity		10,407			4,951			(494		)	122,512			12,080
______________________________
(1)	In the third quarter of 2013 we changed the manner in which we report marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in our consolidated financial statements in all periods presented. In 2012, 2011 and 2010 and in the first two quarters of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2012, $2.9 million, $2.6 million and $2.4 million and $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, have been reclassified from restaurant operating costs to general and administrative expense. The change has no impact on income from operations.
(2)	2010 included $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $0.3 million of expense for our portion of payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization. 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense and the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 included $500,000 and $750,000, respectively, of management fee expense, in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. In connection with our IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed. In the second quarter of 2013, we incurred $ 5.7 million of IPO related expenses: $ 2.0 million of stock-based compensation related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options, $ 1.2 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options granted to our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer of which 50% were vested at grant, $ 1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll taxes and $ 0.8 million in transaction payments to our Equity Sponsors.
(3)	AUVs consist of average annualized sales of all company-owned restaurants over the trailing 12 periods in a typical operating year.
(4)	Comparable restaurant sales represent year-over-year sales for restaurants open for at least 18 full periods.
(5)	Restaurant contribution represents restaurant revenue less restaurant operating costs which are cost of sales, labor, occupancy and other restaurant operating costs.

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(6)	EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are supplemental measures of operating performance that do not represent and should not be considered as alternatives to net income or cash flow from operations, as determined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principals (“US GAAP”), and our calculation thereof may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. These measures are presented because we believe that investors’ understanding of our performance is enhanced by including these non-GAAP financial measures as a reasonable basis for evaluating our ongoing results of operations.
	EBITDA is calculated as net income before interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA further adjusts EBITDA to reflect the additions and eliminations described in the table below.
	EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are presented because: (i) we believe they are useful measures for investors to assess the operating performance of our business without the effect of non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization expenses and asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments and (ii) we use adjusted EBITDA internally as a benchmark for certain of our cash incentive plans and to evaluate our operating performance or compare our performance to that of our competitors. The use of adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure permits a comparative assessment of our operating performance relative to our performance based on our US GAAP results, while isolating the effects of some items that vary from period to period without any correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies. Companies within our industry exhibit significant variations with respect to capital structures and cost of capital (which affect interest expense and income tax rates) and differences in book depreciation of property, plant and equipment (which affect relative depreciation expense), including significant differences in the depreciable lives of similar assets among various companies. Our management believes that adjusted EBITDA facilitates company-to-company comparisons within our industry by eliminating some of these foregoing variations. Adjusted EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures of other companies, and our presentation of adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by excluded or unusual items.
	Because of these limitations, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with US GAAP. We compensated for these limitations by relying primarily on our US GAAP results and using EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. Our management recognizes that EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical financial measures, including the following:
	l	EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures;
	l	EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, associated with our indebtedness;
	l	EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash charges, although the assets being depreciated and amortized will likely have to be replaced in the future, and do not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;
	l	Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the cost of stock-based compensation; and
	l	Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs.
	The following tables present a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:
			Fiscal Year Ended							Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
			January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010			October 1, 2013 (unaudited)		October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
			(in thousands)
Net income, as reported			$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378		$	4,257	$	3,604
Depreciation and amortization			16,719		14,501		13,932			15,074		12,165
Interest expense			5,028		6,132		1,819			2,199		3,894
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			3,215		1,780		(366		)	2,633		2,540
EBITDA			$	30,125	$	26,242	$	17,763		$	24,163	$	22,203
Debt extinguishment expense			2,646		275		—			—		2,646
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairment			1,278		1,629		2,815			837		663
Management fees(a)			1,000		1,014		—			500		750
Stock-based compensation expense(b)			1,234		1,328		5,894			873		921
IPO related expenses(c)										5,667		—
Adjusted EBITDA			$	36,283	$	30,488	$	26,472		$	32,040	$	27,183
______________________________
(a)	Fiscal years 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense and the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 included $500,000 and $750,000 of management fee expense, in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. In connection with our IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed.
(b)	2010 included $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $0.3 million of expense for our portion of payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization.
(c)	Reflects certain expenses incurred in conjunction with the closing of our initial public offering. Amount includes $2.0 million of stock-based compensation related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options, $1.2 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options granted to our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer of which 50% were vested at grant, $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll tax and $0.8 million in transaction payments to our Equity Sponsors.
(7)	As of December 28, 2010, the consolidated balance sheet included $189.4 million in restricted cash and current liabilities that were temporarily held due to timing of the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization.

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our Class A common stock, which we refer to in this prospectus as our "common stock," involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before deciding whether to purchase shares of our common stock. In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. If any of the risks described below actually occur, our business, financial conditions or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In any such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

Our sales growth rate depends primarily on our ability to open new restaurants and is subject to many unpredictable factors.

One of the key means of achieving our growth strategy will be through opening new restaurants and operating those restaurants on a profitable basis. We expect this to be the case for the foreseeable future. In 2013, we have or plan to open between 41 and 42 company-owned restaurants and 10 franchise restaurants, including the 35 company-owned restaurants and 10 franchise restaurants already opened as of November 15, 2013. We may not be able to open new restaurants as quickly as planned. In the past, we have experienced delays in opening some restaurants and that could happen again. Delays or failures in opening new restaurants could materially and adversely affect our growth strategy and our expected results. As we operate more restaurants, our rate of expansion relative to the size of our restaurant base will eventually decline.

In addition, one of our biggest challenges is locating and securing an adequate supply of suitable new restaurant sites in our target markets. Competition for those sites is intense, and other restaurant and retail concepts that compete for those sites may have unit economic models that permit them to bid more aggressively for those sites than we can. There is no guarantee that a sufficient number of suitable sites will be available in desirable areas or on terms that are acceptable to us in order to achieve our growth plan. Our ability to open new restaurants also depends on other factors, including:

• negotiating leases with acceptable terms;

• identifying, hiring and training qualified employees in each local market;

• managing construction and development costs of new restaurants, particularly in competitive markets;

• obtaining construction materials and labor at acceptable costs, particularly in urban markets;

• securing required governmental approvals and permits (including construction and other permits) in a timely manner and responding effectively to any changes in local, state or federal laws and regulations that adversely affect our costs or ability to open new restaurants; and

• avoiding the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters and other calamities.

Our progress in opening new restaurants from quarter to quarter may occur at an uneven rate. If we do not open new restaurants in the future according to our current plans, the delay could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our long-term success is highly dependent on our ability to effectively identify and secure appropriate sites for new restaurants.

We intend to develop new restaurants in our existing markets, expand our footprint into adjacent markets and selectively enter into new markets. In order to build new restaurants, we must first identify target markets where we can enter or expand our footprint, taking into account numerous factors, including the location of our current restaurants, local economic trends, population density, area demographics and geography. Then we must locate and secure appropriate sites, which is one of our biggest challenges. There are numerous factors involved in identifying and securing an appropriate site, including

• identification and availability of locations with the appropriate size, traffic patterns, local retail and business attractions and infrastructure that will drive high levels of customer traffic and sales per unit;

• competition in new markets, including competition for restaurant sites;

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• financial conditions affecting developers and potential landlords, such as the effects of macro-economic conditions and the credit market, which could lead to these parties delaying or canceling development projects (or renovations of existing projects), in turn reducing the number of appropriate locations available;

• developers and potential landlords obtaining licenses or permits for development projects on a timely basis;

• proximity of potential development sites to an existing location;

• anticipated commercial, residential and infrastructure development near our new restaurants; and

• availability of acceptable lease arrangements.

We may not be able to successfully develop critical market presence for our brand in new geographical markets, as we may be unable to find and secure attractive locations, build name recognition or attract new customers. If we are unable to fully implement our development plan, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our expansion into new markets may present increased risks.

We plan to open restaurants in markets where we have little or no operating experience. Restaurants we open in new markets may take longer to reach expected sales and profit levels on a consistent basis and may have higher construction, occupancy or operating costs than restaurants we open in existing markets, thereby affecting our overall profitability. New markets may have competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns that are more difficult to predict or satisfy than our existing markets. We may need to make greater investments than we originally planned in advertising and promotional activity in new markets to build brand awareness. We may find it more difficult in new markets to hire, motivate and keep qualified employees who share our vision, passion and business culture. We may also incur higher costs from entering new markets, if, for example, we assign area managers to manage comparatively fewer restaurants than we assign in more developed markets. As a result, these new restaurants may be less successful or may achieve target AUVs at a slower rate. If we do not successfully execute our plans to enter new markets, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

New restaurants, once opened, may not be profitable, and the increases in average restaurant sales and comparable restaurant sales that we have experienced in the past may not be indicative of future results.

Our new restaurants typically open with above average volumes, which then decline after the initial sales surge that comes with interest in a restaurant’s grand opening. Recent openings have stabilized in sales after approximately 32 to 36 weeks of operation, at which time the restaurant’s sales typically begin to grow on a consistent basis. In new markets, the length of time before average sales for new restaurants stabilize is less predictable and can be longer as a result of our limited knowledge of these markets and consumers’ limited awareness of our brand. New restaurants may not be profitable and their sales performance may not follow historical patterns. In addition, our average restaurant sales and comparable restaurant sales may not increase at the rates achieved over the past several years. Our ability to operate new restaurants profitably and increase average restaurant sales and comparable restaurant sales will depend on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including

• consumer awareness and understanding of our brand;

• general economic conditions, which can affect restaurant traffic, local labor costs and prices we pay for the food products and other supplies we use;

• changes in consumer preferences and discretionary spending;

• competition, either from our competitors in the restaurant industry or our own restaurants;

• temporary and permanent site characteristics of new restaurants; and

• changes in government regulation.

If our new restaurants do not perform as planned, our business and future prospects could be harmed. In addition, if we are unable to achieve our expected average restaurant sales, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

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Our sales and profit growth could be adversely affected if comparable restaurant sales are less than we expect.

The level of comparable restaurant sales, which represent the change in year-over-year sales for restaurants open for at least 18 full periods, will affect our sales growth and will continue to be a critical factor affecting profit growth because the profit margin on comparable restaurant sales is generally higher than the profit margin on new restaurant sales. Our ability to increase comparable restaurant sales depends in part on our ability to successfully implement our initiatives to build sales. It is possible such initiatives will not be successful, that we will not achieve our target comparable restaurant sales growth or that the change in comparable restaurant sales could be negative, which may cause a decrease in sales and profit growth that would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition—Highlights and Trends.”

Our failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results.

Our growth plan includes a significant number of new restaurants. Our existing restaurant management systems, financial and management controls and information systems may be inadequate to support our planned expansion. Managing our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance these systems, procedures and controls and to hire, train and retain managers and team members. We may not respond quickly enough to the changing demands that our expansion will impose on our management, restaurant teams and existing infrastructure which could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We believe our culture—from the restaurant level up through management-is an important contributor to our success. As we grow, however, we may have difficulty maintaining our culture or adapting it sufficiently to meet the needs of our operations. Among other important factors, our culture depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate employees who share our enthusiasm and dedication to our concept. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected if we do not maintain our infrastructure and culture as we grow.

The planned rapid increase in the number of our restaurants may make our future results unpredictable.

In 2013, we have or plan to open between 41 and 42 company-owned restaurants and 10 franchise restaurants, and we plan to continue to increase the number of our restaurants in the next several years. This growth strategy and the substantial investment associated with the development of each new restaurant may cause our operating results to fluctuate and be unpredictable or adversely affect our profits. Our future results depend on various factors, including successful selection of new markets and restaurant locations, local market acceptance of our restaurants, consumer recognition of the quality of our food and willingness to pay our prices, the quality of our operations and general economic conditions. In addition, as has happened when other restaurant concepts have tried to expand, we may find that our concept has limited appeal in new markets or we may experience a decline in the popularity of our concept in the markets in which we operate. Newly opened restaurants or our future markets and restaurants may not be successful or our system-wide average restaurant sales may not increase at historical rates, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Opening new restaurants in existing markets may negatively affect sales at our existing restaurants.

The consumer target area of our restaurants varies by location, depending on a number of factors, including population density, other local retail and business attractions, area demographics and geography. As a result, the opening of a new restaurant in or near markets in which we already have restaurants could adversely affect the sales of these existing restaurants. Existing restaurants could also make it more difficult to build our consumer base for a new restaurant in the same market. Our core business strategy does not entail opening new restaurants that we believe will materially affect sales at our existing restaurants, but we may selectively open new restaurants in and around areas of existing restaurants that are operating at or near capacity to effectively serve our customers. Sales cannibalization between our restaurants may become significant in the future as we continue to expand our operations and could affect our sales growth, which could, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Competition from other restaurant companies could adversely affect us.

We face competition from the casual dining, quick-service and fast casual segments of the restaurant industry. These segments are highly competitive with respect to taste, price, food quality and presentation, service, location and the ambience and condition of each restaurant, among other things. Our competition includes a variety of locally owned restaurants and national and regional chains who offer dine-in, carry-out and delivery services. Many of our competitors have existed longer and have a more established market presence with substantially greater financial, marketing, personnel and other resources than we have. Among our competitors are a number of multi-unit, multi-market fast casual restaurant concepts, some of which are expanding

13

nationally. As we expand, we will face competition from these concepts and new competitors that strive to compete with our market segments. For example, additional competitive pressures come from the deli sections and in-store cafés of grocery store chains, as well as from convenience stores and online meal preparation sites. These competitors may have, among other things, lower operating costs, better locations, better facilities, better management, more effective marketing and more efficient operations.

Several of our competitors compete by offering menu items that are specifically identified as low in carbohydrates, gluten-free or healthier for consumers. In addition, many of our competitors emphasize lower-cost value options or meal packages or have loyalty programs, strategies we do not currently pursue. Any of these competitive factors may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Negative publicity relating to one of our restaurants, including our franchised restaurants, could reduce sales at some or all of our other restaurants.

Our success is dependent in part upon our ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brand, consumers’ connection to our brand and positive relationships with our franchisees. We may, from time to time, be faced with negative publicity relating to food quality, restaurant facilities, customer complaints or litigation alleging illness or injury, health inspection scores, integrity of our or our suppliers’ food processing, employee relationships or other matters, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are held to be responsible. The negative impact of adverse publicity relating to one restaurant may extend far beyond the restaurant or franchise involved to affect some or all of our other restaurants. The risk of negative publicity is particularly great with respect to our franchised restaurants because we are limited in the manner in which we can regulate them, especially on a real-time basis. The considerable expansion in the use of social media over recent years can further amplify any negative publicity that could be generated by such incidents. A similar risk exists with respect to unrelated food service businesses, if consumers associate those businesses with our own operations.

Additionally, employee claims against us based on, among other things, wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination may also create negative publicity that could adversely affect us and divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of our operations. A significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in the number of successful claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Consumer demand for our products and our brand’s value could diminish significantly if any such incidents or other matters create negative publicity or otherwise erode consumer confidence in us or our products, which would likely result in lower sales and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Governmental regulation may adversely affect our ability to open new restaurants or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to various federal, state and local regulations. Our restaurants are subject to state and local licensing and regulation by health, alcoholic beverage, sanitation, food and occupational safety and other agencies. We may experience material difficulties or failures in obtaining the necessary licenses, approvals or permits for our restaurants, which could delay planned restaurant openings or affect the operations at our existing restaurants. In addition, stringent and varied requirements of local regulators with respect to zoning, land use and environmental factors could delay or prevent development of new restaurants in particular locations.

We are subject to the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations and other areas, including our restaurants. We may in the future have to modify restaurants, for example, by adding access ramps or redesigning certain architectural fixtures, to provide service to or make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons. The expenses associated with these modifications could be material.

Our operations are also subject to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act, which governs worker health and safety, the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such matters as minimum wages and overtime, and a variety of similar federal, state and local laws that govern these and other employment law matters. In addition, federal, state and local proposals related to paid sick leave or similar matters could, if implemented, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Food safety and foodborne illness concerns could have an adverse effect on our business.

We cannot guarantee that our internal controls and training will be fully effective in preventing all food safety issues at our restaurants, including any occurrences of foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, E. coli and hepatitis A. In addition, there is

14

no guarantee that our franchise locations will maintain the high levels of internal controls and training we require at our company-owned restaurants. Furthermore, we and our franchisees rely on third-party vendors, making it difficult to monitor food safety compliance and increasing the risk that foodborne illness would affect multiple locations rather than a single restaurant. Some foodborne illness incidents could be caused by third-party vendors and transporters outside of our control. New illnesses resistant to our current precautions may develop in the future, or diseases with long incubation periods could arise, that could give rise to claims or allegations on a retroactive basis. One or more instances of foodborne illness in any of our restaurants or markets or related to food products we sell could negatively affect our restaurant sales nationwide if highly publicized on national media outlets or through social media. This risk exists even if it were later determined that the illness was wrongly attributed to us or one of our restaurants. A number of other restaurant chains have experienced incidents related to foodborne illnesses that have had a material adverse effect on their operations. The occurrence of a similar incident at one or more of our restaurants, or negative publicity or public speculation about an incident, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Compliance with environmental laws may negatively affect our business.

We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning waste disposal, pollution, protection of the environment, and the presence, discharge, storage, handling, release and disposal of, and exposure to, hazardous or toxic substances. These environmental laws provide for significant fines and penalties for noncompliance and liabilities for remediation, sometimes without regard to whether the owner or operator of the property knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of hazardous toxic substances. Third parties may also make claims against owners or operators of properties for personal injuries and property damage associated with releases of, or actual or alleged exposure to, such hazardous or toxic substances at, on or from our restaurants. Environmental conditions relating to releases of hazardous substances at prior, existing or future restaurant sites could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Further, environmental laws, and the administration, interpretation and enforcement thereof, are subject to change and may become more stringent in the future, each of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely heavily on certain vendors, suppliers and distributors, which could adversely affect our business.

Our ability to maintain consistent price and quality throughout our restaurants depends in part upon our ability to acquire specified food products and supplies in sufficient quantities from third-party vendors, suppliers and distributors at a reasonable cost. We do not control the businesses of our vendors, suppliers and distributors and our efforts to specify and monitor the standards under which they perform may not be successful. Furthermore, certain food items are perishable, and we have limited control over whether these items will be delivered to us in appropriate condition for use in our restaurants. If any of our vendors or other suppliers are unable to fulfill their obligations to our standards, or if we are unable to find replacement providers in the event of a supply or service disruption, we could encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs to secure adequate supplies, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, we use various third-party vendors to provide, support and maintain most of our management information systems. We also outsource certain accounting, payroll and human resource functions to business process service providers. The failure of such vendors to fulfill their obligations could disrupt our operations. Additionally, any changes we may make to the services we obtain from our vendors, or new vendors we employ, may disrupt our operations. These disruptions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The effect of changes to healthcare laws in the United States may increase the number of employees who choose to participate in our healthcare plans, which may significantly increase our healthcare costs and negatively impact our financial results.

In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the “PPCA”) was signed into law in the United States to require health care coverage for many uninsured individuals and expand coverage to those already insured. We currently offer and subsidize comprehensive healthcare coverage, primarily for our salaried employees. The healthcare reform law will require us, beginning in 2015, to offer healthcare benefits to all full-time employees (including full-time hourly employees) that meet certain minimum requirements of coverage and affordability, or face penalties. If we elect to offer such benefits we may incur substantial additional expense. If we fail to offer such benefits, or the benefits we elect to offer do not meet the applicable requirements, we may incur penalties. The healthcare reform law also requires individuals to obtain coverage or face individual penalties, so employees who are currently eligible but elect not to participate in our healthcare plans may find it more advantageous to do so when such individual mandates take effect. It is also possible that by making changes or failing to make changes in the healthcare plans offered by us we will become less competitive in the market for our labor. Finally, implementing the requirements of healthcare reform is likely to impose additional administrative costs. The costs and other effects of these new healthcare requirements cannot be determined with certainty, but they may significantly increase our healthcare coverage costs and could materially adversely affect our, business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Unionization activities or labor disputes may disrupt our operations and affect our profitability.

Although none of our employees are currently covered under collective bargaining agreements, our employees may elect to be represented by labor unions in the future. If a significant number of our employees were to become unionized and collective bargaining agreement terms were significantly different from our current compensation arrangements, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, a labor dispute involving some or all of our employees may harm our reputation, disrupt our operations and reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs.

As an employer, we may be subject to various employment-related claims, such as individual or class actions or government enforcement actions relating to alleged employment discrimination, employee classification and related withholding, wage-hour, labor standards or healthcare and benefit issues. Such actions, if brought against us and successful in whole or in part, may affect our ability to compete or could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Changes in employment laws may adversely affect our business.

Various federal and state labor laws govern the relationship with our employees and affect operating costs. These laws include employee classification as exempt/non-exempt for overtime and other purposes, minimum wage requirements, unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, immigration status and other wage and benefit requirements. Significant additional government-imposed increases in the following areas could materially affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow:

• minimum wages;

• mandatory health benefits;

• vacation accruals;

• paid leaves of absence, including paid sick leave; and

• tax reporting.

In addition, various states in which we operate are considering or have already adopted new immigration laws or enforcement programs, and the U.S. Congress and Department of Homeland Security from time to time consider and may implement changes to federal immigration laws, regulations or enforcement programs as well. Some of these changes may increase our obligations for compliance and oversight, which could subject us to additional costs and make our hiring process more cumbersome, or reduce the availability of potential employees. Although we require all workers to provide us with government-specified documentation evidencing their employment eligibility, some of our employees may, without our knowledge, be unauthorized workers. We currently participate in the “E-Verify” program, an Internet-based, free program run by the United States government to verify employment eligibility, in all of our restaurants and in our corporate support office. However, use of the “E-Verify” program does not guarantee that we will properly identify all applicants who are ineligible for employment. Unauthorized workers are subject to deportation and may subject us to fines or penalties, and if any of our workers are found to be unauthorized we could experience adverse publicity that negatively impacts our brand and may make it more difficult to hire and keep qualified employees. Termination of a significant number of employees who were unauthorized employees may disrupt our operations, cause temporary increases in our labor costs as we train new employees and result in additional adverse publicity. We could also become subject to fines, penalties and other costs related to claims that we did not fully comply with all recordkeeping obligations of federal and state immigration compliance laws. These factors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely in part on our franchisees, and if our franchisees cannot develop or finance new restaurants, build them on suitable sites or open them on schedule, our growth and success may be affected.

We rely in part on our franchisees and the manner in which they operate their locations to develop and promote our business. Although we have developed criteria to evaluate and screen prospective franchisees, we cannot be certain that our franchisees will have the business acumen or financial resources necessary to operate successful franchises in their franchise areas and state franchise laws may limit our ability to terminate or modify these franchise arrangements. Moreover, despite our training, support and monitoring, franchisees may not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements, or may not hire and train qualified managers and other restaurant personnel. The failure of our franchisees to operate their franchises successfully could have a material adverse effect on us, our reputation, our brand and our ability to attract prospective franchisees and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Franchisees may not have access to the financial or management resources that they need to open the restaurants contemplated by their agreements with us, or be able to find suitable sites on which to develop them, or they may elect to cease development for other reasons. Franchisees may not be able to negotiate acceptable lease or purchase terms for the sites, obtain the necessary permits and government approvals or meet construction schedules. Any of these problems could slow our growth and reduce our franchise revenues. Additionally, our franchisees typically depend on financing from banks and other financial institutions, which may not always be available to them, in order to construct and open new restaurants. The lack of adequate financing could adversely affect the number and rate of new restaurant openings by our franchisees and adversely affect our future franchise revenues.

A franchisee bankruptcy could have a substantial negative impact on our ability to collect payments due under such franchisee’s franchise arrangements. In a franchisee bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee may reject its franchise arrangements pursuant to Section 365 under the United States bankruptcy code, in which case there would be no further royalty payments from such franchisee, and there can be no assurance as to the proceeds, if any, that may ultimately be recovered in a bankruptcy proceeding of such franchisee in connection with a damage claim resulting from such rejection.

Failure to support our expanding franchise system could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our growth strategy depends in part on expanding our franchise network, which will require the implementation of enhanced business support systems, management information systems, financial controls and other systems and procedures as well as additional management, franchise support and financial resources. We may not be able to manage our expanding franchise system effectively. Failure to provide our franchisees with adequate support and resources could materially adversely affect both our new and existing franchisees as well as cause disputes between us and our franchisees and potentially lead to material liabilities. Any of the foregoing could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We have limited control over our franchisees and our franchisees could take actions that could harm our business.

Franchisees are independent contractors and are not our employees, and we do not exercise control over their day-to-day operations. We provide training and support to franchisees, but the quality of franchised restaurant operations may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control. Consequently, franchisees may not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements, or may not hire and train qualified managers and other restaurant personnel. If franchisees do not meet our standards and requirements, our image and reputation, and the image and reputation of other franchisees, may suffer materially and system-wide sales could decline significantly.

Franchisees, as independent business operators, may from time to time disagree with us and our strategies regarding the business or our interpretation of our, and their, rights and obligations under franchise and development agreements. This may lead to disputes with our franchisees in the future. These disputes may divert the attention of our management and our franchisees from operating our restaurants and affect our image and reputation and our ability to attract franchisees in the future, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

If we or our franchisees face labor shortages or increased labor costs, our growth and operating results could be adversely affected.

Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our restaurants. If we or our franchisees face labor shortages or increased labor costs because of increased competition for employees, higher employee turnover rates, increases in the federal, state or local minimum wage or other employee benefits costs (including costs associated with health insurance coverage), our operating expenses could increase and our growth could be adversely affected. In addition, our success depends in part upon our and our franchisees’ ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of well-qualified restaurant operators and management personnel, as well as a sufficient number of other qualified employees, including customer service and kitchen staff, to keep pace with our expansion schedule. Qualified individuals needed to fill these positions are in short supply in some geographic areas. In addition, restaurants have traditionally experienced relatively high employee turnover rates. Although we have not yet experienced significant problems in recruiting or retaining employees, our and our franchisees’ ability to recruit and retain such individuals may delay the planned openings of new restaurants or result in higher employee turnover in existing restaurants, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

If we or our franchisees are unable to continue to recruit and retain sufficiently qualified individuals, our business and our growth could be adversely affected. Competition for these employees could require us or our franchisees to pay higher wages, which could result in higher labor costs. In addition increases in the minimum wage would increase our labor costs. Additionally, costs associated with workers’ compensation are rising, and these costs may continue to rise in the future. We may be unable to

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increase our menu prices in order to pass these increased labor costs on to consumers, in which case our margins would be negatively affected, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We depend on the services of key executives, the loss of which could materially harm our business.

Our senior executives have been instrumental in setting our strategic direction, operating our business, identifying, recruiting and training key personnel, identifying expansion opportunities and arranging necessary financing. Losing the services of any of these individuals could materially adversely affect our business until a suitable replacement is found. We believe that these individuals cannot easily be replaced with executives of equal experience and capabilities. Although we have employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer and our President and Chief Operating Officer, we cannot prevent them from terminating their employment with us.

Changes in economic conditions could materially affect our ability to maintain or increase sales at our restaurants or open new restaurants.

The restaurant industry depends on consumer discretionary spending. The United States in general or the specific markets in which we operate may suffer from depressed economic activity, recessionary economic cycles, higher fuel or energy costs, low consumer confidence, high levels of unemployment, reduced home values, increases in home foreclosures, investment losses, personal bankruptcies, reduced access to credit or other economic factors that may affect consumers discretionary spending. Economic conditions may remain volatile and may continue to depress consumer confidence and discretionary spending for the near term. Traffic in our restaurants could decline if consumers choose to dine out less frequently or reduce the amount they spend on meals while dining out. Negative economic conditions (including negative economic conditions resulting from war, terrorist activities, global economic occurrences or trends or other geo-political events) might cause consumers to make long-term changes to their discretionary spending behavior, including dining out less frequently on a permanent basis. If restaurant sales decrease, our profitability could decline as we spread fixed costs across a lower level of sales. Reductions in staff levels, asset impairment charges and potential restaurant closures could result from prolonged negative restaurant sales, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Adverse weather conditions could affect our sales.

Adverse weather conditions, such as regional winter storms, floods, severe thunderstorms and hurricanes, could affect our sales at restaurants in locations that experience these weather conditions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Health concerns arising from outbreaks of viruses may have an adverse effect on our business.

The United States and other countries have experienced, or may experience in the future, outbreaks of neurological diseases or other diseases or viruses, such as norovirus, influenza and H1N1. If a virus is transmitted by human contact, our employees or customers could become infected, or could choose, or be advised, to avoid gathering in public places, any one of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Changes in food and supply costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and supply costs. Shortages or interruptions in the availability of certain supplies caused by unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, food contamination, inclement weather or other conditions could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of our ingredients, which could harm our operations. Any increase in the prices of the food products most critical to our menu, such as pasta, beef, chicken, wheat flour, cheese and other dairy products, tofu and vegetables, could adversely affect our operating results. Although we try to manage the impact that these fluctuations have on our operating results, we remain susceptible to increases in food costs as a result of factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, seasonal fluctuations, weather conditions, demand, food safety concerns, generalized infectious diseases, product recalls and government regulations. For example, higher diesel prices have in some cases resulted in the imposition of surcharges on the delivery of commodities to our distributors, which they have generally passed on to us to the extent permitted under our arrangements with them.

If any of our distributors or suppliers performs inadequately, or our distribution or supply relationships are disrupted for any reason, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected. Although we often enter into contracts for the purchase of food products and supplies, we do not have long-term contracts for the purchase of all of such food products and supplies. As a result, we may not be able to anticipate or react to changing food costs by adjusting our purchasing practices or menu prices, which could cause our operating results to deteriorate. If we cannot replace or engage distributors or suppliers who meet our specifications in a short period of time, that could increase our expenses and cause shortages of food and other items at our restaurants, which could cause a restaurant to remove items from its menu. If that were to happen, affected restaurants could experience significant reductions in sales during the shortage or thereafter, if customers change their

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dining habits as a result. Our focus on a limited menu would make the consequences of a shortage of a key ingredient more severe. In addition, because we provide moderately priced food, we may choose not to, or may be unable to, pass along commodity price increases to consumers. These potential changes in food and supply costs could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Failure to receive frequent deliveries of fresh food ingredients and other supplies could harm our operations.

Our ability to maintain our menu depends in part on our ability to acquire ingredients that meet our specifications from reliable suppliers. We currently import ingredients from many different countries. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of ingredients caused by unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, food contamination, inclement weather or other conditions could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of our ingredients, which could harm our operations. If any of our distributors or suppliers performs inadequately, or our distribution or supply relationships are disrupted for any reason, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. If we cannot replace or engage distributors or suppliers who meet our specifications in a short period of time, that could increase our expenses and cause shortages of food and other items at our restaurants, which could cause a restaurant to remove items from its menu. If that were to happen, affected restaurants could experience significant reductions in sales during the shortage or thereafter, if customers change their dining habits as a result. Our focus on a limited menu would make the consequences of a shortage of a key ingredient more severe. This reduction in sales could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

New information or attitudes regarding diet and health could result in changes in regulations and consumer consumption habits that could adversely affect our results of operations.

Regulations and consumer eating habits may change as a result of new information or attitudes regarding diet and health. Such changes may include federal, state and local regulations that impact the ingredients and nutritional content of the food and beverages we offer. The success of our restaurant operations is dependent, in part, upon our ability to effectively respond to changes in any consumer health regulations and our ability to adapt our menu offerings to trends in food consumption. If consumer health regulations or consumer eating habits change significantly, we may choose or be required to modify or delete certain menu items, which may adversely affect the attractiveness of our restaurants to new or returning customers. To the extent we are unwilling or unable to respond with appropriate changes to our menu offerings, it could materially affect consumer demand and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Government regulation and consumer eating habits may impact our business as a result of changes in attitudes regarding diet and health or new information regarding the adverse health effects of consuming certain menu offerings. These changes have resulted in, and may continue to result in, laws and regulations requiring us to disclose the nutritional content of our food offerings, and they have resulted, and may continue to result in, laws and regulations affecting permissible ingredients and menu offerings. For example, a number of states, counties and cities have enacted menu labeling laws requiring multi-unit restaurant operators to disclose to consumers certain nutritional information, or have enacted legislation restricting the use of certain types of ingredients in restaurants. These requirements may be different or inconsistent with requirements under the PPACA, which establishes a uniform, federal requirement for certain restaurants to post nutritional information on their menus. Specifically, the PPACA requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations operating under the same name and offering substantially the same menus to publish the total number of calories of standard menu items on menus and menu boards, along with a statement that puts this calorie information in the context of a total daily calorie intake. These inconsistencies could be challenging for us to comply with in an efficient manner. The PPACA also requires covered restaurants to provide to consumers, upon request, a written summary of detailed nutritional information for each standard menu item, and to provide a statement on menus and menu boards about the availability of this information upon request. An unfavorable report on, or reaction to, our menu ingredients, the size of our portions or the nutritional content of our menu items could negatively influence the demand for our offerings.

Compliance with current and future laws and regulations regarding the ingredients and nutritional content of our menu items may be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, if consumer health regulations or consumer eating habits change significantly, we may be required to modify or discontinue certain menu items, and we may experience higher costs associated with the implementation of those changes. We cannot predict the impact of the new nutrition labeling requirements under the PPACA until final regulations are promulgated. The risks and costs associated with nutritional disclosures on our menus could also impact our operations, particularly given differences among applicable legal requirements and practices within the restaurant industry with respect to testing and disclosure, ordinary variations in food preparation among our own restaurants, and the need to rely on the accuracy and completeness of nutritional information obtained from third-party suppliers.

We may not be able to effectively respond to changes in consumer health perceptions or our ability to successfully implement the nutrient content disclosure requirements and to adapt our menu offerings to trends in eating habits. The imposition

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of menu labeling laws could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, as well as our position within the restaurant industry in general.

We expect to need capital in the future, and we may not be able to raise that capital on acceptable terms.

Developing our business will require significant capital in the future. To meet our capital needs, we expect to rely on our cash flow from operations, the proceeds from this offering and other third-party financing. Third-party financing in the future may not, however, be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. Our ability to obtain additional funding will be subject to various factors, including market conditions, our operating performance, lender sentiment and our ability to incur additional debt in compliance with other contractual restrictions such as financial covenants under our credit facility or other debt documents. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of additional financings unattractive. Our inability to raise capital could impede our growth and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to all of the risks associated with leasing space subject to long-term non-cancelable leases.

We do not own any real property. Payments under our operating leases account for a significant portion of our operating expenses and we expect the new restaurants we open in the future will similarly be leased. Our leases generally have an initial term of ten years and generally can be extended only in five-year increments (at increased rates). All of our leases require a fixed annual rent, although some require the payment of additional rent if restaurant sales exceed a negotiated amount. Generally, our leases are “net” leases, which require us to pay all of the cost of insurance, taxes, maintenance and utilities. We generally cannot cancel these leases. Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject to similar long-term non-cancelable leases. If an existing or future restaurant is not profitable, and we decide to close it, we may nonetheless be committed to perform our obligations under the applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. In addition, as each of our leases expires, we may fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could cause us to pay increased occupancy costs or to close restaurants in desirable locations. These potential increased occupancy costs and closed restaurants could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brand and adversely affect our business.

Our intellectual property is material to the conduct of our business. Our ability to implement our business plan successfully depends in part on our ability to further build brand recognition using our trademarks, service marks, trade dress and other proprietary intellectual property, including our name and logos and the unique ambience of our restaurants. While it is our policy to protect and defend vigorously our rights to our intellectual property, we cannot predict whether steps taken by us to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of these rights or the use by others of restaurant features based upon, or otherwise similar to, our concept. It may be difficult for us to prevent others from copying elements of our concept and any litigation to enforce our rights will likely be costly and may not be successful. Although we believe that we have sufficient rights to all of our trademarks and service marks, we may face claims of infringement that could interfere with our ability to market our restaurants and promote our brand. Any such litigation may be costly and divert resources from our business. Moreover, if we are unable to successfully defend against such claims, we may be prevented from using our trademarks or service marks in the future and may be liable for damages, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may incur costs resulting from breaches of security of confidential consumer information related to our electronic processing of credit and debit card transactions.

The majority of our restaurant sales are by credit or debit cards. Other restaurants and retailers have experienced security breaches in which credit and debit card information has been stolen. We may in the future become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of the actual or alleged theft of credit or debit card information, and we may also be subject to lawsuits or other proceedings relating to these types of incidents. Any such claim or proceeding could cause us to incur significant unplanned expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may have a material adverse effect on us and our restaurants.

We rely heavily on information technology, and any material failure, weakness, interruption or breach of security could prevent us from effectively operating our business.

We rely heavily on information systems, including point-of-sale processing in our restaurants, for management of our supply chain, payment of obligations, collection of cash, credit and debit card transactions and other processes and procedures. Our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our business depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems.

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The failure of these systems to operate effectively, maintenance problems, upgrading or transitioning to new platforms, or a breach in security of these systems could result in delays in customer service and reduce efficiency in our operations. Remediation of such problems could result in significant, unplanned capital investments.

We could be party to litigation that could adversely affect us by distracting management, increasing our expenses or subjecting us to material money damages and other remedies.

Our customers occasionally file complaints or lawsuits against us alleging we caused an illness or injury they suffered at or after a visit to our restaurants, or that we have problems with food quality or operations. We are also subject to a variety of other claims arising in the ordinary course of our business, including personal injury claims, contract claims and claims alleging violations of federal and state law regarding workplace and employment matters, equal opportunity, discrimination and similar matters, and we could become subject to class action or other lawsuits related to these or different matters in the future. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations and hurt our performance. A judgment in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Any adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may also materially and adversely affect our reputation or prospects, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to state and local “dram shop” statutes, which may subject us to uninsured liabilities. These statutes generally allow a person injured by an intoxicated person to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. Because a plaintiff may seek punitive damages, which may not be fully covered by insurance, this type of action could have an adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations. A judgment in such an action significantly in excess of, or not covered by, our insurance coverage could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Further, adverse publicity resulting from any such allegations may adversely affect us and our restaurants taken as a whole.

In addition, the restaurant industry has been subject to a growing number of claims based on the nutritional content of food products sold and disclosure and advertising practices. We may also be subject to this type of proceeding in the future and, even if we are not, publicity about these matters (particularly directed at the quick-service or fast casual segments of the industry) may harm our reputation and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our current insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against claims.

There are types of losses we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not economically reasonable to insure. Such losses could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, we self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability, employee health and property insurance programs. Unanticipated changes in the actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our reserves for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Failure to obtain and maintain adequate directors’ and officers’ insurance would likely adversely affect our ability to attract and retain qualified officers and directors.

Failure to obtain and maintain required licenses and permits or to comply with alcoholic beverage or food control regulations could lead to the loss of our liquor and food service licenses and, thereby, harm our business.

The restaurant industry is subject to various federal, state and local government regulations, including those relating to the sale of food and alcoholic beverages. Such regulations are subject to change from time to time. The failure to obtain and maintain these licenses, permits and approvals could adversely affect our operating results. Typically, licenses must be renewed annually and may be revoked, suspended or denied renewal for cause at any time if governmental authorities determine that our conduct violates applicable regulations. Difficulties or failure to maintain or obtain the required licenses and approvals could adversely affect our existing restaurants and delay or result in our decision to cancel the opening of new restaurants, which would adversely affect our business.

Alcoholic beverage control regulations generally require our restaurants to apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county or municipal authorities for a license that must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to numerous aspects of daily operations of our restaurants, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, trade practices, wholesale purchasing, other relationships with alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. Any future failure to comply with these regulations and obtain or retain liquor licenses could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Changes to accounting rules or regulations may adversely affect our results of operations.

Changes to existing accounting rules or regulations may impact our future results of operations or cause the perception that we are more highly leveraged. Other new accounting rules or regulations and varying interpretations of existing accounting rules or regulations have occurred and may occur in the future. For instance, accounting regulatory authorities have indicated that they may begin to require lessees to capitalize operating leases in their financial statements in the next few years. If adopted, such change would require us to record significant capital lease obligations on our balance sheet and make other changes to our financial statements. This and other future changes to accounting rules or regulations could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We incur increased costs as a result of being a public company.

As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, particularly after we are no longer an "emerging growth company" as defined under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"). In addition, new and changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules and regulations promulgated and to be promulgated thereunder, as well as under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), and the JOBS Act, have created uncertainty for public companies and increased costs and time that boards of directors and management must devote to complying with these rules and regulations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the Nasdaq Global Select Market regulate corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect continued compliance with these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and lead to a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities. In addition, we incur additional expenses associated with our SEC reporting requirements.

For as long as we remain an "emerging growth company" as defined in the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies." These exceptions provide for, but are not limited to, relief from the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, less extensive disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements to hold a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an "emerging growth company." We may remain an "emerging growth company" for up to five years.

Pursuant to the recently enacted JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for so long as we are an “emerging growth company.”

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, starting with the second annual report that we file with the SEC as a public company, and generally requires in the same report a report by our independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. However, under the recently enacted JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” We could be an “emerging growth company” for up to five years.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. An “emerging growth company” can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, have chosen to “opt out” of such extended transition period and, as a result, we must comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock

In this prospectus, we refer to our Class A common stock as "common stock," unless the context otherwise requires.

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Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly and could fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors due to seasonality and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, resulting in a decline in our stock price.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including:

• the timing of new restaurant openings and related expense;

• restaurant operating costs for our newly-opened restaurants, which are often materially greater during the first several months of operation than thereafter;

• labor availability and costs for hourly and management personnel;

• profitability of our restaurants, especially in new markets;

• changes in interest rates;

• increases and decreases in AUVs and comparable restaurant sales;

• impairment of long-lived assets and any loss on restaurant closures;

• macroeconomic conditions, both nationally and locally;

• negative publicity relating to the consumption of seafood or other products we serve;

• changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions;

• expansion to new markets;

• increases in infrastructure costs; and

• fluctuations in commodity prices.

Seasonal factors and the timing of holidays also cause our revenue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Our revenue per restaurant is typically lower in the first and fourth quarters due to reduced winter and holiday traffic and higher in the second and third quarters. As a result of these factors, our quarterly and annual operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate significantly. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular future period may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In that event, the price of our common stock would likely decrease.

The price of our common stock may be volatile and you may lose all or part of your investment.

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the offering price. Those fluctuations could be based on various factors in addition to those otherwise described in this prospectus, including those described under “—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry” and the following:

• our operating performance and the performance of our competitors or restaurant companies in general;

• the public's reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;

• changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who follow us or other companies in our industry;

• global, national or local economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance;

• the number of shares to be publicly traded after this offering;

• future sales of our common stock by our officers, directors and significant stockholders;

• the arrival or departure of key personnel; and

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• other developments affecting us, our industry or our competitors.

In addition, in recent years the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations may be unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause declines in the market price of our common stock. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our business, financial condition or results of operations, and those fluctuations could materially reduce our common stock price.

Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could depress our common stock price.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, following this offering could depress the market price of our common stock. Our sponsors, executive officers and directors and the selling stockholders have agreed with the underwriters not to offer, sell, dispose of or hedge any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, subject to specified limited exceptions and extensions described elsewhere in this prospectus, during the period ending 75 days after the date of the final prospectus, except with the prior written consent on behalf of the underwriters. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 180,000,000 shares of common stock and Class B common stock, of which shares will be outstanding and  shares will be issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options. Of the outstanding shares,  shares will be freely tradable after the expiration date of the lock-up agreements, excluding any acquired by persons who may be deemed to be our affiliates. Shares of our common stock held by our affiliates will continue to be subject to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act. The underwriters may, in their sole discretion and at any time without notice, release all or any portion of the shares subject to the lock-up. See “Underwriting.”

Our stock price may be affected by coverage by securities analysts.

The trading of our common stock is influenced by the reports and research that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If analysts stop covering us, or if too few analysts cover us, the trading price of our stock would likely decrease. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock, our stock price will likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

Our principal stockholders and their affiliates own a substantial portion of our outstanding equity, and their interests may not always coincide with the interests of the other holders.

As of October 1, 2013, Catterton, certain of its affiliates and Argentia beneficially owned in the aggregate shares representing approximately 63.2% of our outstanding voting power, assuming no conversion of Class B common stock into common stock. Persons associated with Catterton, Argentia and PSPIB currently serve and, following the offering, will continue to serve on our board of directors. Contemporaneous with or shortly following the closing of this offering, Argentia may convert a portion of its shares of Class B common stock into common stock (the “Argentia Conversion”) such that following such conversion, Argentia will beneficially own, in the aggregate, shares representing approximately % of the common stock. After this offering, Catterton and certain of its affiliates will beneficially own, in the aggregate, shares representing approximately % of our outstanding equity interests and approximately % of our outstanding voting power, after giving effect to the Argentia Conversion. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, after this offering, Catterton and certain of its affiliates will beneficially own, in the aggregate, shares representing approximately % of our outstanding equity interests and approximately % of our outstanding voting power, after giving effect to the Argentia Conversion. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, after this offering, Argentia will beneficially own, in the aggregate, shares representing approximately % of our outstanding equity interests and approximately % of our outstanding voting power, after giving effect to the Argentia Conversion. As a result, Catterton, certain of its affiliates and Argentia could potentially have significant influence over all matters presented to our stockholders for approval, including election and removal of our directors and change in control transactions. The interests of Catterton, certain of its affiliates and Argentia may not always coincide with the interests of the other holders of our common stock.

We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock, except for the Class C common stock dividend paid to Argentia, the previous holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock, which was redeemed in connection with our initial public offering. For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. See “Dividend Policy” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

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Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent our acquisition by a third party.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and Delaware law, contain several provisions that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our board of directors. For example, we have a classified board of directors with three-year staggered terms, which could delay the ability of stockholders to change membership of a majority of our board of directors. These provisions may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding equity interests. These provisions also may delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price for their common stock. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties such as the number of restaurants we intend to open, projected capital expenditures, and estimates of our effective tax rates, among others, and are contained principally in “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis ofFinancial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.”In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "might," "will," "objective," "intend," "should," "could," "can," "would," "expect," "believe," "design," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "plan" or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, those discussed in "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" included in this prospectus. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

• our ability to maintain increases in comparable restaurant sales and to successfully execute our growth strategy;

• our ability to open new restaurants on schedule;

• current economic conditions;

• price and availability of commodities;

• consumer confidence and spending patterns;

• the assumptions used in the adjustment of interest expense and the adjustments for certain incremental legal, accounting, insurance and other compliance costs used in the calculation of adjusted net income;

• consumer reaction to public health issues and perceptions of food safety;

• changes in consumer tastes and the level of acceptance of the company's restaurant concepts (including consumer acceptance of prices,

• seasonal factors; and

• weather.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We discuss many of these risks in this prospectus in greater detail under the heading “Risk Factors.” Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus. Unless required by United States federal securities laws, we do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the statement is made.

The market data and certain other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, governmental publications, reports by market research firms or other independent sources. Some data are also based on our good faith estimates. Although we believe these third-party sources are reliable, we have not independently verified the information attributed to these third-party sources and cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness. Similarly, our estimates have not been verified by any independent source.

You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $ , based on an offering price of $ per share, the mid-point of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed offering price of $ per share would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $ , assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The principal purpose for the offering of shares by the Company is to provide capital to repurchase shares of Class A common stock from certain officers of the Company.

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class A common stock by the selling stockholders.

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

Our common stock has traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NDLS since it began trading on June 28, 2013. Our initial public offering was priced at $18.00 per share on June 27, 2013.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

	High		Low
Fiscal Year 2013
Second quarter (June 28, 2013 - July 2, 2013)	$	51.97	$	32.00
Third quarter (July 3, 2013 - October 1, 2013)	$	51.40	$	38.90
Fourth quarter to date (October 2, 2013 - November 15, 2013)	$	49.75	$	41.14

On November 15, 2013, the closing price per share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $43.43 and there were approximately 107 stockholders of record of our common stock.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

No dividends have been declared or paid on our shares of equity interests, except for the Class C common stock dividend paid to the previous holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. The dividend paid to Argentia, as the holder of the one outstanding share of Class C common stock, was paid pursuant to the terms of the Class C Dividend Side Letter among us, Argentia and Catterton. Catterton did not receive dividends of any kind. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on shares of our Class A common stock, or any of our equity interests, in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon then-existing conditions, including our earnings, capital requirements, results of operations, financial condition, business prospects and other factors that our board of directors considers relevant. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” for additional information regarding our financial condition.

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of October 1, 2013:

• on an actual basis;

• on an as adjusted basis, giving effect to the following transactions as if they occurred on October 1, 2013:

▪ The sale by us of shares of common stock in the offering based on the public offering price of $ per share, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us;

▪ The issuance of shares of common stock upon the net exercise of options subsequent to October 1, 2013 which will be sold in this offering by certain selling stockholders;

▪ The purchase by the Company of shares of common stock from certain of our officers;

• excludes (i) 3,472,437 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of October 1, 2013, and (ii) 3,262,482 shares of our common stock reserved for future grants under our stock incentive plan and 735,673 shares reserved for purchase under our employee stock purchase plan;

• no exercise of the warrant to purchase up to 57,700 shares of our Class B common stock held by Fahrenheit 212, LLC, and no change to the 6,315,929 shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of October 1, 2013; and

•  no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to additional shares from us.

You should read the following table in conjunction with the sections entitled “Use of Proceeds,” “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this prospectus.

	As of October 1, 2013
	Actual		As Adjusted
	(in thousands, except share and per share data, unaudited)
Debt, including current portion:
Credit facility	1,714
Total long-term debt	1,714
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share (1,000,000 shares authorized, zero and zero shares issued and outstanding, zero shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted)	—
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share (150,000,000 shares authorized, 23,107,010 shares issued and outstanding, actual and  shares authorized,  shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted)	231
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share; (30,000,000 shares authorized, 6,315,929 shares issued and outstanding, and  shares authorized,  shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted)(1)	63
Additional paid-in capital	114,318
Retained earnings	7,900
Total stockholders’ equity	122,512
Total capitalization	$	124,226

______________________________

(1) The rights of the holders of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock are identical in all respects, except that our Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors unless converted on a share-for-share basis into Class A common stock.

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table summarizes the consolidated historical financial and operating data for the periods indicated. The statements of income data for the fiscal years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010 and the balance sheet data as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, and the statements of income data from the fiscal years ended December 29, 2009 and December 30, 2008 and the balance sheet data as of December 28, 2010, December 29, 2009 and December 30, 2008 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The statements of income data for the three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 and the balance sheet data as of October 1, 2013 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of October 2, 2012 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The reclassification of restaurant-level marketing costs, as discussed in the accompanying notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements, is reflected in all periods presented in this prospectus. The financial data presented includes all normal and recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for such periods.

The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. This information should be read in conjunction with “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

We operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on January 3, 2012, contained 53 weeks, and all other fiscal years presented below contained 52 weeks. We refer to our fiscal years as 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008. Our fiscal quarters each contain thirteen weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53 week fiscal year, which contains fourteen weeks.

	Fiscal Year Ended											Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010			December 29, 2009		December 30, 2008		October 1, 2013 (unaudited)		October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Statements of Income Data:
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$	297,264	$	253,467	$	218,560		$	190,175	$	168,534	$	256,744	$	220,261
Franchising royalties and fees	3,146		2,599		2,272			2,293		1,908		2,711		2,220
Total revenue	300,410		256,066		220,832			192,468		170,442		259,455		222,481
Costs and Expenses:
Restaurant Operating Costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	78,997		66,419		56,869			51,487		45,707		67,524		58,423
Labor	89,435		75,472		64,942			56,581		49,775		77,464		66,002
Occupancy	29,323		25,208		21,650			18,652		15,707		25,824		21,669
Other restaurant operating costs(1)	36,380		32,031		27,403			23,620		36,372		32,962		27,449
General and administrative(1)(2)	29,081		26,463		27,302			21,713		21,285		27,808		21,426
Depreciation and amortization	16,719		14,501		13,932			13,315		11,283		15,074		12,165
Pre-opening	3,145		2,327		2,088			1,780		2,401		2,873		2,000
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	1,278		1,629		2,815			1,070		1,273		837		663
Total costs and expenses	284,358		244,050		217,001			188,218		183,803		250,366		209,797
Income from operations	16,052		12,016		3,831			4,250		2,038		9,089		12,684
Debt extinguishment expense	2,646		275		—			—		—		—		2,646
Interest expense	5,028		6,132		1,819			1,840		1,342		2,199		3,894
Income before income taxes	8,378		5,609		2,012			2,410		696		6,890		6,144
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,215		1,780		(366		)	1,343		553		2,633		2,540
Net income	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378		$	1,067	$	143	$	4,257	$	3,604

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	Fiscal Year Ended															Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013			January 3, 2012			December 28, 2010			December 29, 2009			December 30, 2008			October 1, 2013 (unaudited)			October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Earnings per Class A and Class B common share, combined:
Basic	$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.10		$	0.04		*			$	0.17		.16
Diluted	$	0.22		$	0.16		$	0.09		$	0.04		*			$	0.16		.16
Weighted average Class A and Class B common shares outstanding, combined:
Basic	23,238,984			23,237,698			24,386,059			24,360,855			24,252,814			25,382,805			23,238,984
Diluted	23,265,542			23,237,698			25,226,989			24,396,296			24,426,941			26,528,004			23,250,745
Selected Operating Data:
Company-owned restaurants at end of period	276			239			212			186			166			310			261
Franchise-owned restaurants at end of period	51			45			43			43			37			58			48
Company-owned:
Average unit volumes(3)	$	1,178		$	1,147		$	1,126		$	1,098		$	1,125		$	1,181		$	1,174
Comparable restaurant sales(4)	5.2		%	4.2		%	3.2		%	0.4		%	5.6		%	3.1		%	5.6		%
Restaurant contribution(5)	$	63,129		$	54,337		$	47,697		$	39,835		$	36,372		$	52,970		$	46,718
as a percentage of restaurant revenue	21.2		%	21.4		%	21.8		%	20.9		%	21.6		%	20.6		%	21.2		%
EBITDA(6)	$	30,125		$	26,242		$	17,763		$	17,565		$	13,321		$	24,163		$	22,203
Adjusted EBITDA(6)	$	36,283		$	30,488		$	26,472		$	20,375		$	16,681		$	32,040		$	27,183
as a percentage of revenue	12.1		%	11.9		%	12.0		%	10.6		%	9.8		%	12.3		%	12.2		%

	As of
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010			December 29, 2009		December 30, 2008		October 1, 2013 (unaudited)		October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
	(in thousands)
Balance Sheet Data(7):
Total current assets	$	16,154	$	12,879	$	214,498		$	8,727	$	11,174	$	18,512	$	12,904
Total assets	156,995		126,325		311,148			95,764		88,579		181,810		144,002
Total current liabilities	23,760		20,557		213,664			17,342		16,128		27,562		25,009
Total long-term debt	93,731		77,523		77,030			33,838		34,488		1,714		83,557
Total liabilities	142,987		118,802		309,070			67,214		64,931		59,298		131,922
Temporary equity	3,601		2,572		2,572			—		—		—		—
Total stockholders' equity	10,407		4,951		(494		)	28,550		23,648		122,512		12,080

______________________________

* Not meaningful.

(1) In the third quarter of 2013 we changed the manner in which we report marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in our consolidated financial statements in all periods presented. In 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and in the first two quarters of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2012, $2.9 million, $2.6 million, $2.4 million, $2.5 million and $2.5 million, and $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, have been reclassified from restaurant operating costs to general and administrative expense. The change has no impact on income from operations.

(2) 2010 included $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $0.3 million of expense for our portion of payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization. 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense and the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 included $500,000 and $750,000 respectively, of management fee expense, in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. In connection with our IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed. In the second quarter of 2013, we incurred $ 5.7 million of IPO related expenses: $ 2.0 million of stock-based compensation related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options, $ 1.2 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options granted to our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer of which 50% were vested at grant, $ 1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll taxes and $ 0.8 million in transaction payments to our Equity Sponsors.

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(3) AUVs consist of average annualized sales of all company-owned restaurants over the trailing 12 periods in a typical operating year.

(4) Comparable restaurant sales represent year-over-year sales for restaurants open for at least 18 full periods.

(5) Restaurant contribution represents restaurant revenue less restaurant operating costs which are cost of sales, labor, occupancy and other restaurant operating costs.

(6) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are supplemental measures of operating performance that do not represent and should not be considered as alternatives to net income or cash flow from operations, as determined by US GAAP, and our calculation thereof may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. These measures are presented because we believe that investors' understanding of our performance is enhanced by including these non-GAAP financial measures as a reasonable basis for evaluating our ongoing results of operations.

EBITDA is calculated as net income before interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA further adjusts EBITDA to reflect the additions and eliminations described in the table below.

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are presented because: (i) we believe they are useful measures for investors to assess the operating performance of our business without the effect of non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization expenses and asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments and (ii) we use adjusted EBITDA internally as a benchmark for certain of our cash incentive plans and to evaluate our operating performance or compare our performance to that of our competitors. The use of adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure permits a comparative assessment of our operating performance relative to our performance based on our US GAAP results, while isolating the effects of some items that vary from period to period without any correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies. Companies within our industry exhibit significant variations with respect to capital structures and cost of capital (which affect interest expense and income tax rates) and differences in book depreciation of property, plant and equipment (which affect relative depreciation expense), including significant differences in the depreciable lives of similar assets among various companies. Our management believes that adjusted EBITDA facilitates company-to-company comparisons within our industry by eliminating some of these foregoing variations. Adjusted EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures of other companies, and our presentation of adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by excluded or unusual items.

Because of these limitations, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with US GAAP. We compensated for these limitations by relying primarily on our US GAAP results and using EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. Our management recognizes that EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical financial measures, including the following:

• EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect our capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures;

• EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, associated with our indebtedness;

• EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash charges, although the assets being depreciated and amortized will likely have to be replaced in the future, and do not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the cost of stock-based compensation; and

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs.

A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is provided below:

	Fiscal Year Ended											Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010			December 29, 2009		December 30, 2008		October 1, 2013 (unaudited)		October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
	(in thousands)
Net income	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378		$	1,067	$	143	$	4,257	$	3,604
Depreciation and amortization	16,719		14,501		13,932			13,315		11,283		15,074		12,165
Interest expense	5,028		6,132		1,819			1,840		1,342		2,199		3,894
Provision for income taxes	3,215		1,780		(366		)	1,343		553		2,633		2,540
EBITDA	$	30,125	$	26,242	$	17,763		$	17,565	$	13,321	$	24,163	$	22,203
Debt extinguishment expense	2,646		275		—			—		—		—		2,646
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairment	1,278		1,629		2,815			1,070		1,273		837		663
Management fees(a)	1,000		1,014		—			—		—		500		750
Stock-based compensation expense(b)	1,234		1,328		5,894			1,740		2,087		873		921
IPO related expenses(c)	—		—		—			—		—		5,667		—
Adjusted EBITDA	$	36,283	$	30,488	$	26,472		$	20,375	$	16,681	$	32,040	$	27,183

______________________________

(a) Fiscal years 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense and the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 included $500,000 and $750,000 of management fee expense, in accordance with our management services agreement and through

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the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. In connection with our IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed.

(b) 2010 included $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $0.3 million of expense for our portion of payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization.

(c) Reflects certain expenses incurred in conjunction with the closing of our initial public offering. Amount includes $2.0 million of stock-based compensation related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options, $1.2 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options granted to our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer of which 50% were vested at grant, $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll tax and $0.8 million in transaction payments to our Equity Sponsors.

(7) As of December 28, 2010 the consolidated balance sheet included $189.4 million in restricted cash and current liabilities that were temporarily held due to timing of the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors including, but not limited to, those discussed in “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.

We operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal years 2012 and 2010, which ended on January 1, 2013 and December 28, 2010, respectively, each contained 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on January 3, 2012, contained 53 weeks. We refer to our fiscal years as 2012, 2011 and 2010. Our fiscal quarters each contained 13 operating weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of 2011, which had 14 operating weeks.

NOODLES & COMPANY

A World of Flavors Under One Roof

Highlights and Trends

Restaurant Development. New restaurants have contributed substantially to our revenue growth and, through November 15, 2013, we opened 35 company-owned and 10 franchise restaurants for a total of 372 restaurants open system-wide. During 2012, we opened 39 company-owned restaurants and six franchise restaurants, which represented a 15.1% growth rate. Our annual restaurant growth rate for each of the past 10 years is over 10%. In 2013 we anticipate opening between 41 and 42 company-owned restaurants, net of one closure in the first quarter of 2013, and 10 franchise restaurants, including the restaurants opened year to date.

Comparable Restaurant Sales. Comparable restaurant sales increased by 2.1% system-wide in the third quarter of 2013 and 2.7% system-wide in the first three quarters of 2013. Comparable restaurant sales growth in the third quarter was the result of both increases in traffic and per person spend. Comparable restaurant salesrepresent year-over-year sales comparisons for restaurants open for at least 18 full periods.

Your World Kitchen. We completed installation of "Your World Kitchen" interior signage in all of our company-owned restaurants during the second quarter of 2013. Installations in our company-owned restaurants began in 2012, and we began using the phrase to describe the breadth of our offering and our customers' dining experience.

Initial Public Offering. On July 2, 2013, we completed our IPO of Class A common stock at $18.00 per share. We issued 6,160,714 shares, including 803,571 shares of Class A common stock sold to the underwriters in the IPO pursuant to their over-allotment option. After underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, net proceeds from the offering were $100.2 million. We used these proceeds to repay all but $0.2 million of our outstanding debt as of July 2, 2013, including the full repayment of our term loan.

As a result of the IPO and the repayment of nearly all our outstanding debt, we now benefit from savings on interest expense and management fees that we incurred as a private company, but we also incur incremental costs as a public company including incremental legal, accounting, insurance and other compliance costs. We will continue to use our operating cash flows and borrowings on our revolving line of credit to fund capital expenditures to support restaurant growth as well as to invest in our existing restaurants and infrastructure and information technology. See "—Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Further, in connection with the IPO, we incurred $5.7 million of IPO related expenses, which includes $3.2 million of stock-based compensation expenses related to stock option grants and accelerated stock option vesting related to the IPO, $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and payroll tax, and $0.8 million paid to our Equity Sponsors. Additionally, the financial impact of the IPO will affect the comparability of our post-IPO financial performance to our pre-IPO financial performance.

Key Measures We Use to Evaluate Our Performance

To evaluate the performance of our business, we utilize a variety of financial and performance measures. These key measures include revenue, average unit volumes ("AUVs"), comparable restaurant sales, restaurant contribution, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA.

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Revenue

Restaurant revenue represents sales of food and beverages in company-owned restaurants. Several factors affect our restaurant revenue in any period, including the number of restaurants in operation and per restaurant sales.

Franchise royalties and fees represent royalty income and initial franchise fees. While we expect that the majority of our revenue and net income growth will be driven by company-owned restaurants, our franchise restaurants remain an important part of our financial success.

Seasonal factors cause our revenue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Our revenue per restaurant is typically lower in the first and fourth quarters due to reduced winter and holiday traffic and higher in the second and third quarters. As a result of these factors, our quarterly and annual operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate significantly.

Average Unit Volumes ("AUVs")

AUVs consist of the average annualized sales of all company-owned restaurants for the trailing 12 periods. AUVs are calculated by dividing restaurant revenue by the number of operating days within each time period and multiplying by 361, which is equal to the number of operating days we have in a typical year. This measurement allows management to assess changes in consumer traffic and per person spending patterns at our restaurants.

Comparable Restaurant Sales

Comparable restaurant sales refer to year-over-year sales comparisons for the comparable restaurant base. We define the comparable restaurant base to include restaurants open for at least 18 full periods. As of 2012, 2011 and 2010, there were 216, 192 and 174 restaurants, respectively, in our comparable restaurant base. As of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, there were 236 and 211, respectively, restaurants in our comparable restaurant base. This measure highlights performance of existing restaurants, as the impact of new restaurant openings is excluded. Comparable restaurant sales growth is generated by increases in traffic, which we calculate as the number of entrees sold, or changes in per person spend, calculated as sales divided by traffic. Per person spend can be influenced by changes in menu prices and the mix and number of items sold per person.

Measuring our comparable restaurant sales allows us to evaluate the performance of our existing restaurant base. Various factors impact comparable restaurant sales, including:

• consumer recognition of our brand and our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences;

• overall economic trends, particularly those related to consumer spending;

• our ability to operate restaurants effectively and efficiently to meet consumer expectations;

• pricing;

• per person spend and average check amount;

• marketing and promotional efforts;

• local competition;

• trade area dynamics;

• introduction of new and seasonal menu items and limited time offerings; and

• opening of new restaurants in the vicinity of existing locations.

As a result of the 53-week fiscal year 2011, our fiscal year 2012 began one week later than our fiscal year 2011. Consistent with common industry practice, we present comparable restaurant sales on a calendar-adjusted basis that aligns current year sales weeks with comparable periods in the prior year, regardless of whether they belong to the same fiscal period or not. Since opening new company-owned restaurants will be a significant component of our revenue growth, comparable restaurant sales are only one measure of how we evaluate our performance.

Since opening new company-owned and franchise restaurants is an important part of our growth strategy, and we anticipate new restaurants will be a significant component of our revenue growth, comparable restaurant sales are only one measure of how we evaluate our performance.

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Restaurant Contribution

Restaurant contribution is defined as restaurant revenue less restaurant operating costs which are cost of sales, labor, occupancy and other restaurant operating costs. We expect restaurant contribution to increase in proportion to the number of new restaurants we open and our comparable restaurant sales growth. Fluctuations in restaurant contribution margin can also be attributed to those factors discussed above for the components of restaurant operating costs.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

We define EBITDA as net income before interest expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. We define adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest expense, debt extinguishment expense, provision (benefit) for income taxes, asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, management fees and IPO related expenses.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide clear pictures of our operating results by eliminating certain non-cash expenses that are not reflective of the underlying business performance. We use these metrics to facilitate a comparison of our operating performance on a consistent basis from period to period and to analyze the factors and trends affecting our business.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:

	Fiscal Year Ended											Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010			December 29, 2009		December 30, 2008		October 1, 2013 (unaudited)		October 2, 2012 (unaudited)
	(in thousands)
Net income	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378		$	1,067	$	143	$	4,257	$	3,604
Depreciation and amortization	16,719		14,501		13,932			13,315		11,283		15,074		12,165
Interest expense	5,028		6,132		1,819			1,840		1,342		2,199		3,894
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,215		1,780		(366		)	1,343		553		2,633		2,540
EBITDA	$	30,125	$	26,242	$	17,763		$	17,565	$	13,321	$	24,163	$	22,203
Debt extinguishment expense	2,646		275		—			—		—		—		2,646
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairment	1,278		1,629		2,815			1,070		1,273		837		663
Management fees(a)	1,000		1,014		—			—		—		500		750
Stock-based compensation expense(b)	1,234		1,328		5,894			1,740		2,087		873		921
IPO related expenses(c)	—		—		—			—		—		5,667		—
Adjusted EBITDA	$	36,283	$	30,488	$	26,472		$	20,375	$	16,681	$	32,040	$	27,183

______________________________

(a) Fiscal years 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense and the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 included $500,000 and $750,000 of management fee expense, in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. In connection with our IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed.

(b) 2010 included $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $0.3 million of expense for our portion of payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization.

(c) Reflects certain expenses incurred in conjunction with the closing of our initial public offering. Amount includes $2.0 million of stock-based compensation related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options, $1.2 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options granted to our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer of which 50% were vested at grant, $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll tax and $0.8 million in transaction payments to our Equity Sponsors.

Key Financial Definitions

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the direct costs associated with the food, beverage and packaging of our menu items. Cost of sales also includes any costs related to discounted menu items. Cost of sales is a substantial expense and can be expected to grow proportionally as our restaurant revenue grows. Fluctuations in cost of sales are caused primarily by volatility in the cost of commodity food items and related contracts for such items. Other important factors causing fluctuations in cost of sales include seasonality, discounting activity and restaurant level management of food waste.

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Labor Costs

Labor costs include wages, payroll taxes, workers' compensation expense, benefits and bonuses paid to our management teams. Like other expense items, we expect labor costs to grow proportionally as our restaurant revenue grows. Factors that influence fluctuations in our labor costs include minimum wage and payroll tax legislation, the frequency and severity of workers' compensation claims, health care costs and the performance of our restaurants.

Occupancy Costs

Occupancy costs include rent, common area maintenance and real estate tax expense related to our restaurants and is expected to grow proportionally as we open new restaurants.

Other Restaurant Operating Costs

Other restaurant operating costs include the costs of utilities, restaurant-level marketing, credit card processing fees, restaurant supplies, repairs and maintenance and other restaurant operating costs. Like other costs, it is expected to grow proportionally as restaurant revenue grows.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense is composed of payroll, other compensation, travel, marketing, accounting fees, legal fees and other expenses related to the infrastructure required to support our restaurants. General and administrative expense also includes the non-cash stock compensation expense related to our employee stock incentive plan. General and administrative expense can be expected to grow as we grow, including incremental legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses incurred as a public company.

Depreciation and Amortization

Our principal depreciation and amortization charges relate to depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements and equipment, from restaurant construction and ongoing maintenance.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs relate to the costs incurred prior to the opening of a restaurant. These include management labor costs, staff labor costs during training, food and supplies utilized during training, marketing costs and other related pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs also include rent recorded between date of possession and opening date for our restaurants.

Asset Disposals, Closure Costs and Restaurant Impairments

Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments include the loss on disposal of assets related to retirements and replacement of leasehold improvements or equipment, non-cash restaurant closure and impairment charges.

Debt Extinguishment

In July 2012, we amended our credit facility to extend the maturity date and to reduce interest rates on borrowings. As a result of this amendment, a portion of the existing and new fees were treated as debt extinguishment. In 2011, we wrote off debt issuance costs related to our credit facility.

Interest Expense

Interest expense consists primarily of interest on our outstanding indebtedness. Debt issuance costs are amortized at cost over the life of the related debt.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of federal, state and local taxes on our income.

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Restaurant Openings, Closures and Relocations

The following table shows restaurants opened, closed or relocated in the years indicated.

	Fiscal Year Ended						Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Company-Owned Restaurant Activity
Beginning of period	239		212		186		276		239
Openings	39		28		28		35		22
Closures and relocations(1)	(2	)	(1	)	(2	)	(1	)	—
Restaurants at end of period	276		239		212		310		261
Franchise Restaurant Activity
Beginning of period	45		43		43		51		45
Openings	6		2		—		7		3
Closures and relocations(1)	—		—		—		—		—
Restaurants at end of period	51		45		43		58		48
Total restaurants	327		284		255		368		309

______________________________

(1) We account for relocated restaurants under both restaurant openings and closures and relocations. During both 2012 and 2010 we closed one restaurant and relocated another restaurant. In fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of 2013, we closed one restaurant at the end of its lease term.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated as a percentage of our total revenue, except for the components of restaurant operating costs, which are expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue. The reclassification of restaurant-level marketing costs, as discussed in the accompanying notes to our unaudited financial statements, is reflected in all periods presented in this prospectus. Fiscal years 2012 and 2010 contained 52 operating weeks and fiscal year 2011 contained 53 operating weeks. Each fiscal quarter contained 13 weeks.

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	Fiscal Year Ended						Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	99.0	%	99.0	%	99.0	%	99.0	%	99.0	%
Franchising royalties and fees	1.0		1.0		1.0		1.0		1.0
Total revenue	100.0		100.0		100.0		100.0		100.0
Costs and Expenses:
Restaurant Operating Costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):(1)
Cost of sales	26.6		26.2		26.0		26.3		26.5
Labor	30.1		29.8		29.7		30.2		30.0
Occupancy	9.9		9.9		9.9		10.1		9.8
Other restaurant operating costs	12.2		12.6		12.5		12.8		12.5
General and administrative(2)	9.7		10.3		12.4		10.7		9.6
Depreciation and amortization	5.6		5.7		6.3		5.8		5.5
Pre-opening	1.0		0.9		0.9		1.1		0.9
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	0.4		0.6		1.3		0.3		0.3
Total costs and expenses	94.7		95.3		98.3		96.5		94.3
Income from operations	5.3		4.7		1.7		3.5		5.7
Debt extinguishment expense	0.9		0.1		—		—		1.2
Interest expense	1.7		2.4		0.8		0.8		1.8
Income before income taxes	2.8		2.2		0.9		2.7		2.8
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1.1		0.7		(0.2	)	1.0		1.1
Net income	1.7	%	1.5	%	1.1	%	1.6	%	1.6	%

______________________________

(1) As a percentage of restaurant revenue.

(2) 2010 included $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $0.3 million of our portion of payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization. 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense and the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 included $500,000 and $750,000 of management fee expense in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. In connection with our IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed.

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Three Fiscal Quarters Ended October 1, 2013, compared to Three Fiscal Quarters Ended October 2, 2012

Our fiscal quarters each contain thirteen weeks with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53 week fiscal year, which contains fourteen weeks. The table below presents our unaudited operating results for the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012, and the related quarter-over-quarter changes:

	Three Fiscal Quarters Ended				Increase/ (Decrease)
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		$			%
	(in thousands, except percentages)
Statements of Income Data:
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$	256,744	$	220,261	$	36,483		16.6	%
Franchising royalties and fees	2,711		2,220		491			22.1
Total revenue	259,455		222,481		36,974			16.6
Costs and expenses:
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	67,524		58,423		9,101			15.6
Labor	77,464		66,002		11,462			17.4
Occupancy	25,824		21,669		4,155			19.2
Other restaurant operating costs	32,962		27,449		5,513			20.1
General and administrative(1)	27,808		21,426		6,382			29.8
Depreciation and amortization	15,074		12,165		2,909			23.9
Pre-opening	2,873		2,000		873			43.7
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	837		663		174			26.2
Total costs and expenses	250,366		209,797		40,569			19.3
Income from operations	9,089		12,684		(3,595		)	(28.3	)
Debt extinguishment expense	—		2,646		(2,646		)	(100.0	)
Interest expense	2,199		3,894		(1,695		)	(43.5	)
Income before income taxes	6,890		6,144		746			12.1
Provision for income taxes	2,633		2,540		93			3.7
Net income	$	4,257	$	3,604	$	653		18.1	%

______________________________

(1) In the second quarter of 2013, we incurred $5.7 million of IPO related expenses: $2.0 million of stock-based compensation related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options, $1.2 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options granted to our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer of which 50% were vested at grant, $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll taxes and $0.8 million in transaction payments to our Equity Sponsors. Additionally, the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012 included $500,000 and $750,000 of management fee expense in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock. In connection with our IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed.

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Revenue

Restaurant revenue increased by $36.5 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. Restaurants not in the comparable restaurant base accounted for $30.3 million of this increase, with the balance attributed to growth in comparable restaurant sales. Comparable restaurant sales increased by $6.2 million, or 3.1%, in first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, composed primarily of increases in traffic at our comparable base restaurants and a modest price increase we took during 2013.

Franchise royalties and fees increased by $0.5 million due to seven new restaurant openings and increased comparable franchise restaurant sales of 0.3% in the first three quarters of 2013.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased by $9.1 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in the first three quarters of 2013. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, cost of sales decreased to 26.3% in the first three quarters of 2013 from 26.5% in the first three quarters of 2012. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenue was the result of an increase in restaurant menu pricing, partially offset by food cost inflation.

Labor Costs

Labor costs increased by $11.5 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in 2013. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, labor costs increased to 30.2% in the first three quarters of 2013 from 30.0% in the first three quarters of 2012. The increase in labor cost percentage was driven by an increased percentage of new restaurants, which on average have higher labor costs as a percentage of revenue.

Occupancy Costs

Occupancy costs increased by $4.2 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, due primarily to new restaurants opened since the third quarter of 2012. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, occupancy costs increased to 10.1% for the first three quarters of 2013, compared to 9.8% in the first three quarters of 2012. The increase was due to an increase in the percentage of restaurants not in the comparable base restaurants which, due to not reaching mature volumes yet, on average have higher occupancy costs as a percentage of revenue.

Other Restaurant Operating Costs

Other restaurant operating costs increased by $5.5 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in the first three quarters of 2013. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, other restaurant operating costs increased to 12.8% in the first three quarters of 2013, compared to 12.5% in the first three quarters of 2012. The increase as a percentage of restaurant revenue was the result of increased restaurant-level marketing costs in the first three quarters quarters of 2013, as well as increased repair and maintenance costs.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense increased by $6.4 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, due primarily to $5.7 million of one time expenses related to the closing of our IPO in the second quarter of 2013. We recognized $2.0 million of stock-based compensation related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options, $1.2 million of stock-based compensation related to stock options granted to our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer of which 50% were vested at grant, $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll taxes and $0.8 million in transaction payments to our Equity Sponsors.

Excluding the impact of the $5.7 million of IPO related expense, general and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue decreased to 8.5% in the first three quarters of 2013 from 9.6% in the first three quarters of 2012. The decrease is due to increasing revenue without proportionate increases in general and administrative costs or administrative personnel. General and administrative expense includes $0.9 million of stock-based compensation expense in the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012, and $0.5 million and $0.8 million of management fees in the first three quarters of both 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased by $2.9 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, due primarily to an increased number of restaurants. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 5.8% in the first three quarters of 2013 from 5.5% in the same period of 2012, due to depreciation on new restaurants and initiatives, partially offset by leverage of increased AUVs.

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Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs increased by $0.9 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, due to 35 restaurants opened in the first three quarters of 2013, compared to 22 in the same period of 2012. As a percentage of revenue, pre-opening costs increased to 1.1% in first three quarters of 2013 compared to 0.9% in the same period of 2012 due to the timing of restaurant openings.

Debt Extinguishment Expense

Debt extinguishment expense was $2.6 million in the first three quarters of 2012, as a result of an amendment to our credit facility to extend the maturity date to July 2017 and reduce interest rates on borrowings. A portion of the new fees were treated as debt extinguishment, which resulted in a non-cash write-off of $2.3 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $1.7 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower average borrowings in the first three quarters of 2013 due to the payoff of the majority of our outstanding debt in conjunction with the IPO, and the favorable borrowing rates resulting from the 2012 amendment to our credit facility.

Provision for Income Taxes

Pre-tax net income increased $0.7 million in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. The decrease in pre-tax net income was driven by decreases in debt extinguishment expense and interest expense, offset by an increase in income from operations.

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Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2013 compared to Fiscal Year Ended January 3, 2012

Fiscal year 2012 contained 52 operating weeks and fiscal year 2011 contained 53 operating weeks. The table below presents our operating results for 2012 and 2011, and the related year-over-year changes:

	Fiscal Year Ended				Increase / (Decrease)
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		$			%
	(in thousands, except percentages)
Statements of Income Data:
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$	297,264	$	253,467	$	43,797		17.3	%
Franchising royalties and fees	3,146		2,599		547			21.0
Total revenue	300,410		256,066		44,344			17.3
Costs and Expenses:
Restaurant Operating Costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	78,997		66,419		12,578			18.9
Labor	89,435		75,472		13,963			18.5
Occupancy	29,323		25,208		4,115			16.3
Other restaurant operating costs	36,380		32,031		4,349			13.6
General and administrative(1)	29,081		26,463		2,618			9.9
Depreciation and amortization	16,719		14,501		2,218			15.3
Pre-opening	3,145		2,327		818			35.2
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	1,278		1,629		(351		)	(21.5	)
Total costs and expenses	284,358		244,050		40,308			16.5
Income from operations	16,052		12,016		4,036			33.6
Debt extinguishment expense	2,646		275		2,371			*
Interest expense	5,028		6,132		(1,104		)	(18.0	)
Income before income taxes	8,378		5,609		2,769			49.4
Provision for income taxes	3,215		1,780		1,435			80.6
Net income	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	1,334		34.8	%

______________________________

* Not meaningful.

(1) 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock.

Revenue

Restaurant revenue increased by $43.8 million in 2012 compared to 2011. Restaurants not in the comparable restaurant base accounted for $30.8 million of this increase, with the balance attributed to growth in comparable restaurant sales. Comparable restaurant sales increased by $13.0 million or 5.2% in 2012, composed primarily of increases in traffic at our comparable base restaurants.

Franchise royalties and fees increased by $0.5 million due to six new restaurant openings and increased comparable restaurant sales of 6.2% during 2012.

The impact of 2011 having an additional operating week was approximately $4.8 million in total revenue.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased by $12.6 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in 2012. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, cost of sales increased to 26.6% in 2012 from 26.2% in 2011. This increase was primarily the result of food cost inflation, partially offset by a minimal increase in menu pricing.

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Labor Costs

Labor costs increased by $14.0 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in 2012. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, labor costs increased to 30.1% in 2012 from 29.8% in 2011. The increase in labor cost percentage was driven by increased workers' compensation expense and payroll tax rates, offset partially by increases in AUVs.

Occupancy Costs

Occupancy costs increased by $4.1 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to new restaurants opened in each of these years. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, occupancy costs remained constant year-over-year at 9.9%. Increases in common area maintenance, real estate tax and new restaurant occupancy costs relative to comparable base restaurants were offset by leverage from increased AUVs.

Other Restaurant Operating Costs

Other restaurant operating costs increased by $4.3 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in 2012. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, other restaurant operating costs declined to 12.2% in 2012 from 12.6% in 2011. The decrease in other restaurant operating cost percentage was the result of leverage of increased AUVs on partially fixed costs, as well as lower than typical utility costs due to a mild winter in early 2012.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense increased by $2.6 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to costs associated with supporting an increased number of restaurants. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense decreased to 9.7% in 2012 from 10.3% in 2011 due to increasing revenue without proportionate increases in general and administrative expense or administrative personnel. General and administrative expense includes $1.2 million and $1.3 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $1.0 million of management fees in both 2012 and 2011.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased by $2.2 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due primarily to an increased number of restaurants. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 5.6% in 2012 from 5.7% in 2011, due to leverage of increased AUVs.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs increased by $0.8 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due to 39 restaurant openings in 2012, compared to 28 in 2011. As a percentage of revenue, pre-opening costs increased to 1.0% in 2012 compared to 0.9% in 2011 due to the increased rate of restaurant unit growth.

Asset Disposals, Closure Costs and Restaurant Impairments

Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments decreased by $0.4 million in 2012 compared to 2011 due primarily to the impairment of one restaurant in 2011, resulting in $0.7 million of expense. The decrease was offset by the lease termination and other related closing costs of one restaurant closed in 2012.

Debt Extinguishment

Debt extinguishment expense was $2.6 million in 2012, as a result of an amendment to our credit facility to extend the maturity date to July 2017 and reduced interest rates on borrowings. A portion of the existing and new fees were treated as debt extinguishment, which resulted in a non-cash write-off of $2.3 million. In 2011, we wrote off $0.3 million of debt issuance costs related to our credit facility.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $1.1 million in 2012 compared to 2011. The decrease was primarily due to the favorable borrowing rates resulting from the 2012 amendment to our credit facility, partially offset by increased borrowings to fund our capital expenditures.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes increased by $1.4 million in 2012 compared to 2011, due to the increase in pre-tax net income in 2012 and an increase to our effective income tax rate.

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Fiscal Year Ended January 3, 2012 compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2010

Fiscal year 2011 contained 53 operating weeks and fiscal year 2010 contained 52 operating weeks. The table below presents our operating results for 2011 and 2010, and the related year-over-year changes:

	Fiscal Year Ended					Increase / (Decrease)
	January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010			$			%
	(in thousands, except percentages)
Statements of Income Data:
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$	253,467	$	218,560		$	34,907		16.0	%
Franchising royalties and fees	2,599		2,272			327			14.4
Total revenue	256,066		220,832			35,234			16.0
Costs and Expenses:
Restaurant Operating Costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	66,419		56,869			9,550			16.8
Labor	75,472		64,942			10,530			16.2
Occupancy	25,208		21,650			3,558			16.4
Other restaurant operating costs	32,031		27,403			4,628			16.9
General and administrative(1)	26,463		27,302			(839		)	(3.1	)
Depreciation and amortization	14,501		13,932			569			4.1
Pre-opening	2,327		2,088			239			11.4
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	1,629		2,815			(1,186		)	(42.1	)
Total costs and expenses	244,050		217,001			27,049			12.5	%
Income from operations	12,016		3,831			8,185			*
Debt extinguishment expense	275		—			275			*
Interest expense	6,132		1,819			4,313			*
Income before income taxes	5,609		2,012			3,597			*
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,780		(366		)	2,146			*
Net income	$	3,829	$	2,378		$	1,451		61.0	%

______________________________

* Not meaningful.

(1) 2010 included $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $0.3 million of expense for our portion of payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. See Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Equity Recapitalization. 2012 and 2011 each included $1.0 million of management fee expense in accordance with our management services agreement and through the Class C common stock dividend paid to the holder of the one outstanding share of our Class C common stock.

Revenue

Restaurant revenue increased by $34.9 million in 2011 compared to 2010. Restaurants not in the comparable restaurant base accounted for $25.8 million of this increase, with the balance attributed to growth in comparable restaurant sales. Comparable restaurant sales increased by $9.1 million, or 4.2% in 2011, composed primarily of increases in traffic at our comparable base restaurants. The impact of fiscal 2011 having an additional operating week was approximately $4.8 million in total revenue.

Franchise royalties and fees increased by $0.3 million due to two new restaurant openings and a 7.6% increase in comparable restaurant sales.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales increased by $9.6 million in 2011 compared to 2010, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in 2011. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, cost of sales increased to 26.2% in 2011 from 26.0% in 2010. This increase was primarily the result of food cost inflation, partially offset by a minimal increase in menu pricing.

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Labor Costs

Labor costs increased by $10.5 million in 2011 compared to 2010, due primarily to the increase in restaurant revenue in 2011. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, labor costs increased to 29.8% in 2011 from 29.7% in 2010. The increase in labor cost percentage of restaurant revenue was driven by increased workers' compensation expense and payroll tax rates, offset partially by increased AUVs.

Occupancy Costs

Occupancy costs increased by $3.6 million in 2011 compared to 2010, due primarily to new restaurants opened in each year. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, occupancy costs remained constant year-over-year at 9.9%. Increases from common area maintenance, real estate tax and new restaurant occupancy costs relative to comparable base restaurants were offset by leverage from increased AUVs.

Other Restaurant Operating Costs

Other restaurant operating costs increased by $4.6 million in 2011 compared to 2010, due primarily to increased restaurant revenue. As a percentage of restaurant revenue, other restaurant operating costs increased to 12.6% in 2011 from 12.5% in 2010, due primarily to increased credit card processing fees partially offset by increased AUVs.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense decreased by $0.8 million in 2011 compared to 2010. The decrease is due primarily to $3.7 million in non-cash stock-based compensation charges which occurred in 2010 and did not repeat in 2011, offset by $1.0 million in management fee expense in 2011 which did not exist in 2010. Excluding these items, general and administrative expense increased by $1.9 million in 2011 compared to 2010, due primarily to costs associated with supporting an increased number of restaurants. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense decreased to 10.3% in 2011 from 12.4% in 2010, primarily due to the decrease in stock-based compensation and increasing revenue without proportionate increases in general and administrative expense or administrative personnel.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.6 million in 2011 compared to 2010, due primarily to the increase in number of restaurants. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 5.7% in 2011 from 6.3% in 2010, primarily due to leverage of increased AUVs and certain assets being fully depreciated.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs increased by $0.2 million in 2011 compared to 2010. This increase was due to the recording of pre-opening rent in the fourth quarter of 2011 for those restaurants that opened in the first quarter of 2012. As a percentage of revenue, pre-opening costs were constant year-over-year at 0.9%.

Asset Disposals, Closure Costs and Restaurant Impairments

Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments decreased by $1.2 million in 2011 compared to 2010 due primarily to the impairment of three restaurants in 2010, compared to the impairment of one restaurant in 2011.

Debt Extinguishment Expense

We wrote off $0.3 million of debt extinguishment expense related to our credit facility.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased by $4.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010. The increase was due to higher interest rates and higher average debt outstanding in 2011 compared to 2010. In February of 2011, we refinanced our credit facility, resulting in increased borrowing capacity and higher interest rates. We also received bridge financing in the 2010 Equity Recapitalization, resulting in non-cash paid-in-kind interest ("PIK") charges in 2011 of $0.9 million.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes increased by $2.1 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to the impact of the 2010 Equity Recapitalization on our income tax provision in 2010.

Quarterly Financial Data

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The following table presents select historical quarterly consolidated statements of operations data and other operations data through October 1, 2013. This quarterly information has been prepared using our unaudited consolidated financial statements and includes all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods.

	Quarter Ended
	Oct. 1, 2013			July 2, 2013			April 2, 2013			Jan. 1, 2013			Oct. 2, 2012			July 3, 2012			April 3, 2012			Jan. 3, 2012
	(in thousands, unaudited)
Total revenue	$	88,936		$	89,239		$	81,280		$	77,929		$	77,099		$	75,494		$	69,888		$	70,491
Net income	3,265			68			924			1,559			133			2,180			1,291			(66		)
Selected Operating Data:
Company-owned restaurants at end of period	310			295			284			276			261			253			245			239
Franchise-owned restaurants at end of period	58			53			51			51			48			46			45			45
Company-owned:
Average unit volumes(1)	1,181			1,184			1,180			1,178			1,175			1,170			1,161			1,147
Comparable restaurant sales(2)	2.4		%	4.7		%	2.2		%	4.2		%	3.4		%	6.8		%	6.8		%	5.4		%
Restaurant contribution as a percentage of restaurant revenue(3)	20.7		%	22.4		%	18.6		%	21.3		%	21.0		%	21.8		%	20.7		%	21.3		%

______________________________

(1) AUVs consist of average annualized sales of all company-owned restaurants over the trailing 12 periods in a typical operating year.

(2) Comparable restaurant sales represent year-over-year sales for restaurants open for at least 18 full periods.

(3) Restaurant contribution represents restaurant revenue less restaurant operating costs which are cost of sales, labor, occupancy and other restaurant operating costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Potential Impacts of Market Conditions on Capital Resources

We have continued to experience positive trends in consumer traffic and increases in comparable restaurant sales, operating cash flows and restaurant contribution margin. However, the restaurant industry continues to be challenged and uncertainty exists as to the sustainability of these favorable trends. We have continued to implement various cost savings initiatives, including savings in our food costs through waste reduction and efficiency initiatives in our supply chain and labor costs. We have developed new menu items to appeal to consumers and used marketing campaigns to promote these items.

We believe that expected cash flow from operations and planned borrowing capacity are adequate to fund debt service requirements, operating lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the next 12 periods. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.

Summary of Cash Flows

Our primary sources of liquidity and cash flows are operating cash flows and borrowings on our revolving line of credit. We use this cash to fund capital expenditures for new restaurant openings, reinvest in our existing restaurants, invest in infrastructure and information technology and maintain working capital. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to customers the same day, or in the case of credit or debit card transactions, within several days of the related sale, and we typically have at least 30 days to pay our vendors.

Cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are shown in the following table:

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	Fiscal Year Ended									Three Fiscal Quarter Ended
	January 1, 2013			January 3, 2012			December 28, 2010			October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
	(in thousands)									(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	32,069		$	27,922		$	24,605		$	32,462		$	25,377
Net cash used in investing activities	(47,384		)	(30,047		)	(26,933		)	(39,788		)	(30,525		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	15,373			(10,654		)	15,215			7,334			5,234
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period(1)	$	581		$	523		$	13,302		$	589		$	609

______________________________

(1) Cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 28, 2010 reflected cash received and unpaid related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities of $32.5 million for the first three quarters ended October 1, 2013 resulted primarily from net income, adjusted for items such as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and the amortization of debt issuance costs. The $7.1 million increase in the first three quarters of 2013, from the first three quarters of 2012, was primarily driven by an increase in the change of deferred rent due to a larger restaurant base and a decrease in accounts payable due to a decreased number of restaurants under construction at the end of the third quarter of 2013.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased in 2012 from 2011 primarily due to an increase in cash generated from restaurant operations as a result of comparable restaurant sales increases, a decrease in cash paid for interest, which was $4.4 million in 2012 compared to $5.2 million in 2011 and also higher non-cash costs, such as depreciation and amortization, provision for income taxes and write-off of debt issuance costs.

In 2011, net cash provided by operating activities also increased from 2010, primarily due to an increase in cash generated from restaurant operations as a result of comparable restaurant sales increases and normal increases in operating assets and liabilities, offset by an increase in cash paid for interest, which was $5.2 million in 2011 and $1.6 million in 2010.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities increased $9.3 million from $30.5 million in the first three quarters of 2012 to $39.8 million in the first three quarters of 2013. The increase in the first three quarters of 2013, from the first three quarters of 2012 is primarily due to investments in new restaurant openings.

Net cash used in investing activities was related almost entirely to new restaurant capital expenditures in 2012, 2011 and 2010, for the opening of 39, 28 and 28 restaurants, respectively. In addition to our standard refresh and remodel investments in 2012, we also invested additional funds in our existing restaurant base as we rolled out our “Your World Kitchen” merchandising.

We currently estimate capital expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2013 to be between approximately $6.2 million and $10.2 million, for a total of $46 million to $50 million for the year. This is primarily related to the anticipated opening of seven to eight additional restaurants in the last quarter of 2013, the start of construction of restaurants to be opened in early 2014, and normal maintenance related capital expenditures for our existing restaurants.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $7.3 million and $5.2 million in the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively. We used borrowings in both fiscal years to fund new restaurant capital expenditures. In addition, on July 2, 2013, we closed our IPO in which we sold 6,160,714 shares of Class A common stock at $18.00 per share and received net proceeds of approximately $100.2 million (after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses). These net proceeds were used to pay off our outstanding term loan and repay all but $0.2 million of our revolving line of credit.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $15.4 million in 2012, driven by increased borrowings on our credit facility to fund capital expenditures. In February 2011, we refinanced our credit facility to increase our borrowing capacity to $120.0 million,

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and in August 2012, we amended the credit facility to provide more favorable borrowing rates and extend borrowing capacity through July 2017.

During 2011, net cash used in financing activities was $10.7 million due to cash payments made related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization. In connection with our February 2011 refinancing, we repaid $46.0 million of bridge financing and PIK interest on borrowings from new investors in the 2010 transaction, as well as $4.2 million in refinancing fees. Additionally, $6.6 million of employee and employer payroll taxes related to the 2010 Equity Recapitalization were remitted in the first quarter of 2011.

During 2010, net cash provided by financing activities was $15.2 million due primarily to the timing of our equity recapitalization. We received a bridge loan of $45.0 million, offset by a net payment of transaction proceeds and expenses of approximately $28.1 million.

Credit Facility

We maintain a $45.0 million revolving line of credit under our credit facility. The revolving line of credit includes a swing line loan of $5.0 million used to fund everyday working capital requirements. In August 2012, we amended the credit facility to provide more favorable borrowing rates and to extend borrowing capacity through July 2017. In connection with the IPO, the Company repaid the entire $75.0 million senior term loan under our credit facility and the majority of the revolving line of credit. We had $1.7 million of outstanding indebtedness, $2.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and $41.3 million available for borrowing under our revolving line of credit as of October 1, 2013.

Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at our option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 2.00 to 4.25%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) the highest of the following rates plus 1.00 to 3.25%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one month LIBOR plus 1.00%. Prior to the August 2012 amendment, borrowings under the credit facility bore interest, at our option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 4.00 to 5.00%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) at the highest of the following rates plus 3.00 to 4.00%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The August 2012 amendment eliminated a 1.25% LIBOR floor on all borrowings. The facility includes a commitment fee of 0.50% per year on any unused portion of the facility. The term loan commitment required quarterly principal payments of $187,500 through December 2015. We also maintain outstanding letters of credit to secure obligations under our workers’ compensation program and certain lease obligations. The letters of credit reduce the amount of future borrowings available under the agreement and aggregated $2.0 million as of October 1, 2013.

Availability of borrowings under the revolving line of credit is conditioned on our compliance with specified covenants, including a maximum lease-adjusted leverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. We are subject to a number of other customary covenants, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, dividend payments and lease commitments. As of October 1, 2013, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.

Our credit facility is secured by a pledge of stock of substantially all of our subsidiaries and a lien on substantially all of the personal property assets of us and our subsidiaries.

As required by our credit facility, we entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements covering a portion of its borrowings under the senior term loan in February 2011, see Note 5 of our consolidated financial statements, Derivative Instruments.

Bridge Financing

In conjunction with the February 2011 debt refinancing, we repaid $45.0 million of bridge financing, as well as $977,000 of 12% PIK interest. Noncash PIK interest of $947,000 and $30,000 was accrued and reported as other noncash in the consolidated statements of cash flows in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations at January 1, 2013 were as follows:

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			Payments Due by Period
	Total		1 Year		2 - 3 Years		4 - 5 Years		After 5 Years
	(in thousands)
Lease obligations(1)	$	204,403	$	29,528	$	56,120	$	48,361	$	70,394
Purchase commitments(2)	7,893		4,044		3,849		—		—
Credit Facility(3)	2,250		750		1,500		—		—
Long-term debt(3)	92,231		—		—		92,231		—
	$	306,777	$	34,322	$	61,469	$	140,592	$	70,394

______________________________

(1) We are obligated under non-cancelable leases for our restaurants, administrative offices and equipment. Some restaurant leases provide for contingent rental payments based on sales thresholds, which are excluded from this table.

(2) We enter into various purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business. Those that are binding primarily relate to volume commitments for beverage products.

(3) As of January 1, 2013 we were required to make quarterly principal payments on the term loan portion of our credit facility of $187,500 through December 2015. In connection with our IPO, we paid off our outstanding term loan. We have reflected full payment of long-term debt at maturity of our credit facility in 2017. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations as of October 1, 2013.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt and changes in commodity prices. Our exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited to our outstanding bank debt, which bears interest at variable rates. As of October 1, 2013, there was $1.7 million in outstanding borrowings under our credit facility. A plus or minus 1.0% in the effective interest rate applied on these loans would have resulted in a pre-tax interest expense fluctuation of $17,000 on an annualized basis.

We manage our interest rate risk through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments.

As required by our credit facility and to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in interest rates we entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements covering a portion of the borrowings under our credit facility. The new interest rate swaps were effective April 4, 2011 and matured on April 4, 2013. The swaps were designated as cash flow hedges at inception and were expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during their respective term. In conjunction with the August 2012 amendment to our credit facility, we ceased the application of hedge accounting on both interest swaps. Fluctuations in market value now flow through interest expense rather than the balance sheet. We are required to make payments based on a fixed rate of 1.59% calculated on a notional amount of $20.0 million and 3.06% calculated on a notional amount of $17.5 million. The fair value of the $20.0 million swap was zero at designation, while the fair value of the $17.5 million swap was a liability of $466,000 at designation, which is reflective of the fair value of the previously terminated swap. In exchange, we receive interest on $20.0 million of notional at a variable rate based on the greater of 1.25% or one-month LIBOR and will receive interest on a notional amount of $17.5 million a variable rate based on the greater of 1.25% or one-month LIBOR. See Note 5 of our consolidated financial statements, Derivative Instruments.

In 2008, we entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements which were subsequently terminated in 2011. A swap with a notional amount of $15.0 million matured at the end of the swap agreement in February 2011. A second interest rate swap on a notional amount of $14.0 million was terminated by us in March 2011. The fair value of the interest rate swap on the date of termination was $466,000 and is being settled through payments on a new interest rate swap with an effective date of April 4, 2011 and a notional amount of $17.5 million. The deferred loss accumulated in other comprehensive income as of the date of termination was amortized over the life of the terminated swap through November 2012, the original term of the terminated swap.

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Commodity Price Risk

We purchase certain products that are affected by commodity prices and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions and other factors which are not considered predictable or within our control. Although these products are subject to changes in commodity prices, certain purchasing contracts or pricing arrangements contain risk management techniques designed to minimize price volatility. The purchasing contracts and pricing arrangements we use may result in unconditional purchase obligations, which are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. Typically, we use these types of purchasing techniques to control costs as an alternative to directly managing financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. In many cases, we believe we will be able to address material commodity cost increases by adjusting our menu pricing or changing our product delivery strategy. However, increases in commodity prices, without adjustments to our menu prices, could increase restaurant operating costs as a percentage of company-owned restaurant revenue.

Inflation

The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations are food, labor costs, energy costs and materials used in the construction of new restaurants. Increases in the minimum wage directly affect our labor costs. Many of our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases. Finally, the cost of constructing our restaurants is subject to inflationary increases in the costs of labor and material. Over the past five years, inflation has not significantly affected our operating results.

Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of October 1, 2013. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We have not engaged an independent registered accounting firm to perform an audit of our internal control over financial reporting as of any balance sheet date or for any period reported in our financial statements. Presently, we are not an accelerated filer, as such term is defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and therefore, our management is not presently required to perform an annual assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This requirement will first apply to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 30, 2014. Our independent public registered accounting firm will first be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the first year we are no longer an “emerging growth company.”

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

We account for stock-based compensation arrangements with our employees and non-employee directors using fair value measurement guidance for all share-based payments, including stock options and awards. All of our option awards are exercisable for common stock. For option awards, expense is recognized over the requisite service period in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards on the date of grant, determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Warrants are valued with reference to the fair value of the common stock as of the measurement date. The fair value is then recognized as stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

We estimate the fair market value of each option granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing method, in addition to the estimated value of our equity interests at each reporting date. The Black-Scholes model requires various judgmental assumptions including fair value of the underlying stock, anticipated volatility and expected option life. We calculate expected volatility based on our historical volatility and future plans, as well as reported data for selected reasonably similar publicly traded companies within the restaurant industry for which the historical information is available. When selecting the public companies within the restaurant industry, we select companies with comparable characteristics to us, including enterprise value, financial leverage,

52

business model, stage of growth and financial risk. The expected life of options granted is management’s best estimate using recent and expected transactions.

The assumed dividend yield is based on our expectation that we will not pay dividends in the foreseeable future, which is consistent with our history of not paying dividends. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those options that we expect to vest. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience. To the extent our actual forfeiture rate is different from our estimated rate, our stock-based compensation expense is accordingly adjusted using the following weighted-average assumptions, in addition to the estimated value of our common stock for the periods presented in the table below.

	Fiscal Year
	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest	0.4		%	1.1		%	1.9		%
Expected life (years)	3.4			3.7			4.5
Expected dividend yield	—			—			—
Volatility	32.7		%	26.2		%	29.5		%
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value per share at date of grant	$	2.84		$	1.89		$	1.72

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively, is included in general and administrative expense. Stock-based compensation of $81,000, $75,000 and $83,000 is included in capitalized internal costs in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We recognized $3.7 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense in 2010 related to the acceleration of unvested options in accordance with the terms of a merger with a newly organized Delaware subsidiary owned by affiliates of Catterton and PSPIB. In the merger, options covering a total of 4,939,389 shares of Class A common stock were settled for the right to receive cash consideration of $8.67 per share, net of exercise price and income taxes withheld, or equity interests in the surviving entity of equivalent value. The merger provided for acceleration of unvested options immediately prior to the transaction. Accordingly, options to purchase 2,393,725 shares were accelerated.

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Determination of the Fair Value of Common Stock

The following table sets forth all stock option grants since December 30, 2009 through the date of this prospectus:

Grant Date	Number of Options Granted(1)	Exercise Price(1)		Common Stock Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date(1)
February 23, 2010	15,318	$	5.81	$	5.81
March 22, 2010	696,033	5.81		5.81
May 11, 2010	13,968	6.38		6.38
August 10, 2010	11,416	7.80		7.80
December 27, 2010	2,420,861	8.67		8.67
January 21, 2011	173,100	8.67		8.67
June 21, 2011	25,965	8.67		8.67
September 7, 2011	84,242	8.67		8.67
April 10, 2012	15,868	9.53		9.53
May 14, 2012	152,328	9.53		9.53
September 20, 2012	8,655	10.40		10.40
December 6, 2012	339,622	12.13		12.13
May 9, 2013	48,295	12.48		12.48
June 27, 2013	489,979	18.00		18.00

______________________________

(1) Exercise price and common stock fair value per share at grant date data prior to December 27, 2010 are reflected as converted.

These estimates of the fair value of our common stock were made based on information from the following valuation dates:

Valuation Date(1)	Fair Value per Share(2)
February 23, 2010	$	5.81
May 11, 2010	6.38
August 10, 2010	7.80
December 27, 2010	8.67
March 6, 2012	9.53
July 11, 2012	10.40
September 20, 2012	10.40
December 6, 2012	12.13
April 10, 2013	12.48
June 27, 2013	18.00

______________________________

(1) Each valuation date shown, other than December 27, 2010 and June 27, 2013 were the dates of action by our Board of Directors reflecting its valuation of our common stock as of such dates.

(2) Fair value of our common stock grants prior to December 27, 2010 are reflected as converted.

Because our common stock was not publicly traded until June 28, 2013, we considered numerous objective and subjective factors in valuing our common stock at each valuation date in accordance with the guidance in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation (“Practice Aid”). These objective and subjective factors included, but were not limited to:

• recent arm’s-length sales of our common stock in privately negotiated transactions;

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• our financial performance and financial position;

• our future financial projections;

• valuations of comparable public companies; and

• the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event for shares of our common stock at a specific time, such as an initial public offering of our common stock or sale of our company, given prevailing market conditions.

The Company did not obtain a contemporaneous valuation by an unrelated valuation specialist in determining fair value for grants made at the time of the 2010 Equity Recapitalization, or at any time thereafter. The majority of these grants occurred at or immediately following the date of the 2010 Equity Recapitalization, for which the Company determined that the fair value of the shares was established by an actual, third-party transaction. The Company believes it has followed a consistent and reasonable methodology in determining the fair value of the shares since that time, and it believed that an independent, third-party valuation was not necessary to establish an appropriate valuation and would not have provided a benefit to the Company commensurate with its cost.

Our management estimated our enterprise value as of the various valuation dates using the market approach, which is an acceptable valuation method in accordance with the Practice Aid. The market approach uses the comparable company methodology based on comparable public companies’ equity pricing. Each valuation shown in the table above also reflects a marketability discount, resulting from the illiquidity of our common stock at the time the options were granted. The marketability discount applied in these valuations ranged from a low of 3.5% to a high of 15%, and the discount applied at each point in time was reflective of the Company’s assessment of an appropriate discount to be applied, given the anticipated likelihood of a liquidity event. The discount rate applied was generally reduced as the Company began considering a potential initial public offering of its common stock.

We determined the fair value of our common stock as of February 23, 2010 to be $5.81 per share and as of May 11, 2010 to be $6.38 per share. We considered objective and subjective factors including a valuation performed by our audit committee in which the fair value of our common stock was determined using a market approach. The market approach considered multiples of financial metrics, consisting of revenue and EBITDA, based on trading prices of a peer group of companies that are publicly traded. These multiples were then applied to our financial metrics to derive an indication of value. The resulting fair value obtained by applying the market approach was then discounted for the lack of marketability of the common stock because we are a private company.

On August 10, 2010, we determined the fair value of our common stock to be $7.80 per share. We considered objective and subjective factors including a valuation performed by our audit committee in which the fair value of our common stock was determined using a market approach, as used in the February 23, 2010 and May 11, 2010 valuations. The audit committee also took into account an expression of interest we had received from Catterton to acquire a controlling interest in us. The Practice Aid indicates that a third-party transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller is the best indication of fair value of an enterprise.

On December 27, 2010, we completed the 2010 Equity Recapitalization through a merger, in which shares of our common stock were converted into the right to receive cash consideration of $8.67 or equity of equivalent value in the surviving entity. On the grant date that was contemporaneous with the completion of the 2010 Equity Recapitalization, options were granted at the per share purchase price of $8.67. At each grant date thereafter until the valuation we performed on March 6, 2012, we considered objective and subjective factors and determined that the $8.67 value remained a reasonable approximation of fair value. Among the objective and subjective factors considered were our historic financial performance, our projected financial performance, trading prices of comparable publicly traded firms and macro-economic conditions.

For the grants made in September 2012, December 2012 and May 2013, we considered objective factors, including a valuation performed by our audit committee using a market approach, which took into account our historic financial performance and trading prices of comparable publicly traded companies. Our evaluation of these factors was conducted consistently with our evaluation of the same factors in connection with our earlier valuations: we evaluated trailing twelve period revenue and EBITDA trading multiples of publicly traded peer group companies. These multiples were then applied to our financial metrics to derive an indicative value. We then applied the market approach to obtain the fair value of the common stock. This figure was discounted for the lack of marketability of the common stock because we are a private company. The discount percentage was reduced as the valuation dates approached the time of our anticipated offering and consisted of a 15% discount in the September 2012 valuation, an 8% discount in the December 2012 valuation and a 2.5% discount in the May 2013 valuation. These discount rates were determined by our audit committee in their valuation and reflected their assessment of the prospects for a liquidity event between September 2012 and May 2013, which the audit committee determined to be increasing based on a number of factors including

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the performance and stability of our business, the strength of the initial public offering market, and our projected compliance with regulatory and legal requirements applicable to public companies. The difference in value between the valuation used in each of the foregoing grants and $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the range on the cover page of this prospectus, is attributable to an increase in our trailing twelve period revenue and EBITDA between the date of each such valuation and the date hereof and the discount rate used in such valuation, which decreased in each successive valuation.

The grants made on June 27, 2013 had an exercise price equal to the IPO price of $18.00 per share.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Preparing consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by the application of our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting estimates are those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. While we apply our judgment based on assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could vary from these assumptions. It is possible that materially different amounts would be reported using different assumptions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements:

Revenue Recognition

We record revenue from the operation of company-owned restaurants when sales occur. In the case of gift card sales, we record revenue when: (i) the gift card is redeemed by the customer and (ii) we determine the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote (gift card breakage). We record royalties from franchise restaurant sales based on a percentage of restaurant revenues in the period the related franchised restaurants’ revenues are earned. Area development fees and franchise fees are recognized as income when all material services or conditions relating to the sale of the franchise have been substantially performed or satisfied by us. Both franchise fees and area development fees are generally recognized as income upon the opening of a franchise restaurant or upon termination of the agreement(s).

Property and Equipment

We state the value of our property and equipment, including primarily leasehold improvements and restaurant equipment, furniture and fixtures at cost, minus accumulated depreciation and amortization. We calculate depreciation using the straight-line method of accounting over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. We amortize our leasehold improvements using the straight-line method of accounting over the shorter of the lease term (including reasonably assured renewal periods) or the estimated useful lives of the related assets. We expense repairs and maintenance as incurred, but capitalize major improvements and betterments. We make judgments and estimates related to the expected useful lives of these assets that are affected by factors such as changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance. If we change those assumptions in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.

Rent

We record rent expense for our leases, which generally have escalating rentals over the term of the lease, on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term includes renewal options that are reasonably assured. Rent expense begins when we have the right to control the use of the property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the lease. We record the difference between the rent expense and rent paid as deferred rent in the consolidated balance sheet. Rent expense for the period prior to the restaurant opening is reported as pre-opening rent expense in the consolidated statements of income. Tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recorded in deferred rent and amortized as reductions of rent expense over the term of the lease.

Certain of our operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. We recognize contingent rent expense when the achievement of specified targets is considered probable.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

JOBS Act

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the provisions of the JOBS Act. For as long as we are an “emerging growth company,” we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, exemptions from the requirements of holding advisory “say-on-pay” votes on executive compensation, shareholder advisory votes on golden parachute compensation and the extended transition period for complying with the new or revised accounting standards.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. An “emerging growth company” can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, we are choosing to “opt out” of such extended transition period and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

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BUSINESS

NOODLES & COMPANY

A World of Flavors Under One Roof

Noodles & Company is a high growth, fast casual restaurant concept offering lunch and dinner within a fast growing segment of the restaurant industry. Our company was founded by Aaron Kennedy when we opened our first location in Denver, Colorado in 1995, offering noodle and pasta dishes, staples of many cuisines, with the goal of delivering fresh ingredients and flavors from around the world under one roof-from Pad Thai to Mac & Cheese. Today, our globally inspired menu includes a wide variety of high quality, cooked-to-order dishes, including noodles and pasta, soups, salads and sandwiches, which are served on china by our friendly team members. We believe we offer our customers value with per person spend of approximately $8.00 for the twelve months ended October 1, 2013. We have 372 restaurants, comprised of 311 company-owned and 61 franchised locations, across 29 states and the District of Columbia, as of November 15, 2013. Our revenue and income from operations have grown from $170 million and $2 million in 2008 to $300 million and $16 million in 2012.

YOUR WORLD KITCHEN

Our Differentiated Offering

Your World Kitchen captures the breadth of our differentiated offering and defines our customers’ experience. Our company was founded on the core principle that food can be served quickly and conveniently in an inviting environment without sacrificing quality, freshness or flavor.

“Your” . . . On trend with our world today, where customization is commonplace, we put control into our customers’ hands. Each dish is cooked-to-order and can be customized to each customer’s personal tastes. Customers can add a protein, such as grilled chicken or organic tofu, or swap out a vegetable in their entrées. “Your” also represents the control our customers have over their dining experience, whether they want a meal to go, a quick sit-down lunch or a leisurely dinner with friends or family.

“World” . . . We offer more than 25 globally inspired Asian, Mediterranean and American dishes together on a single menu. We believe we will continue to benefit from trends in consumer preferences, wider availability of international cuisines and increasingly adventurous consumer tastes. At many restaurants, people are limited to a particular ethnic cuisine or type of dish, such as a sandwich, burrito or burger. At Noodles & Company, we aim to eliminate the “veto vote” by satisfying the preferences of a wide range of customers, whether a mother with kids, a group of coworkers, an individual or a large party.

“Kitchen” . . . Open kitchens are the focal point of our restaurants. Our customers can see the freshness of our ingredients and watch their food being cooked. “Kitchen” says “cooking” and emphasizes that we cook each dish to order.

From 2004 to 2012, we increased the number of our total restaurants from 100 to 327, representing a CAGR of 16.0%. If we continue to grow at our current rate, we believe we have the opportunity to grow to 2,500 restaurants across the United States over the next 15-20 years, although this growth rate is not guaranteed.

LEADING RESTAURANT GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE

From 2004 to 2012, we increased the number of our total restaurants from 100 to 327, representing a CAGR of 16.0%. If we continue to grow at our current rate, we believe we have the opportunity to grow to 2,500 restaurants across the United States over the next 15-20 years, although this growth rate is not guaranteed.

Total Restaurants at End of Fiscal Year

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We have experienced steady growth in comparable restaurant sales (at restaurants open for at least 18 full periods) in 30 of the last 31 quarters, due primarily to an increase in customer traffic. System-wide comparable restaurant sales growth for 2010, 2011 and 2012 was 3.7%, 4.8% and 5.4%, respectively. Our company-owned restaurant AUVs grew from $1,098,000 at the beginning of 2010 to $1,178,000 at the end of 2012. In 2012, our company-owned restaurant contribution margin was 21.2% for all restaurants and 23.2% for restaurants in the comparable base, which we believe places us in the top-tier of the restaurant industry.

Our new restaurant investment model calls for a total cash investment of approximately $725,000, net of tenant allowances. Our current target cash-on-cash return on investments we make in restaurant development for a new company-owned restaurant is 30% in its third full-year of operations. Company-owned restaurants that were open a full three years by January 1, 2013, achieved an average cash-on-cash return on investments made in restaurant development of 35.1% in their third full year of operations. There can be no guarantee the Company’s comparable restaurant sales growth and cash-on-cash return rates will continue at similar rates in future periods.

OUR INDUSTRY

We operate in the fast casual segment of the restaurant industry. According to Technomic, in 2012, fast casual concepts in the 500 overall largest restaurant chains grew sales by 13.2% to $24.2 billion, compared with 4.9% for all of the 500 overall largest restaurant chains in the United States. While the fast casual segment of the restaurant industry has grown faster than the restaurant industry as a whole in recent years, there can be no guarantee that this trend will continue.

We believe we are the only national fast casual restaurant concept offering a menu with a wide variety of noodle and pasta dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches inspired by global flavors. We believe our attributes-global flavors, variety and fast service-allow us to compete against multiple segments throughout the restaurant industry and provide us a larger addressable market for lunch and dinner than competitors who focus on a single cuisine. We believe we provide a pleasant dining experience by quickly delivering fresh food with friendly service at a price point we believe is attractive to our customers. You do not have to jostle your gear or carry trays of food to or from your table. Grab a drink, have a seat and we will deliver your food to your table-all without the need to tip.

Our Strengths

We believe the following strengths set us apart from our competitors:

Variety Makes Togetherness Possible

We have purposefully chosen a range of healthy to indulgent dishes to satisfy carnivores and vegetarians. Our menu encourages customers to customize their meals to meet their tastes and nutritional preferences with our selection of 14 fresh vegetables and six proteins-beef, pork, chicken, meatballs, shrimp and organic tofu. We believe our variety ensures that even the pickiest of eaters can find something to crave, which eliminates the “veto vote” and encourages people with different tastes to enjoy a meal together.

All of our dishes are cooked-to-order with fresh, high quality ingredients sourced from our carefully selected suppliers. Our commitment to the freshness of our ingredients is further demonstrated by our use of seasonal ingredients and healthy add-in options, such as organic tofu, and by the freshness inspection of our ingredients. Our culinary team strives to develop new dishes and LTOs to further reinforce our Your World Kitchen positioning and regularly provide our guests additional options . For example, we recently introduced a Winter World Tour menu featuring three new dishes from different parts of the world: Thai Hot Pot soup, Adobo Flatbread, with flavors from Latin America, and Alfredo MontAmore. This focus on culinary innovation, combined with our commitment to classic cooking methods, allows us to prepare and serve high quality food.

Value That Is Greater Than Our Competitive Price Point

The value we offer, the quality of our food and the warmth of our restaurants create an overall customer experience that we believe is second-to-none. Our per person spend of approximately $8.00 for the twelve months ended October 1, 2013 is competitive not only within the fast casual segment, but also within the quick-service segment. We believe the speed of our service and the quality of our food contributes to a value proposition that enables us to take market share from casual dining restaurants. We deliver value by combining a family-friendly dining environment with the opportunity to enjoy many dishes containing ingredients like our award-winning slow-braised, naturally raised pork.

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Everything Is a Little Nicer Here

We design each location individually, which we believe creates an inviting restaurant environment. We believe the ambience is warm and welcoming, with muted lighting and colors, comfortable seating and our own custom music mix, which is intended to make our customers feel relaxed and at home. We also enhance the experience by featuring new Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in all our restaurants, offering our customers over 100 drink choices to complement their meal-again putting control in the customers’ hands, so that they can match their drink to their meal.

We believe we deliver an exceptional overall dining experience. We think that our customers should expect not only great food from our restaurants, but also warm hospitality and attentive service. Whether you are a mother with kids or a businessperson with a laptop, you simply order your food, grab a drink and take a seat. We cook each dish to order in approximately five minutes and bring the food right to your table. Our customers may enjoy a relaxed meal or just eat and run.

Consistent with our culture of enhanced customer service, we seek to hire individuals who will deliver prompt, attentive service by engaging customers the moment they enter our restaurants. Our training philosophy empowers both our restaurant managers and team members to add a personal touch when serving our customers, such as coming out from behind the counter to explain our menu and guide customers to the right dish. Our restaurant managers are critical to our success, as we believe that their entrepreneurial spirit and outreach efforts build our brand in our communities. We call our cashiers “Noodle Ambassadors” to highlight their role in helping our customers explore our global menu.

After our customers order at the counter, their food is served on china by our friendly team members. To further enhance our customers’ dining experience, we check on them throughout their meal. We offer them drink refills, a glass of wine or dessert, so they do not have to leave their seats. No trash cans are visible to our customers in our restaurants: following the meal, our team quickly clears the table.

Desirable and Loyal Consumer Base

A report that we commissioned based on customer data and surveys estimates that approximately 40% of our customers visit our restaurants at least once each month. Our customers skew slightly younger and more affluent than the general population, and according to a recent Gallup survey, this demographic spends more on dining than others. We believe the variety of our food and our ability to accomodate a customer’s desire to eat quickly or to enjoy a longer meal enable us to draw sales almost equally between lunch and dinner. Our broad appeal and customer loyalty have led to industry and media recognition:

• Nation's Restaurant News, MenuMasters Award, 2013, Golden Chain Winner, 2010, awarded on the basis of the impact of menu items on the restaurant industry.

• The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, COEX Innovator Award, 2013, awarded annually to a national chain shaping the restaurant industry through innovation.

• DigitalCoco, Top 10 "Most Loved" food and beverage brands in social media, 2012, awarded on the basis of positive comments made by customers on social media.

• Restaurant Social Media Index, Top Social Media Brands and Top Social Consumer Sentiment, 2012, awarded on the basis of comments made by customers on social media.

• Parents Magazine, Parents Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurant Chains, 2011 and 2009, awarded on the basis of the healthfulness and quality of ingredients of menu items.

• Health Magazine, America's Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants, 2009, America's Healthiest Restaurants, 2008, awarded on the basis of healthfulness of dishes and use of organic produce, among other factors.

Consistent Restaurant Economics and a Flexible Footprint

Our restaurant model generates strong cash flow, consistent restaurant-level financial results and a high return on investments we make in restaurant development. Our restaurants have been successful in diverse geographic regions, with a broad range of population densities and real estate settings. We believe we are an attractive tenant to the owners and developers of a wide variety of real estate development types, which allows us to be highly selective in our evaluation of potential new sites. Our disciplined approach to site selection is grounded in an analytical data-driven model with strict criteria including population density,

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demographics and traffic generators. We take pride in selecting sites where we can design and construct a comfortable, warm environment for our customers.

Experienced Leadership

Our strategic vision and culture have been developed and nurtured by our senior management team under the stewardship of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Reddy, and our President and Chief Operating Officer, Keith Kinsey. Kevin and Keith joined Noodles in 2005 after working at McDonald’s and, more recently, Chipotle. At Chipotle, they were instrumental in growing the concept from a small number of restaurants to more than 400 across the country between 2000 and 2005 with the financial backing of McDonald’s. They delivered a similar growth trajectory when they joined Noodles eight years ago, increasing the restaurant base from 100 to 327 between 2005 and 2012, a CAGR of 16.0%. Kevin and Keith have assembled a talented senior management team with restaurant experience across a broad range of disciplines, including menu innovation, marketing, restaurant operations, real estate, finance and accounting, supply chain management and information technology. We believe our management team is integral to our success and has positioned us well for long-term growth.

Steady, Reliable Financial Performance

Our globally inspired flavors and differentiated dining experience have resonated with our customers and have resulted in our track record of building profitable restaurants. We achieved our sales growth through a combination of new restaurant openings and comparable restaurant sales increases. Our approach has resulted in stable gross margins despite minimal price increases and allows us to stay true to our principle of quality food at a price we believe is attractive to our customers. By design, our selection of dishes is comprised of a diverse collection of ingredients, mitigating exposure to commodity price inflation.

A Clear Path Forward

We believe we have significant growth potential because of our brand positioning, strong unit economics, financial results and broad customer appeal. We believe there are significant opportunities to expand our business, strengthen our competitive position and enhance our brand through the continued implementation of the following strategies:

Continuing to Grow Our Restaurant Base

We have more than doubled our restaurant base in the last six years to 372 locations in 29 states and the District of Columbia, as of November 15, 2013, including the 35 company-owned restaurants and ten franchise restaurants opened in 2013. In 2012, we opened 39 company-owned restaurants and six franchise restaurants. In 2013, we have or plan to open between 41 and 42 company-owned restaurants and 10 franchise restaurants. For 2014, we anticipate increasing our company owned restaurant count by 13-15% and our franchise restaurant count by 15-20%. We believe we are at an early stage of nationwide expansion, and that we can grow to 2,500 restaurants over the next 15-20 years across the United States based on our scalable infrastructure, broad appeal and flexible and portable real estate model, but this growth rate is not guaranteed. Our restaurants are typically 2,600 to 2,700 square feet and are located in end-cap, inline or free-standing locations across a variety of urban and suburban markets. Our near-term growth strategy will involve opening units in mature markets and expanding into new markets.

Although we expect the majority of our expansion to continue to be from company-owned restaurants, we are strategically expanding our base of franchise restaurants. Our franchise program is a low cost and high return model that allows us to expand our footprint and build brand awareness in markets that we do not plan to enter in the short to medium term. As of November 15, 2013, we have 61 franchise units in 13 states operated by 10 franchisees. We look for experienced, well-capitalized franchise partners who are able to leverage their existing infrastructure and local knowledge in a manner that benefits both our franchisees and ourselves. As of November 15, 2013, a total of 13 area developers have signed development agreements providing for the opening of 190 restaurants in their respective territories.

Improving Our Performance

Our system-wide comparable restaurant sales growth for the first three quarters of 2013 was 2.7%. We plan to build on our growth performance by increasing brand awareness, customer frequency, new customer visits, per person spend and sales outside our restaurants. The following is our plan to achieve these goals:

• Heighten brand awareness. We believe that our food is our best currency and that once people try it they become loyal and repeat customers; however, before customers can try our food, they need to know about us. We differentiate Noodles & Company through an innovative, community-based marketing strategy at the corporate and restaurant level to build brand awareness and customer loyalty. We engage media outlets in our communities to execute locally tailored marketing programs. Our restaurant managers engage in local relationship marketing where they approach nearby businesses, groups and individuals for appreciation days, tastings and hero lunches to introduce our neighbors to our food. We also communicate directly to the 825,000 members in our Noodlegram club, which provides the latest Company news and special offers. We

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also use our other social media outlets to promote brand awareness and were named among the Top 10 “Most Loved” food and restaurant brands in social media in a survey conducted by DigitalCoco.

• Increase existing customer frequency. In the past twelve months we refreshed the interior signage in all of our restaurants to encourage menu exploration, which we believe will increase customer frequency. Our new Welcome Wall menu board, placed at the entrance of each of our company-owned restaurants, shows pictures of our dishes in an easily understandable layout so customers can fully grasp our world of flavors without feeling overwhelmed. We believe this merchandising enables our customers to peruse our offerings without feeling the pressure of holding up a line of hungry people. This new merchandising has already resulted in meaningful improvements to AUVs in the restaurants where it has been implemented, and we expect similar results in the rest of our restaurant base. We encourage customers to explore their tastes and make adventurous selections of items that are either new to the menu or new to them by promising to serve them their favorite dish at no charge if they do not enjoy their adventurous selection.

• Increase new customer visits. We would like to be top-of-mind for customers whenever they need to eat, drink or simply find a place where they feel welcome. Although we serve our food quickly, we would like customers to view our restaurants as places to dine and enjoy the company of friends and family. To further drive customer visits at dinner, we have recently enhanced our beer and wine offerings and expanded our appetizer selection.

• Improve our per person spend. While we have generally implemented modest price increases to offset rising costs, we also strive to increase the per person spend by offering additional items, including our expanded beverage selection and appetizers. Our menu development team periodically creates LTOs, which we believe are innovative and sometimes become permanent menu items, such as our Spinach & Fresh Fruit Salad. In October 2012, we successfully introduced slow-braised naturally raised pork included on our BBQ Mac & Cheese, Peppery Pork Sandwich and as an add on protein. This strategy allows us to offer our customers greater variety and entices them to “opt-up” to a premium menu offering.

• Grow sales outside of our restaurants. We are taking steps to sell more food outside our restaurants. We currently offer our larger Square Bowls to families and local business, and we believe the convenience and price point of these offerings  will drive take-out sales. In addition, we believe our commitment to freshly prepared food and variety provides us with an opportunity to expand catering sales.

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Properties

As of November 15, 2013, we and our franchisees operated 372 restaurants in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Our restaurants are typically 2,600 to 2,700 square feet and are located in a variety of suburban, urban and small markets. We lease the property for our central support office and all of the properties on which we operate restaurants.

The map and chart below show the locations of our company-owned and franchised restaurants as of November 15, 2013.

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State	Company- owned	Franchise	Total
California	7	—	7
Colorado	53	—	53
Connecticut	—	1	1
Delaware	2	—	2
District of Columbia	3	—	3
Idaho	3	—	3
Illinois	44	4	48
Indiana	3	16	19
Iowa	9	1	10
Kansas	8	—	8
Kentucky	1	—	1
Maryland	21	—	21
Michigan	—	16	16
Minnesota	33	—	33
Missouri	4	7	11
Nebraska	—	5	5
New Jersey	—	2	2
New York	—	1	1
North Carolina	8	—	8
North Dakota	—	3	3
Ohio	14	—	14
Oregon	5	—	5
Pennsylvania	7	—	7
South Dakota	—	1	1
Tennessee	5	1	6
Texas	8	—	8
Utah	11	—	11
Virginia	28	—	28
Washington	1	—	1
Wisconsin	33	3	36
	311	61	372

We are obligated under non-cancelable leases for our restaurants and our central support office. Our restaurant leases generally have initial terms of 10 years with two or more five-year extensions. Our restaurant leases generally have renewal options and generally require us to pay a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance charges and other operating costs. Some restaurant leases provide for contingent rental payments based on sales thresholds, although we generally do not expect to pay significant contingent rent on these properties based on the thresholds in those leases.

In 2012, we opened 39 company-owned restaurants and six franchise restaurants. In 2013, we have or plan to open between 41 and 42 company-owned restaurants and 10 franchise restaurants, which includes the 35 company-owned restaurants and ten franchise restaurant opened through November 15, 2013. The following table shows the growth in our network of company-owned and franchise restaurants for 2012, 2011, 2010, and the first three fiscal quarters of 2013:

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	Fiscal Year Ended						Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010		October 1, 2013
Company-Owned Restaurant Activity
Beginning of period	239		212		186		276
Openings	39		28		28		35
Closures and relocations(1)	(2	)	(1	)	(2	)	(1	)
Restaurants at end of period	276		239		212		310
Franchise Restaurant Activity
Beginning of period	45		43		43		51
Openings	6		2		—		7
Closures and relocations(1)	—		—		—		—
Restaurants at end of period	51		45		43		58
Total restaurants	327		284		255		368

______________________________

(1) We account for relocated restaurants under both openings and closures and relocations. During both 2012 and 2010 we closed one restaurant and relocated another restaurant. In fiscal 2011 and the first three quarters of 2013, we closed one restaurant at the end of its lease term.

Site Development and Expansion

We consider our site selection and development process critical to our long-term success. We use a combination of our own development team and outside real estate consultants to locate, evaluate and negotiate new sites using various criteria. Each member of our in-house real estate team has at least 15 years of experience with one or more high growth restaurant or retail concepts, such as Chipotle, Panera, Potbelly, Sonic, EB Games and Luxottica. In addition, because we offer a mix of dishes and a dining experience that differs from many other restaurant concepts, we believe our restaurants are highly sought after by real estate owners and developers. We often are made aware of opportunities early in their development process, allowing us to secure optimal locations.

In making site selection decisions, we also use several analytical tools designed to uncover the key site, demographic, business, retail, competitive and traffic characteristics that drive successful locations. These tools have been customized to leverage existing real estate information to project sales of a potential location and to assist in the development of local marketing plans.

Our ability to succeed in several different kinds of trade areas and real estate types has allowed us flexibility in our market development strategy. While we typically target end cap or freestanding locations, we also have seen success in inline locations. Moreover, we perform well in various market sizes, from smaller markets to suburbs to central business districts. This flexibility also allows us to manage risk in our development portfolio by balancing higher cost locations-typically seen in urban areas-with those that are lower cost-typically seen in smaller markets.

Once a location has been approved by our executive level selection committee, we begin a design process to match the characteristics and feel of the location to the trade area. For example, in a trade area with a high percentage of families we will utilize additional booth seating in the dining room, and in an urban location we will typically alter our kitchen design to enhance throughput for the busy lunch hours.

Restaurant Management and Operations

Friendly People. We believe our genuine, nice people separate us from our competitors. We value the individuality of our team members, which we believe results in a management, operations and training philosophy distinct from that of our competitors. We make an effort to hire team members who share a passion for food, have a competitive spirit and will operate our restaurants in a way that is consistent with our high standards. We seek to hire individuals who will deliver prompt, attentive service by engaging customers the moment they enter our restaurants. We empower our team members to enrich the experience of our customers and directly address any concerns that may arise in a manner that contributes to the success of our business.

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Restaurant Management and Employees. Each restaurant typically has a restaurant manager, an assistant manager and as many as 15 to 25 team members. We cross-train our employees in an effort to create a depth of competency in our critical restaurant functions. Consistent with our emphasis on customer interaction, we encourage our restaurant managers and team members to welcome and interact with customers throughout the day. To lead our restaurant management teams, we have area managers (each of whom is responsible for between five and 12 restaurants), as well as market directors (each of whom is responsible for between 50 and 80 restaurants).

Training and Career Development. We believe that our training efforts create a culture of continuous learning and professional growth that allows our team members to continue their career development with us. Within each restaurant, two to four team members are designated to lead the training efforts and ensure a consistent approach to team member development. We produce training materials that encourage individual contributions and participation on the part of our team members, rather than providing rote, step-by-step scripts or rigid and extensively detailed policy manuals.

Food Preparation and Quality. Our teams use classic professional cooking methods, including hand-chopping, par boiling and sautéing many of our vegetables, in full kitchens resembling those of full service restaurants. All team members, including our restaurant managers, spend their first several days working solely with food and learning these techniques, and we spend a significant amount of time ensuring that each team member learns how to prepare and cook our food properly. Despite our more labor-intensive method of food preparation, we believe that we produce food with an efficiency that enables us to compete effectively.

We have over 200 company-owned restaurants with exhibition-style kitchens. This design demonstrates our commitment to cooking fresh food in an accessible manner. We provide each customer with individual attention and make every effort to respond to customer suggestions and concerns in a personal and hospitable way.

We have designed our food safety and quality assurance programs to maintain high standards for our food and food preparation procedures. Our quality assurance manager oversees comprehensive restaurant and supplier audits based upon the potential food safety risk of each food. We also consider food safety and quality assurance when selecting our distributors and suppliers. Our suppliers are inspected by federal, state and local regulators or other reputable, qualified inspection services, which helps ensure their compliance with all federal food safety and quality guidelines. We regularly inspect our suppliers to ensure that the ingredients we buy conform to our quality standards and that the prices we pay are competitive. We also rely on our own recipes, specifications and protocols to ensure that our food is consistently the best quality possible when served, including a physical examination of ingredients when they arrive at our restaurants. We train our employees to pay detailed attention to food quality at every stage of the food preparation cycle and have developed a daily checklist that our employees use to assess the freshness and quality of food supplies. Finally, we encourage our customers to provide feedback regarding our food quality so that we can identify and resolve problems or concerns as quickly as possible.

Restaurant Marketing

Our marketing efforts seek to increase sales through a variety of channels and initiatives. Community-based restaurant marketing, as well as online, social and other media tools, highlights our competitive strengths, including our varied and healthy menu offerings and the value we offer our customers.

• Local Relationship Marketing. We differentiate our business through an innovative, community-based approach to building brand awareness and customer loyalty. We use a wide range of local marketing initiatives to increase the frequency of and occasions for visits, and to encourage people to get to know us better, try our food and bring their friends. We empower our local restaurant managers to selectively organize events to bring new customers into our restaurants. For example, our team members will invite a customer to bring a group of his or her friends for a “hero lunch,” an exclusive menu tasting at their local Noodles location.

• Our Menu Offerings.We focus some of our marketing efforts on new menu offerings to broaden our appeal to our customers. We offer LTOs and featured items like the BBQ Pork Mac, a twist on our core Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, which include ingredients and flavors that maintain customer interest. We promote these items through a variety of formats including market-wide public relations events, direct mailings, social media marketing, radio promotions, tastings, billboard and bus board advertising and targeted print advertising. In addition to increasing brand awareness, these promotions also encourage prompt consumer action, resulting in more immediate increases in our customer traffic.

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• Creating New Meal Occasions. We also focus on ways Noodles & Company can serve customers at different times and in new places. For example, customers who want to feed a large group can enjoy our Square Bowls, which are family-style take-out offerings of our noodles, pastas and salads that generally feed up to four people. We market this new offering in a variety of ways, including in-restaurant posters, as well as Noodlegrams, Facebook posts and other communications outside our restaurants.

• Making Noodles & Company Easier to Use. Some of our marketing efforts focus on making our restaurants easier to use. We seek to deliver superior customer service at every opportunity, generating consumer awareness of menu offerings with in-restaurant communications by providing displays of our menu offerings and beer and wine selection visible upon entry, chalkboards featuring new menu offerings and fresh ingredients and table top cards that highlight healthy food offerings. By providing multiple points of access to our wide variety of menu offerings, we seek to optimize our customers’ in-restaurant experience in order to increase the frequency of our customers’ visits. Our efforts also make use of tools like online ordering.

• Online, Social and Other Media Tools. We rely on our website, www.noodles.com, to promote our business and increase brand awareness. The information on or available through our website is not, and should not be considered, a part of this prospectus. Our customers are encouraged to sign up to receive email Noodlegrams updating them on new menu offerings, LTOs and promotional opportunities. As of November 15, 2013, more than 833,000 of our customers have signed up to receive Noodlegrams. We also communicate with our customers using social media, such as our Facebook page, our YouTube channel and our Twitter feed. Our media tools also include placements in local, regional and national print media.

Suppliers

Maintaining a high degree of quality in our restaurants depends in part on our ability to acquire fresh ingredients and other necessary supplies that meet our specifications from reliable suppliers. We carefully select suppliers based on quality and their understanding of our brand, and we seek to develop mutually beneficial long-term relationships with them. We work closely with our suppliers and use a mix of forward, fixed and formula pricing protocols. We have tried to increase, in some cases, the number of suppliers for our ingredients, which we believe can help mitigate pricing volatility, and we monitor industry news, trade issues, weather, crises and other world events that may affect supply prices.

Seasonality

Seasonal factors and the timing of holidays cause our revenue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Our revenue per restaurant is typically lower in the first and fourth quarters due to reduced winter and holiday traffic and higher in the second and third quarters.

Franchising

We had ten franchise area developers who operated 61 franchise restaurants in 13 states as of November 15, 2013. A total of 13 area developers have signed area development agreements providing for the opening of 190 additional restaurants in their respective territories. We expect to continue to offer development rights in markets where we do not intend to build company-owned restaurants. We may offer such rights to larger developers who commit to open 10 or more units, or to smaller developers who may commit to open significantly fewer restaurants. We do not currently intend to offer single-unit franchises. We believe the strength and attractiveness of our brand and unit growth opportunities in attractive undeveloped markets will attract experienced and well-capitalized area developers.

Intellectual Property and Trademarks

We own a number of trademarks and service marks registered or pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”). We have registered the following marks with the PTO: Noodles & Company, the Noodles & Company logo, Your World Kitchen, Square Bowl, Noodlegram, Crave Card and Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. We also have certain trademarks registered or pending in certain foreign countries. In addition, we have registered the Internet domain name www.noodles.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

We believe that our trademarks, service marks and other intellectual property rights have significant value and are important to the marketing of our brand, and it is our policy to protect and defend vigorously our rights to such intellectual property. However, we cannot predict whether steps taken to protect such rights will be adequate. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry-We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brand and adversely affect our business.”

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Governmental Regulation and Environmental Matters

We are subject to extensive and varied federal, state and local government regulation, including regulations relating to public and occupational health and safety, sanitation and fire prevention. We operate each of our restaurants in accordance with standards and procedures designed to comply with applicable codes and regulations. However, an inability to obtain or retain health department or other licenses would adversely affect our operations. Although we have not experienced, and do not anticipate, any significant difficulties, delays or failures in obtaining required licenses, permits or approvals, any such problem could delay or prevent the opening of, or adversely impact the viability of, a particular restaurant or group of restaurants.

In addition, in order to develop and construct restaurants, we need to comply with applicable zoning, land use and environmental regulations. Federal and state environmental regulations have not had a material effect on our operations to date, but more stringent and varied requirements of local governmental bodies with respect to zoning, land use and environmental factors could delay or even prevent construction and increase development costs for new restaurants. We are also required to comply with the accessibility standards mandated by the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act, which generally prohibits discrimination in accommodation or employment based on disability. We may in the future have to modify restaurants, for example by adding access ramps or redesigning certain architectural fixtures, to provide service to or make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons. While these expenses could be material, our current expectation is that any such actions will not require us to expend substantial funds.

A small amount of our revenues is attributable to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverage control regulations require each of our restaurants to apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county or municipal authorities for a license that must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to numerous aspects of daily operations of our restaurants, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, trade practices, wholesale purchasing, other relationships with alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, inventory control and handling, storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. We are also subject in certain states to “dram shop” statutes, which generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. We carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance. A small number of our restaurants do not have liquor licenses, typically because of the cost of a liquor license in jurisdictions having liquor license quotas.

In addition, we are subject to the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and various other federal and state laws governing similar matters including minimum wages, overtime, workplace safety and other working conditions. We are also subject to various laws and regulations relating to our current and any future franchise operations. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry-Governmental regulation may adversely affect our ability to open new restaurants or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.”

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning waste disposal, pollution, protection of the environment, and the presence, discharge, storage, handling, release and disposal of, or exposure to, hazardous or toxic substances (“environmental laws”). These environmental laws can provide for significant fines and penalties for non-compliance and liabilities for remediation, sometimes without regard to whether the owner or operator of the property knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of the hazardous or toxic substances. Third parties may also make claims against owners or operators of properties for personal injuries and property damage associated with releases of, or actual or alleged exposure to, such substances. We are not aware of any environmental laws that will materially affect our earnings or competitive position, or result in material capital expenditures relating to our restaurants. However, we cannot predict what environmental laws will be enacted in the future, how existing or future environmental laws will be administered, interpreted or enforced, or the amount of future expenditures that we may need to make to comply with, or to satisfy claims relating to, environmental laws. It is possible that we will become subject to environmental liabilities at our properties, and any such liabilities could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry-Compliance with environmental laws may negatively affect our business.”

Management Information Systems

All of our restaurants use computerized management information systems, which we believe are scalable to support our future growth plans. We use point-of-sale computers designed specifically for the restaurant industry. The system provides a touch screen interface, a graphical order confirmation display and integrated, high-speed credit card and gift card processing. The point-of-sale system is used to collect daily transaction data, which generates information about daily sales, product mix and average check that we actively analyze. All products sold and prices at our company-owned restaurants are programmed into the system from our central support office.

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Our in-restaurant back office computer system is designed to assist in the management of our restaurants and provide labor and food cost management tools. These tools provide corporate and restaurant operations management quick access to detailed business data and reduces restaurant managers’ administrative time. The system provides our restaurant managers the ability to submit orders electronically with our distribution network. The system also supplies sales, bank deposit and variance data to our accounting department on a daily basis. We use this data to generate daily sales information and weekly consolidated reports regarding sales and other key measures, as well as preliminary weekly detailed profit and loss statements for each location with final reports following the end of each period.

Franchisees use similar point of sale systems and are required to report sales on a daily basis through an on-line reporting network and submit their restaurant-level financial statements on a quarterly or annual basis.

Employees

As of November 15, 2013, we had approximately 8,300 employees, including 760 salaried employees and 7,600 hourly employees. None of our employees are unionized or covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we consider our current employee relations to be good.

Legal Proceedings

We are currently involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in amounts owing under successful claims could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our board of directors and executive officers.

Name	Age(1)	Position
Kevin Reddy	55	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Keith Kinsey	59	President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Dave Boennighausen	35	Chief Financial Officer
Dan Fogarty	52	Executive Vice President of Marketing
Phil Petrilli	44	Executive Vice President of Operations
Paul Strasen	57	Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Kathy Lockhart	49	Vice President and Controller
Scott Dahnke	48	Director
Stuart Frenkiel	33	Director
Jeffrey Jones	51	Director
James Pittman	50	Director
James Rand	70	Director
Andrew Taub	45	Director

______________________________

(1) As of November 15, 2013

Kevin Reddy has served as our Chief Executive Officer since April 2006. He became a member of our board of directors in May 2006, and Chairman of the Board in May 2008. Mr. Reddy was our President and Chief Operating Officer from April 2005 to April 2006, continuing to serve as our President until July 2012. Prior to joining us, he was the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Restaurant Support Officer for Chipotle Mexican Grill. Mr. Reddy began his professional career with McDonald’s Corporation in 1983 as a regional controller and progressed into positions of escalating responsibility. Mr. Reddy has received a number of awards in connection with his role as our Chief Executive Officer, including being named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Restaurant Business Magazine in 2009 and, most recently, a 2012 “All-Star CEO” by Restaurant Finance Monitor. He currently serves on the executive advisory board to the Daniels School of Business at the University of Denver. He received a BS in Accounting from Duquesne University. He brings to our Board of Directors leadership skills, strategic guidance and operational vision from prior experience in our industry.

Keith Kinsey has served as our President since July 2012 and our Chief Operating Officer since November 2007. Mr. Kinsey also served as our Chief Financial Officer from July 2005 to July 2012. He became a member of our board of directors in November 2008. Prior to joining us, he was the Pacific Regional Director for Chipotle Mexican Grill. Prior to that time, he held various management roles at McDonald’s Corporation, PepsiCo Restaurant Group and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. He received a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He brings to our Board of Directors leadership skills, strategic guidance and operational vision from prior experience in our industry.

Dave Boennighausen has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2012. Mr. Boennighausen has been with the Company since 2004, and served as our Vice President of Finance from October 2007 to March 2011, and as our Executive Vice President of Finance from April 2011 to February 2012. He began his career with May Department Stores. He received a BS in Finance and Marketing from Truman State University and holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Dan Fogarty has served as our Executive Vice President of Marketing since October 2010. Mr. Fogarty has been with the Company since 2009, serving as Vice President of Marketing from June 2009 to October 2010. Prior to joining us, Mr. Fogarty was Vice President of Marketing for The Pump Energy Food from May 2008 until May 2009. Prior to that time, he worked at Potbelly Sandwich Works and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Mr. Fogarty began his career working for a number of advertising agencies and had his own brand consulting firm for five years. He received a BA in Journalism and Advertising from the University of Kansas.

Phil Petrilli has served as our Executive Vice President of Operations since May 2012. Prior to joining us, he worked for Chipotle Mexican Grill in multiple operations positions from June 1999 to May 2012, most recently as Regional Director—

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Northeast Region from 2008 to 2012, where he led a region of 268 restaurants. He received a degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Paul Strasen has served as our Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel since January 2008. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Strasen was the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Houlihan’s Restaurants, Inc. and served as the General Counsel of Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp. He began his career at Bell Boyd & Lloyd, now part of K & L Gates. Mr. Strasen received a BA in Humanities and Political Science from Valparaiso University and received a JD from The University of Chicago Law School.

Kathy Lockhart has served as our Vice President and Controller since August 2006. Prior to joining us, Ms. Lockhart served as the Vice President and Controller of several public and private restaurant and retail companies, including Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp, Boston Market, VICORP (parent company of Village Inn and Bakers Square restaurants) and Ultimate Electronics. She received a BA in Business Administration and Political Science from Western State College, and is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Scott Dahnke has been a member of our board of directors since September 2011. Mr. Dahnke has been a Managing Partner of Catterton for the last decade, and has a broad range of business experience in private equity, consulting, management and finance. Prior to joining Catterton, he was a Managing Director at Deutsche Bank Capital Partners and at AEA Investors, where he led AEA’s consumer products investing efforts. Previously, Mr. Dahnke was the Chief Executive Officer of infoUSA, a leading publicly traded provider of business and consumer marketing products and services. Prior to joining infoUSA, Mr. Dahnke served clients on an array of strategic and operational issues as a Partner at McKinsey & Company. His early career also includes experience in the Merger Department of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and with General Motors. Mr. Dahnke received a BS, magna cum laude, in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He also received academic honors while earning an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Mr. Dahnke brings expertise in the retail and consumer industry from previous business experience.

Stuart Frenkiel has been a member of our board of directors since December 2010. Mr. Frenkiel is a Senior Director at PSPIB. He joined PSPIB in March 2010. Mr. Frenkiel serves on the board of directors of Ferrara Candy Company and the board of managers of QCE Finance LLC (Quiznos). From August 2008 to March 2010, he was an Associate Director in the mergers and acquisitions group of UBS Investment Bank. Prior to that, Mr. Frenkiel worked in the Office of Strategic Management at BMO Financial Group and held several finance roles at General Electric Company. Mr. Frenkiel received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University, holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, which he received in June 2008, and is a CFA charterholder. He brings to our Board of Directors a long-standing familiarity with our business, including industry and operational experience.

Jeffrey Jones has been a member of our board of directors since September 2013. Mr. Jones is the former Chief Financial Officer for Vail Resorts, where he was also a member of the Board of Directors and President of Lodging, Retail and Real Estate. Mr. Jones is currently a member of the US Bank Advisory Board as well as an Executive in Residence at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado at Boulder. Prior to joining Vail Resorts, Mr. Jones held CFO positions with the Clark Retail Enterprises and Lids Corporation. Mr. Jones received a BA in Accounting and American Studies from Mercyhurst College. Mr. Jones provides our board with significant public company experience in financial positions including significant audit committee roles, as well as overall financial, operations and strategic development experience.

James Pittman has been a member of our board of directors since December 2010. Mr. Pittman is a Managing Director at PSPIB. From February 2005 until December 2012, he was Vice President Private Equity at PSPIB (the owner of Argentia) in Quebec, Canada. In this capacity, he has co-led the strategy and investment of the international private equity portfolio. From 2002 to 2005, he served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Provincial Aerospace. Mr. Pittman is also a director of Telesat Holdings, Inc., Haymarket Financial, Centaur Guernsey L.P. Inc. and Noranco Inc. He brings to our Board of Directors a long-standing familiarity with our business, including industry and operational experience.

James Rand has been a member of our board of directors since May 2008. Mr. Rand has served as an independent executive consultant in the retail and restaurant industries since his retirement as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Development at McDonald’s Corporation in 2005. Mr. Rand began his career at McDonald’s Corporation in 1973, where he gained experience in marketing research, marketing and real estate development, including leading the team that launched the Extra Value Meal strategy. Mr. Rand is also a director of Homemade Pizza Company and Chicago Apartment Finders, Inc. He received a BA in Mathematics from Saint Mary’s College. He provides our Board of Directors with seasoned business judgment and valuable insights relevant to our industry.

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Andrew Taub has been a member of our board of directors since December 2010. Mr. Taub is a Senior Partner at Catterton. He joined Catterton in 1996 and has previously served as a Vice President and Principal prior to becoming a Partner in the firm. Mr. Taub has helped capitalize and grow over a dozen consumer companies including restaurants, retail, food and beverage and marketing services. Prior to joining Catterton, he spent three years as Vice President of Nantucket Holding Company, a merchant bank specializing in the acquisition and management of troubled companies, as well as the consolidation of fragmented industries. Previously he worked in Mergers and Acquisitions at Dean Witter Reynolds and Coopers & Lybrand. Mr. Taub received a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Mr. Taub brings expertise in the retail and consumer industry from previous business experience.

Corporate Governance and Board Structure

Our board of directors currently consists of eight members.

In accordance with the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. At each annual general meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. The authorized number of directors may be changed by resolution of the board of directors. Vacancies on the board of directors can be filled by resolution of the board of directors. Kevin Reddy serves as the chairman of our board of directors. We believe that six of our directors are independent as required by the rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market: Scott Dahnke, our lead independent director, Stuart Frenkiel, James Pittman, James Rand, Andrew Taub and Jeffrey Jones. Scott Dahnke and Andrew Taub are affiliated with Catterton and Stuart Frenkiel and James Pittman are affiliated with Argentia, and the interests of Catterton and Argentia may not always coincide with the interests of the other holders of our common stock. See “Risk Factors—Our principal stockholders and their affiliates own a substantial portion of our outstanding equity, and their interests may not always coincide with the interests of the other holders.”

James Pittman and James Rand are the Class I directors and their terms will expire in 2014. Andrew Taub, Stuart Frenkiel and Jeffrey W. Jones are the Class II directors and their terms will expire in 2015. Scott Dahnke, Kevin Reddy and Keith Kinsey are the Class III directors and their terms will expire in 2016. The division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control.

Corporate Governance

We expect that our board of directors will fully implement our corporate governance initiatives at or prior to the closing of this offering. We believe these initiatives comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the SEC adopted thereunder. In addition, we believe our corporate governance initiatives comply with the rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market. After this offering, our board of directors will continue to evaluate, and improve upon as appropriate, our corporate governance principles and policies.

We expect our board of directors to adopt a code of business conduct, effective upon the closing of the offering, that applies to each of our directors, officers and employees. The code addresses various topics, including:

• compliance with laws, rules and regulations;

• conflicts of interest;

• insider trading;

• corporate opportunities;

• competition and fair dealing;

• fair employment practices;

• record keeping;

• confidentiality;

• protection and proper use of company assets; and

• payments to government personnel.

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Board Committees

We have established an audit committee, a compensation committee (the “compensation committee”), and a nominating and corporate governance committee. We believe that the composition of these committees will meet the criteria for independence under, and the functioning of these committees will comply with the requirements of, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market and SEC rules and regulations that will become applicable to us upon closing of the offering. We intend to comply with the requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market with respect to committee composition of independent directors as they become applicable to us. Each committee has the composition and responsibilities described below.

Audit Committee

The audit committee provides assistance to the board of directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities regarding the integrity of financial statements, our compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the integrity of our financial reporting processes including its systems of internal accounting and financial controls, the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditor and our financial policy matters by approving the services performed by our independent accountants and reviewing their reports regarding our accounting practices and systems of internal accounting controls. The audit committee also oversees the audit efforts of our independent accountants and takes those actions as it deems necessary to satisfy itself that the accountants are independent of management.

Compensation Committee

The compensation committee oversees our overall compensation structure, policies and programs, and assesses whether our compensation structure establishes appropriate incentives for officers and employees. The compensation committee reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of our chief executive officer and other executive officers, evaluates the performance of these officers in light of those goals and objectives, sets the compensation of these officers based on such evaluations and reviews and recommends to the board of directors any employment-related agreements, any proposed severance arrangements or change in control or similar agreements with these officers. The compensation committee also grants stock options and other awards under our stock plans. The compensation committee will review and evaluate, at least annually, the performance of the compensation committee and its members and the adequacy of the charter of the compensation committee.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for developing and recommending to the board of directors criteria for identifying and evaluating candidates for directorships and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding candidates for election or reelection to the board of directors at each annual stockholders’ meeting. In addition, the nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for overseeing our corporate governance guidelines and reporting and making recommendations to the board of directors concerning corporate governance matters. The nominating and corporate governance committee will be also responsible for making recommendations to the board of directors concerning the structure, composition and function of the board of directors and its committees.

Compensation Committee Interlocks

None of the members of our compensation committee is or has at any time during the past year been an officer or employee of ours. None of our executive officers currently serves or in the past year has served as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board or compensation committee.

Director Compensation

We did not provide any compensation to our non-employee directors in 2012. Directors who are also employees, such as Mr. Reddy and Mr. Kinsey, do not and will not receive any compensation for their services as directors. In addition, directors appointed by Catterton and Argentia have not received any compensation for their services as directors and for two years following the closing date of our IPO in June 2013. Thereafter, the Company shall pay the directors appointed by Catterton and Argentia an annual fee of $100,000 (or such other amount that may be determined by the board of directors to be payable to non-employee directors) for each such director serving on the board of directors; provided, that any fees otherwise payable to directors appointed by Catterton shall instead be paid directly to Catterton Management Company, L.L.C. and any fees otherwise payable to directors appointed by Argentia shall instead be paid directly to Argentia.

In October 2013, we adopted a non-employee director compensation plan covering non-employee directors other than directors affiliated with Catterton or PSPIB. Under the plan, each non-employee director covered by the plan receives an annual

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cash retainer for board service, an annual cash retainer for committee service and an annual cash retainer for serving as chair of a committee. The board has currently fixed the retainer for board service at $50,000 per year, and it has fixed each of the retainers for committee service and committee chair at $10,000 per year. In addition, at the close of business on the date of the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders, each non-employee director covered by the plan will receive an annual retainer stock option under the plan, which shall vest on the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders. The annual retainer grant made in 2014 will have a value, as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith using the Black-Scholes valuation formula, of $62,500, consisting of a $50,000 annual retainer grant and a $12,500 pro rata grant for service beginning in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013. Such grant will have the other terms provided for in the Plan, the Stock Plan and the award agreement providing for such grant.

Directors have been and will continue to be reimbursed for travel, food, lodging and other expenses directly related to their activities as directors. Directors are also entitled to the protection provided by their indemnification agreements and the indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as the protection provided by director and office liability insurance provided by us.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Our named executive officers, or NEOs, for 2012, which consist of our principal executive officer and the next two most highly-compensated executives, are:

• Kevin Reddy, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer;

• Keith Kinsey, our President and Chief Operating Officer; and

• Dan Fogarty, our Executive Vice President of Marketing.

2012 Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our NEOs for 2011 and 2012:

Name and Principal Position	Year	Salary		Bonus(1)		Option Awards(2)		All other Compensation		Total
Kevin Reddy	2012	$	546,154	$	550,000	$	—	$	13,905	$	1,110,059
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	2011	547,017		575,000		—		15,250		1,137,267
Keith Kinsey	2012	422,308		322,500		20,898		7,439		773,145
President and Chief Operating Officer	2011	400,963		350,000		—		7,519		758,482
Dan Fogarty	2012	238,077		91,584		166,523		18,988		515,172
Executive Vice President of Marketing	2011	234,038		85,000		—		10,769		329,807

______________________________

(1) Amounts shown in this column represent cash bonus awards granted to our named executive officers for performance during 2012 and 2011. For each year, we maintained bonus plans that provided each NEO with the opportunity to earn a bonus based on achievement of adjusted EBITDA goals for the applicable year. The target bonuses were 100% of base salary for Mr. Reddy, 75% of base salary for Mr. Kinsey and 30% of base salary for Mr. Fogarty for 2012 and 2011. For both years, our actual performance equaled or exceeded target levels. The compensation committee reserves the right to exercise discretion to increase or decrease bonuses and did, in fact, pay higher bonuses for certain NEOs than the applicable plan formula provided for 2012 and 2011.

(2) Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options awarded in 2012 and 2011, calculated in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. A description of the methodologies and assumptions we use to value options awards and the manner in which we recognize the related expense are described in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements, Stock-Based Compensation. These amounts may not correspond to the actual value eventually realized by each NEO because the value depends on the market value of our common stock at the time the option is exercised.

Outstanding Equity Awards at January 1, 2013

The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding equity awards at the end of 2012 for each of the named executive officers.

Name	Number of securities underlying unexercised options exercisable	Number of securities underlying unexercised options unexercisable		Option exercise price		Option expiration date
Kevin Reddy	461,023	461,023	(1)	$	8.67	12/27/2020
Keith Kinsey	264,270	294,270	(1)	$	8.67	12/27/2020
	—	17,310	(2)	$	9.53	5/14/2022
Dan Fogarty	73,568	73,568	(1)	$	8.67	12/27/2020
	—	43,275	(3)	$	12.13	12/6/2022

______________________________

(1) The unvested options became fully vested and exercisable upon the closing of our initial public offering.

(2) The options vest in 25% increments on each of May 14, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The unvested options became fully vest and exercisable upon the closing of our initial public offering.

(3) These options vest on December 6, 2015.

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Potential Payments and Acceleration of Equity upon Termination or Termination in Connection with a Change in Control

Employment and Severance Agreements

We are a party to employment agreements with each of the Messrs. Reddy and Kinsey (the “Employment Agreements”). Each of the Employment Agreements has a three-year term that commenced on the date of our initial public offering and continues for three years unless earlier terminated. The Employment Agreements automatically extend at the end of the initial term and annually thereafter in each case, for a one year term, unless either party provides at least ninety days’ prior written notice of nonextension.

Pursuant to the employment agreements, Mr. Reddy received a $1.0 million cash bonus, and Mr. Kinsey received a $500,000 cash bonus, upon the completion of our initial public offering. In addition, Mr. Reddy was granted 259,650 stock options and Mr. Kinsey 144,250 stock options upon completion of our initial public offering pursuant to our Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of that plan. One-half of those options were vested upon grant and the other half will vest in equal increments on the first through fourth anniversaries of the grant date. In the event Mr. Reddy or Mr. Kinsey is terminated without cause, resigns for good reason or dies or becomes disabled while employed by the Company, a pro rata portion of the next vesting installment will vest. In addition, if Mr. Reddy or Mr. Kinsey is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason within 12 months following a change in control, any remaining unvested portion of these options will vest.

Each Employment Agreement provides for the payment of base salary and bonus, as well as customary employee benefits. Under each of the Employment Agreements, if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by the executive with “good reason,” (as such terms are defined in the applicable Employment Agreement) the executive is entitled to receive compensation equal to 18 months of the executive’s then-current base salary, payable in equal installments over 18 months, a pro rata bonus for the year of termination and reimbursement of “COBRA” premiums for up to 18 months for the executive and his dependents. The severance payments are conditioned upon the executive entering into a mutual release of claims with us.

Each of the Employment Agreements also restricts the executive from engaging in a competitive business during his employment and for 18 months thereafter, or soliciting employees at or above the level of vice president or above during his employment and for 12 months thereafter. For this purpose, “competitive business” is defined as any business engaged in the fast casual restaurant business in North America that derives 20% or more of its revenues from the sale of noodle or pasta dishes.

In addition, we are a party to a Severance Agreement with Mr. Fogarty dated January 24, 2011 (the “Severance Agreement”). Pursuant to the Severance Agreement, Mr. Fogarty is an “at-will” employee. If the Company terminates Mr. Fogarty’s employment without “cause,” (as such term is defined in the Severance Agreement) Mr. Fogarty is entitled to receive compensation equal to nine months of his then-current base salary, payable in equal installments over nine months, a pro rata bonus for the year of termination and reimbursement of “COBRA” premiums for up to nine months for Mr. Fogarty and his dependents. The severance payments are conditioned upon Mr. Fogarty entering into a mutual release of claims with us. The Severance Agreement also includes similar noncompetition and nonsolicitation covenants as the Employment Agreements, except that the duration of the covenants apply to Mr. Fogarty during his employment and for nine months thereafter.

Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

None of our NEOs is entitled to receive payments or other benefits upon termination of employment or a change in control, except as provided in the Employment Agreements and Severance Agreement described above, and the equity acceleration pursuant to the Equity Plans described below.

Employee Benefit Plans

The principal features of our equity incentive plans and our 401(k) plan are summarized below. These summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual text of the plans, which, other than the 401(k) plan, are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

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Stock Incentive Plan

The following is a summary of the material terms of our Noodles & Company Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”). The Stock Incentive Plan was initially adopted in December 2010 and was amended and restated on May 16, 2013.

General. The Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and incentive bonuses to employees, officers, non-employee directors and other service providers. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan on or after the closing of this offering shall not exceed 3,750,500. The number of shares issued or reserved pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan (or pursuant to outstanding awards) is subject to adjustment as a result of mergers, consolidations, reorganizations, stock splits, stock dividends and other changes in our common stock. Shares subject to awards that have been terminated, expired unexercised, forfeited or settled in cash do not count as shares issued under the Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, (i) shares subject to awards that have been retained or withheld by us in payment or satisfaction of the exercise price, purchase price or tax withholding obligation of an award and (ii) shares subject to awards that otherwise do not result in the issuance of shares in connection with payment or settlement thereof do not count as shares issued under the Stock Incentive Plan. Further, shares that have been delivered to us in payment or satisfaction of the exercise price, purchase price or tax withholding obligation of an award will be available for awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.

Administration. The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the board or another committee designated by the board, or in the absence of any such committee, the board itself. The administrator of the plan has the discretion to determine the individuals to whom awards may be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan, the manner in which such awards will vest and the other conditions applicable to awards in accordance with the terms in the Stock Incentive Plan. Options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs and incentive bonuses may be granted to participants in such numbers and at such times during the term of the Stock Incentive Plan as the administrator of the plan shall determine. The administrator is authorized to interpret the Stock Incentive Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Stock Incentive Plan and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Stock Incentive Plan. All decisions, determinations and interpretations by the administrator of the plan, and any rules and regulations under the Stock Incentive Plan and the terms and conditions of or operation of any award, are final and binding on all participants, beneficiaries, heirs, assigns or other persons holding or claiming rights under the Stock Incentive Plan or any award.

Options. The administrator will determine the exercise price and other terms for each option and whether the options are nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees and are subject to certain other restrictions provided that such exercise price shall not be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. To the extent an option intended to be an incentive stock option does not so qualify, it will be treated as a nonqualified option. A participant may exercise an option by written notice and payment of the exercise price in common stock, cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the administrator, including an irrevocable commitment by a broker to pay over such amount from a sale of the shares issuable under an option, the delivery of previously owned shares and withholding of shares deliverable upon exercise.

Stock Appreciation Rights. The administrator may grant SARs independent of or in connection with an option. The exercise price per share of a SAR will be an amount determined by the administrator, and the administrator will determine the other terms applicable to SARs. Generally, each SAR will entitle a participant upon exercise to an amount equal to: the excess of the fair market value on the exercise date of one share of common stock over the exercise price, times the number of shares of common stock covered by the SAR. Payment shall be made in common stock or in cash, or partly in common stock and partly in cash, all as shall be determined by the administrator.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The administrator may award restricted common stock and RSUs. Restricted stock awards consist of shares of stock that are transferred to the participant subject to restrictions that may result in forfeiture if specified conditions are not satisfied. RSUs result in the transfer of shares of common stock or cash to the participant only after specified conditions are satisfied. The administrator will determine the restrictions and conditions applicable to each award of restricted stock or RSUs, which may include performance vesting conditions.

Incentive Bonuses. An incentive bonus is an opportunity for a participant to earn a future payment tied to the level of achievement with respect to one or more performance criteria established for a performance period set by the administrator. The terms of any incentive bonus will be set forth in an award agreement that will include provisions regarding (i) the target and maximum amount payable to the participant, (ii) the performance criteria and level of achievement versus these criteria that shall determine the amount of such payment, (iii) the term of the performance period as to which performance shall be measured for determining the amount of any payment, (iv) the timing of any payment earned by virtue of performance, (v) restrictions on the

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alienation or transfer of the incentive bonus prior to actual payment, (vi) forfeiture provisions and (vii) such further terms and conditions as determined by the compensation committee. Payment of the amount due under an incentive bonus may be made in cash or in common stock, as determined by the administrator.

Performance Criteria. Vesting of awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan may be subject to the satisfaction of one or more performance goals established by the administrator. The performance goals may vary from participant to participant, group to group and period to period.

Adjustments. In the event of any reorganizations, recapitalizations, stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, extraordinary dividends or distributions or similar events, the administrator will appropriately adjust the number of shares available under and subject to outstanding awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.

Transferability. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, awards granted under the 2010 Stock Plan generally are not transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

Change in Control. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the award agreement or another contract, including an employment agreement, the administrator may provide for the acceleration of the vesting and, if applicable, exercisability of any outstanding award, or portion thereof, or the lapsing of any conditions or restrictions on or the time for payment in respect of any outstanding award, or portion thereof upon a change in control or the termination of the participant’s employment following a change in control. In addition, unless otherwise expressly provided in the award agreement or another contract, including an employment agreement, or under the terms of a transaction constituting a change in control, the administrator may provide that any or all of the following shall occur in connection with a change in control: (a) the substitution for the common stock subject to any outstanding award, or portion thereof, stock or other securities of the surviving corporation or any successor corporation to us, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, in which event the aggregate purchase or exercise price, if any, of such award, or portion thereof, shall remain the same, (b) the conversion of any outstanding award, or portion thereof, into a right to receive cash or other property upon or following the completion of the change in control in an amount equal to the value of the consideration to be received by holders of our common stock in connection with such transaction for one share, less the per share purchase or exercise price of such award, if any, multiplied by the number of shares subject to such award, or a portion thereof, (c) the acceleration of the vesting (and, as applicable, the exercisability) of any and/or all outstanding awards and/or (d) the cancellation of any outstanding and unexercised awards upon or following the completion of the change in control.

The board may amend, alter or discontinue the Stock Incentive Plan in any respect at any time, but no amendment may diminish any of the rights of a participant under any awards previously granted, without his or her consent. In addition, stockholder approval is required for any amendment that would increase the maximum number of shares available for awards, reduce the price at which options may be granted, change the class of eligible participants, or otherwise when stockholder approval is required by law or under stock exchange listing requirements.

Effectiveness of the Stock Incentive Plan; Amendment and Termination. The amendment and restatement of the Stock Incentive Plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors on May 16, 2013, and become effective when it is was approved by our stockholders by written consent in accordance with applicable law on May 24, 2013. The Stock Incentive Plan will remain available for the grant of awards until the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the amendment and restatement.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On May 16, 2013, we adopted the Noodles & Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) subject to stockholder approval. The purpose of the ESPP is to encourage and enable our eligible employees to acquire a proprietary interest in us through the ownership of our common shares. A maximum of 750,100 shares may be purchased under the ESPP. The ESPP, and the rights of participants to make purchases thereunder, is intended to qualify under the provisions of Sections 421 and 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

Administration. The ESPP is administered by the Compensation Committee or another committee designated by the board to administer the ESPP, or in the absence of any such committee, the board itself. All questions of interpretation of the ESPP are determined by the ESPP Administrator, whose decisions are final and binding upon all participants. The ESPP Administrator may delegate its responsibilities under the ESPP to one or more other persons.

Eligibility / Participation. Each employee who has 30 days of continuous service as of the beginning of the applicable offering period, is customarily employed to work for more than 20 hours per week, and whose customary employment is more than five months in a calendar year is eligible to participate in the ESPP, except that highly compensated employees (as determined pursuant to Section 423 of the Code) are excluded. There are four offering periods in each fiscal year. Each offering period will

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run for a fiscal quarter, except that the first offering period will commence upon the closing of this offering and end on the last day of the fiscal quarter in which it occurs (unless this offering occurs in the last 10 days of a fiscal quarter, in which case the offering period will run through the end of the next-following fiscal quarter).

An eligible employee may begin participating in the ESPP effective at the beginning of an offering period. Once enrolled in the ESPP, a participant is able to purchase our common shares with payroll deductions at the end of the applicable offering period. Once an offering period is over, a participant is automatically enrolled in the next offering period unless the participant chooses to withdraw from the ESPP.

Purchase Price. The price per share at which shares are purchased under the ESPP is determined by the compensation committee, but in no event will be less than 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the first or the last day of the offering period, whichever is lower. A participant may designate payroll deductions to be used to purchase shares equal to at least $50 and a maximum of the percentage of the participant’s compensation set by the ESPP Administrator (which rate may be changed from time to time, but in no event shall be greater than 15%). A participant may only change the percentage of compensation that is deducted to purchase shares under the ESPP (other than to withdraw entirely from the ESPP) effective at the beginning of a offering period. At the end of each offering period, unless the participant has withdrawn from the ESPP, payroll deductions are applied automatically to purchase common shares at the price described above. The number of shares purchased is determined by dividing the payroll deductions by the applicable purchase price.

Adjustments. In the event of any reorganizations, recapitalizations, stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock dividends, extraordinary dividends or distributions or similar events, the ESPP Administrator will appropriately adjust the number and class of shares available under the ESPP and the applicable purchase price of such shares.

Limitations on Participation. A participant is not permitted to purchase shares under the ESPP if the participant would own common stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of equity interests. A participant is also not permitted to purchase common stock with a fair market value in excess of $25,000 in any one calendar year (or more than 2,885 shares in any offering period). A participant does not have the rights of a shareholder until the shares are actually issued to the participant.

Transferability. Rights to purchase common stock under the ESPP may not be transferred by a participant and may be exercised during a participant’s lifetime only by the participant.

Amendment / Termination. The ESPP will become effective when it is approved by our stockholders prior to the completion of the offering described herein at a meeting of our stockholders in accordance with applicable law. The board may amend, alter or discontinue the ESPP in any respect at any time; however, stockholder approval is required for any amendment that would increase the number of shares reserved under the ESPP other than pursuant to an adjustment as provided in the ESPP or materially change the eligibility requirements to participate in the ESPP.

401(k) Plan

We maintain a tax-qualified retirement plan that provides eligible U.S. employees with an opportunity to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Eligible employees are able to defer eligible compensation subject to applicable annual Code limits. No employer contributions were made to the 401(k) plan in 2012. Contributions are allocated to each participant’s individual account and are then invested in selected investment alternatives according to the participants’ directions. The 401(k) plan is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.

Pension Benefits

Our NEOs did not participate in, or otherwise receive any benefits under, any pension or retirement plan we sponsored during 2012.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

On May 16, 2013 the Company adopted The Executive Non-qualified “Excess” Plan (the “Excess Plan”). The Excess Plan provides supplementary benefits to the eligible participants whose benefits under the Company’s 401(k) Plan are limited because of the restriction on annual additions that may be made to a qualified defined contribution plan and/or the limitation on compensation that may be taken into account in calculating contributions to such a plan. Our NEOs did not earn any nonqualified deferred compensation benefits from us during 2012 under the Excess Plan or otherwise.

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

The following table presents information regarding beneficial ownership of our equity interests as of October 1, 2013, and as adjusted to reflect our sale of common stock in this offering, by:

• each stockholder or group of stockholders known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding equity interests;

• each of our directors;

• each of our named executive officers;

• all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and

• each of the selling stockholders.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and thus figures in the table below represent voting or investment power with respect to our securities, except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all equity interests beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable.

Percentage ownership of our equity interests before this offering is based on 23,107,010 shares of our Class A common stock and 6,315,929 shares of our Class B common stock outstanding as of October 1, 2013. The rights of the holders of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock are identical in all respects, except that our Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors. Shares of our common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of October 1, 2013 are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the options for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. All outstanding shares of Class B common stock are held by Argentia Private Investments Inc. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each individual listed in this table is c/o Noodles & Company, 520 Zang Street, Suite D, Broomfield, Colorado 80021.

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	Before Offering and Repurchases			Shares Being Offered	Beneficial Ownership After Offering Assuming No Exercise of Over- Allotment Option		Beneficial Ownership After Offering Assuming Full Exercise of Over- Allotment Option		Shares to be Re-purchased	Beneficial Ownership After Offering and Repurchase Assuming No Exercise of Over- Allotment Option		Beneficial Ownership After Offering and Repurchase Assuming Full Exercise of Over- Allotment Option
Name	Shares	Percent			Shares	Percent	Shares	Percent		Shares	Percent	Shares	Percent
5% Stockholders:
Entities affiliated with Catterton Partners(1)	10,501,400	35.69	%
Argentia Private Investments Inc(2)	10,386,000	35.30	%
Named Executive Officers and Directors
Kevin Reddy(3)	1,038,509	3.53	%
Keith Kinsey(4)	781,013	2.65	%
Dave Boennighausen(5)	108,179	*
Dan Fogarty(6)	154,072	*
Phil Petrilli(7)	105,975	*
Paul Strasen(8)	164,200	*
Kathy Lockhart(9)	41,186	*
Scott A. Dahnke(1)	10,501,400	35.69	%
Stuart Frenkiel	0	0.00	%
Jeff Jones	0	*
James Pittman	0	*
James Rand(10)	42,471	*
Andrew Taub	0	*
All Executive Officers and Director as a Group(11)	2,435,605	8.28	%

______________________________

*    Indicates ownership of less than one percent.

(1) All of the shares of common stock are held by Catterton-Noodles, LLC, an entity affiliated with Catterton. Scott Dahnke is a Managing Partner of Catterton, and in such capacity has voting and investment control over the securities. Mr. Dahnke disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The principal business address of Catterton Partners is 599 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830. The shares held by Catterton represent 45.45% of the outstanding voting shares, as shares held by another holder include our Class B common stock, which does not have voting rights in certain matters. The percentage of the outstanding voting shares would be   % after the offering, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option,   % after the offering, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option,   % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option, and   % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option.

(2) Consists of 4,093,360 shares of common stock and 6,292,640 shares of Class B common stock held by Argentia Private Investments Inc., which is affiliated with PSPIB. Class B common stock has the same rights as the common stock except that holders of Class B common stock will not be entitled to vote in the election or removal of directors unless converted into common stock. Gordon J. Fyfe is President of Argentia, Derek Murphy is a director and Vice President of Argentia and John Valentini is director and Vice President of Argentia, and in such capacities they have investment control over such securities. Derek Murphy and Stephanie Lachance, Vice President, Responsible Investment and Corporate Secretary of PSP Investments, have voting control over such securities on behalf of Argentia. Mr. Fyfe, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Valentini and Ms. Lachance disclaim beneficial ownership of such securities. The principal business address of Argentia is 1250 Réne Lévesque Boulevard West, Suite 900, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 4W8. The shares held by Argentia represent 17.61% of the voting shares, as some of the shares held by Argentia are our Class B common stock, which does not have the voting rights in certain matters. The percentage of the outstanding voting shares would be % after the offering, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option,   % after the offering, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option, % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option, and   % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option.

(3) Includes options to purchase 936,615 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days. The shares held by Mr. Reddy represent 4.49% of the outstanding voting shares, as shares held by another holder include our Class B common stock, which does not have voting rights in certain matters. The percentage of the outstanding voting shares would be % after the offering, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option, % after the offering, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option, % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option, and % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option.

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(4) Includes options to purchase 677,975 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days. The shares held by Mr. Kinsey represent 3.38% of the voting shares, as shares held by another holder include our Class B common stock, which does not have voting rights in certain matters. The percentage of the outstanding voting shares would be % after the offering, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option, % after the offering, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option, % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option, and   % after the offering and the repurchase, assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option.

(5) Includes options to purchase 100,975 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days.

(6) Includes options to purchase 147,135 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days.

(7) Includes options to purchase 100,975 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days.

(8) Includes options to purchase 147,135 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days.

(9) Includes options to purchase 35,312 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days.

(10) Includes options to purchase 30,600 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days.

(11) Includes options to purchase 2,172,087 shares of our common stock exercisable within 60 days.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Related Party Transactions

The following is a description of each transaction since December 30, 2009 to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or beneficial holders of more than 5% of our capital stock had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

We expect to enter into an agreement with the , to repurchase approximately $  million of common stock, or approximately      shares (based on the closing price of our common stock on , 2013), directly from

, in a private, non-underwritten transaction at a price per share equal to the net proceeds per share the selling stockholders receive in this offering. The repurchase from is conditioned on completion of this offering and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions.

Merger Agreement. As part of the 2010 Equity Recapitalization, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Catterton-Noodles, LLC, Red Isle Private Investments Inc., CP/PSP Merger Sub, Inc. and David R. Duncan. Pursuant to the agreement, at the effective time of the merger, the CP/PSP Merger Sub, Inc., an entity indirectly owned by Catterton and PSPIB was merged with and into the Company. As a result of the merger, Catterton, certain of its affiliated entities and Argentia, collectively, became our majority stockholders and own approximately 71% of the outstanding equity interests of the company.

Stockholders Agreement. In connection with the merger, we entered into a stockholders agreement with our Sponsors, which we refer to as the 2010 Stockholders Agreement. Under the 2010 Stockholders Agreement, each of Catterton and Argentia have agreed to vote its respective shares of common stock to elect two directors selected by Argentia. Furthermore, if the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act ceases to prohibit PSPIB from investing in securities of a corporation to which are attached more than 30% of the votes that may be cast to elect directors, each of Catterton and Argentia will vote its respective shares of common stock to elect two directors selected by Catterton. Additionally, Catterton will not vote its shares to elect any three of the five directors not designated by Argentia, unless any such director has been approved by Argentia. Catterton and Argentia have further agreed not to vote their shares in favor of any of certain actions without the mutual consent of the other.

All of the provisions of the 2010 Stockholders Agreement terminated upon the Company’s initial public offering, in accordance with its terms. The Company made a transaction payment of $400,000 to Catterton and a special dividend of $400,000 on the one outstanding share of Class C common stock in connection with its initial public offering.

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a new stockholders agreement, which we refer to as the 2013 Stockholders Agreement, with our Sponsors that became effective upon the completion of the initial public offering. The 2013 Stockholders Agreement contains agreements with respect to restrictions on the sale, issuance or transfer of shares that prevent either Sponsor from transferring its shares without the consent of the other Sponsor, except in connection with a tag along sale of common stock by both Sponsors or pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, until the earlier of the second anniversary of the offering and the time at which such Sponsor holds less than 25% of our outstanding common stock and Class B common stock. The 2013 Stockholders Agreement also grants our Sponsors the right, subject to certain conditions, to nominate representatives to our board of directors and committees of our board of directors. Catterton and Argentia each will have the right to designate two members to our board of directors, and the parties to the 2013 Stockholders Agreement will agree to vote to elect such director designees. If at any time a Sponsor owns more than 10% and less than 20% of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock, such Sponsor has the right to designate one nominee for election to our board of directors. If a Sponsor’s ownership level falls below 10% of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock, such Sponsor will no longer have a right to designate a nominee. In addition, for so long as Catterton and Argentia hold at least 35% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock, certain actions may not be taken without the approval of Catterton and Argentia, including:

• any merger, recapitalization or other adjustment in voting rights, if following such event, Catterton and Argentia would not together have sufficient voting power or otherwise be entitled to elect a majority of the Board;

• any sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company;

• the issuance of any capital stock of us or any of our subsidiaries, other than certain issuances upon the grant of equity awards;

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• create any new class or series of shares of equity securities having rights, preferences or privileges senior to or on a parity with the Common Stock; or

• any amendment of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent organization documents of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in a manner that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights of Catterton or Argentia.

Management Services. Catterton Management Company, LLC, an affiliate of Catterton, provides certain management services to the Company. In connection with such services Catterton Management Company, LLC previously received an annual management fee of $500,000. Argentia held the sole share of our Class C common stock, which entitled it to receive annual dividends of $500,000 payable at the same times and in the same amounts as the management fees payable to Catterton Management Company, LLC. In connection with the Company’s initial public offering, the share of Class C common stock was redeemed and the services arrangement with Catterton Management Company, LLC was terminated, in each case for no consideration. In both 2011 and 2012, the Company paid $1.1 million in management fees and Class C dividends, which included a prepayment for both the first quarter of 2012 and 2013.

Bridge Financing. In connection with the 2010 Equity Recapitalization we obtained bridge financing from the Sponsors in the amount of $45.0 million. Such amount was repaid, along with $0.9 million of PIK interest at 12%, when we completed the refinancing of our credit facility in February 2011.

Control Relationships. As discussed in Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements, Catterton and Argentia each own between 35% and 36% of our equity interests; however, the terms of the certificate of incorporation prevent control by either Sponsor acting on its own. However, under the 2013 Stockholders Agreement our Sponsors have agreed to elect each other’s director nominees and to not take certain actions affecting us without the consent of the other Sponsor. See “—Stockholders Agreement” for a description of the material provisions of the 2013 Stockholders Agreement. As a result, our Sponsors could potentially have significant influence over all matters presented to our stockholders for approval, including election and removal of our directors and change in control transactions. The interests of our Sponsors may not always coincide with the interests of the other holders of our common stock. See “Risk Factors—Our principal stockholders and their affiliates own a substantial portion of our outstanding equity, and their interests may not always coincide with the interests of the other holders.”

Registration Rights

Pursuant to the terms of a Registration Rights Agreement between us and certain holders of our stock, including Catterton, certain of its affiliates and Argentia, certain holders of our stock are entitled to demand and piggyback rights. The stockholders who are a party to the Registration Rights Agreement will hold an aggregate of shares, or %, of our equity interests upon completion of this offering.

Demand Registrations. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, both Catterton and Argentia are able to require us to file a registration statement (a “Demand Registration”) under the Securities Act, covering at least 10% of our equity interests, and we are required to notify holders of such securities in the event of such request (a “Demand Registration Request”). Each of Catterton and Argentia can issue unlimited Demand Registration Requests, unless we are ineligible to use Form S-3, in which case we will not be obligated to grant more than three Demand Registration Requests to each of Catterton and Argentia during such period of ineligibility. All eligible holders are currently entitled to participate in any Demand Registration upon proper notice to the surviving company and we are required to use our commercially reasonable efforts to effect such registration in accordance with the terms of the Demand Registration Request, subject to certain rights we will have to delay or postpone such registration. We have the right to include authorized but unissued shares of our common stock in such registrations. A holder of our common stock will only be able to withdraw its eligible securities from a Demand Registration with our prior written consent or in the event that we exercise our right to delay or postpone a Demand Registration Request. If sufficient holders withdraw such that the number of securities eligible to be registered does not meet the applicable 10% threshold, we can cease our efforts to effect the Demand Registration.

Piggyback Registrations. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, if at any time we propose or are required to register any of our equity securities under the Securities Act (other than a Demand Registration or pursuant to an employee benefit or dividend reinvestment plan) (a “piggyback registration”), we will be required to notify each eligible holder of its right to participate in such registration. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all eligible securities requested to be included in the registration to be so included. We have the right to withdraw or postpone a registration statement in which eligible holders have elected to exercise piggyback registration rights, and eligible holders are entitled to withdraw their registration requests prior to the execution of an underwriting agreement or custody agreement with respect to any such registration.

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Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions

Our policies on related party transactions, which are included in our Audit Committee charter, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter, Director Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Employee Code of Business Conduct and Ethics address the policies and procedures for review and approval of related party transactions. These policies provide that, in determining whether or not to recommend the initial approval or ratification of a related party transaction, all relevant facts and circumstances available shall be considered.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

The following is a summary of our capital stock and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and certain provisions of Delaware law. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part. References in this section to “the company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Noodles & Company and not to any of its subsidiaries.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 150,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share, which we refer to in this prospectus as common stock, 30,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. We sometimes refer to our common stock and Class B common stock as “equity interests” when described on an aggregate basis.

Class A Common Stock

As of October 1, 2013, there were 23,107,010 shares of common stock outstanding held by 105 stockholders of record.

There are 150,000,000 shares of our common stock authorized for issuance. Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, holders of our common stock will be entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of common stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, holders of common stock will not be entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors. This means that the holders of a majority of the common stock will be able to elect all of the directors then standing for election. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, holders of our common stock shall be entitled to receive dividends out of any of our funds legally available when, as and if declared by the board of directors. Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the company, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of our preferred stock, the holders of our equity interests shall be entitled to receive the assets of the company available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them. Holders of common stock will not have preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock.

Class B Common Stock

As of October 1, 2013, there were 6,315,929 shares of Class B common stock outstanding held by two stockholders of record.

There are 30,000,000 shares of our Class B common stock authorized for issuance. Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our Class B common stock has the same rights as our Class A common stock except that holders of our Class B common stock will not be entitled to vote in the election or removal of directors unless converted into Class A common stock. Shares of our Class B common stock are convertible on a share-for-share basis into shares of our Class A common stock at the election of the holder. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, holders of our Class B common stock shall be entitled to receive dividends out of any of our funds legally available when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. Upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of our preferred stock, the holders of shares of our equity interests shall be entitled to receive the assets of the company available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them. Holders of Class B common stock will not have preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our Class B common stock.

Argentia currently owns 6,292,640 shares of our Class B common stock. Contemporaneous with or shortly following the closing of this offering, Argentia may convert a portion of its Class B common stock into common stock.

Preferred Stock

As of October 1, 2013, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Our board of directors is authorized to issue not more than an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our board of directors is authorized to issue not more than an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our board of directors is authorized to establish, from time to time, the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock and to fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions. Our board of directors also is able to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series of preferred stock then outstanding, without any further

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vote or action by the stockholders, without any vote or action by stockholders. In the future, our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock, or that could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of our preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other consequences, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control and might harm the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Registration Rights

See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Registration Rights.”

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law, Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Our Amended and Restated Bylaws

Certain provisions of Delaware law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make the acquisition of the company more difficult. These provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate with our board of directors.

Stockholder meetings. Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, only the Board of Directors, or the chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer with the concurrence of a majority of the Board of Directors may call special meetings of stockholders.

Requirements for advance notification of stockholder nominations and proposals. Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors.

Elimination of stockholder action by written consent. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation eliminates the right of stockholders to act by written consent without a meeting, except for such period as Catterton and Argentia and their affiliates collectively own a majority of our outstanding common stock. This provision will, in certain situations make it more difficult for stockholders to take action opposed by the board of directors.

Election and removal of directors. Our board of directors will be divided into three classes, each serving staggered three-year terms. As a result, only a portion of our board of directors will be elected each year. The board of directors will have the exclusive right to increase or decrease the size of the board and to fill vacancies on the board. This system of electing directors may discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, because it generally makes replacing a majority of directors more difficult for stockholders. Additionally, directors may be removed for cause only with the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock. Directors may be removed without cause only with the approval of two-thirds of our outstanding common stock.

Undesignated preferred stock. The authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for the board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to obtain control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of the company.

Amendment of provisions in the certificate of incorporation. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding common stock in order to amend any provision of our certificate of incorporation.

Amendment of provisions in the bylaws. Our amended and restated bylaws will require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding common stock in order to amend any provision of our bylaws.

We are not governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

Listing

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NDLS.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Future sales of our common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, in the public market after this offering, or the perception that those sales may occur, could cause the prevailing market price for our common stock to fall or impair our ability to raise equity capital in the future. As described below, only a limited number of shares of our common stock will be available for sale in the public market for a period of several months after consummation of this offering due to contractual and legal restrictions on resale described below. Future sales of our common stock in the public market either before (to the extent permitted) or after restrictions lapse, or the perception that those sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock at such time and our ability to raise equity capital at a time and price we deem appropriate.

Sale of Restricted Shares

Based on the number of shares of our equity interests outstanding as of October 1, 2013, upon the closing of this offering and the repurchase of shares from certain officers, and assuming (a) no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments and (b) no exercise of outstanding options or warrants, we will have outstanding an aggregate of approximately  shares of equity interests. Of these shares, all of the  shares of common stock to be sold in this offering, and any shares sold upon exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments, will be freely tradable in the public market without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless the shares are held by any of our “affiliates” as such term is defined in Rule 144 of the Securities Act. All remaining shares of equity securities held by existing stockholders immediately prior to the closing of this offering will be “restricted securities” as such term is defined in Rule 144. These restricted securities were issued and sold by us, or will be issued and sold by us, in private transactions and are eligible for public sale only if registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, including the exemptions provided by Rule 144 or Rule 701, which rules are summarized below.

Lock-Up Agreements

In connection with this offering, we, our sponsors, our directors, our executive officers and selling stockholders, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any shares of our equity interests or securities convertible into or exchangeable for our equity interests during the period from the date of the lock-up agreement continuing through the date 75 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS Securities LLC.

Following the lock-up periods set forth in the agreements described above, and assuming that the representatives of the underwriters do not release any parties from these agreements, all of the our equity interests that are restricted securities or are held by our affiliates as of the date of this prospectus will be eligible for sale in the public market in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, because we have been subject to the public company reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, a person (or persons whose shares are required to be aggregated) who is not deemed to have been one of our “affiliates” for purposes of Rule 144 at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our “affiliates,” is entitled to sell those shares in the public market (subject to the lock-up agreement referred to above, if applicable) without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitations or notice provisions of Rule 144, but subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than “affiliates,” then such person is entitled to sell such shares in the public market without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144 (subject to the lock-up agreement referred to above, if applicable). In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, because we have been subject to the public company reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, our “affiliates,” as defined in Rule 144, who have beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months are entitled to sell in the public market, upon expiration of any applicable lock-up agreements and within any three-month period, a number of those shares of our equity interests that does not exceed the greater of:

• 1% of the number of equity interests then outstanding, which will equal approximately 285,961 shares of equity interests immediately after this offering and the repurchase (calculated on the basis of the assumptions described above and assuming no exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares and no exercise of outstanding options or warrants); or

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• the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale.

Such sales under Rule 144 by our “affiliates” or persons selling shares on behalf of our “affiliates” are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us. Notwithstanding the availability of Rule 144, certain holders have entered into lock-up agreements as referenced above and their restricted securities will become eligible for sale (subject to the above limitations under Rule 144) upon the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements.

Rule 701

In general, under Rule 701 as currently in effect, any of our employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors who acquired common stock from us in connection with a written compensatory stock or option plan or other written agreement in compliance with Rule 701 under the Securities Act before we became a public company (to the extent such common stock is not subject to a lock-up agreement) is entitled to rely on Rule 701 to resell such shares beginning 90 days after we became subject to the public company reporting requirements of the Exchange Act in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with the holding period requirements contained in Rule 144. Accordingly, subject to any applicable lock-up agreements, under Rule 701 persons who are not our “affiliates,” as defined in Rule 144, may resell those shares without complying with the minimum holding period or public information requirements of Rule 144, and persons who are our “affiliates” may resell those shares without compliance with Rule 144’s minimum holding period requirements (subject to the terms of the lock-up agreements, if applicable).

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following discussion describes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences associated with the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our Class A common stock, which we refer to in this prospectus as our “common stock.” This discussion deals only with beneficial owners of shares of our common stock that purchase the shares in this offering and will hold shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (generally, property held for investment). Because this section is a general summary, it does not address all aspects of taxation that may be relevant to particular shareholders in light of their personal investment or tax circumstances, or to certain types of shareholders that are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to, brokers or dealers in securities, banks or other financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, persons holding common stock as a part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, persons liable for alternative minimum tax, U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar, entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or investors in such entities, persons who acquired our common stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services, U.S. expatriates, “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code.

This discussion is based upon the provisions of the Code, the existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as of the date hereof, and such authorities may be repealed, revoked, modified or subject to differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. This discussion does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences, or any U.S. federal tax consequences other than U.S. federal income tax consequences.

If a partnership or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership purchasing our common stock, are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors.

THIS SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM (INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS) OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK.

Consequences to U.S. Holders

The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to a U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock. A “U.S. Holder” of shares of our common stock means a beneficial owner of shares of common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

• an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

• a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation) created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

• an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

• a trust if it is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Dividends. If a U.S. Holder receives a distribution in respect of shares of our common stock, it generally will be treated as a dividend to the extent that it is paid from current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. A distribution that exceeds current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital reducing a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common stock and any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain.

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Under current law, dividend income may be taxed to an individual U.S. Holder at rates applicable to long term capital gains, provided that a minimum holding period and other limitations and requirements are satisfied. Any dividends that we pay to a U.S. Holder that is a U.S. corporation will qualify for a deduction allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations equal to a portion of any dividends received, subject to generally applicable limitations on that deduction. In general, a dividend distribution to a corporate U.S. Holder may qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction if the U.S. Holder owns less than 20% of the voting power and value of our stock. U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the holding period and other requirements that must be satisfied in order to qualify for the reduced tax rate on dividends and the dividends-received deduction.

Sale, Exchange, or Other Disposition of Common Stock. A U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock. The amount of gain or loss will equal the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the tax basis of such U.S. Holder in the disposed common stock. The amount realized will include the amount of any cash and the fair market value of any other property received in exchange for the stock. The gain or loss recognized on a sale will be long-term capital gain or loss if the common stock had been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders are generally taxed at lower rates than those applicable to ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

Medicare Contribution Tax. U.S. Holders who are individuals, estates or certain trusts are required to pay a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. person’s “net investment income” in the case of an individual, or undistributed “net investment income” in the case of an estate or trust, in each case for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. person’s modified adjusted gross income in the case of an individual, or adjusted gross income in the case of an estate or trust, in each case for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and $250,000 depending on the individual’s circumstances). Net investment income generally includes, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, unless such dividend income or gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). A U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust is encouraged to consult its tax advisor regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in our common stock.

As discussed above under “Consequences to U.S. Holders—Medicare Contribution Tax,” there is a 3.8% tax on the “net investment income” of certain U.S. Holders that are individuals, trusts or estates. It is unclear whether this tax will also apply to Non-U.S. Investors that are estates or trusts that have one or more U.S. beneficiaries. Such Non-U.S. Investors and their beneficiaries should consult their own tax advisors.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. U.S. Treasury regulations require information reporting and backup withholding on certain payments on common stock or on the sale thereof. When required, we will report to the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and to each U.S. Holder the amounts paid on or with respect to our common stock and the U.S. federal withholding tax, if any, withheld from such payments. A U.S. Holder will be subject to backup withholding on the dividends paid on the common stock and proceeds from the sale of the common stock at the applicable rate if the U.S. Holder (a) fails to provide us or our paying agent with a correct taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status (such as a certification of corporate status), (b) has been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding as a result of the failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, or (c) in certain circumstances, has failed to certify under penalty of perjury that it is not subject to backup withholding. A U.S. Holder may be eligible for an exemption from backup withholding by providing a properly completed IRS Form W-9 to us or our paying agent.

Backup withholding does not represent an additional U.S. federal income tax. Any amounts withheld from a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund, provided that the required information or returns are timely furnished by the holder to the IRS.

Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to a Non-U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock. A “Non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of common stock (other than an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder.

Dividends. Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder, if any, generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. A Non-U.S. Holder wishing to claim the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty for dividends will be required to complete IRS Form W-8BEN (or other applicable

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forms) and certify under penalties of perjury that such Non-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person and is entitled to the benefits of the applicable income tax treaty.

Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that are effectively connected with such Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States or, if certain treaties apply, are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment, are not subject to the withholding tax but instead are subject to regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as a U.S. Holder. Special certification and disclosure requirements, including the completion of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor form), must be satisfied for effectively connected dividends to be exempt from withholding. In addition, a non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty on any effectively connected dividends received by such non-U.S. Holder. In order to claim the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty, special certifications and other requirements may apply to certain Non-U.S. Holders that are entities rather than individuals.

If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, such Non-U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Stock. A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock unless:

• the gain is effectively connected with such Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States, or, if certain income tax treaties apply, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment;

• an individual Non-U.S. Holder holds shares of our common stock, is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale, exchange or other disposition and certain other conditions are met; or

• our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest by reason of our status as a “U.S. real property holding corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or such Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period of our common stock.

We believe that we are not currently and will not become a U.S. real property holding corporation. However, because the determination of whether we are a U.S. real property holding corporation depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property assets relative to the fair market value of our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we will not become a U.S. real property holding corporation in the future. Even if we become a U.S. real property holding corporation, however, as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, such common stock will be treated as an interest in a U.S. real property holding corporation only if a Non-U.S. Holder actually or constructively holds more than 5% of our regularly traded common stock at any time during the applicable period as specified in the Code.

An individual Non-U.S. Holder described in the first bullet above will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. Holder.

A foreign corporation Non-U.S. Holder described in the first bullet above will be subject to tax on the net gain under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as a U.S. Holder and, in addition, may be subject to the branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or at such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

A Non-U.S. Holder described in the second bullet above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses (even though such Non-U.S. Holder is not considered a resident of the United States). A Non-U.S. Holder that is an individual and eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty between the United States and such Non-U.S. Holder’s country of residence will be subject to United States federal income tax on the disposition of shares of our common stock in the manner specified by the treaty and generally will only be subject to such tax if the gain on such disposition is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States and the Non-U.S. Holder claims the benefit of the treaty by properly submitting an IRS Form W-8BEN (or suitable successor or substitute form).

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. In general, we must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the U.S. federal withholding tax withheld with respect to those dividends, regardless of whether withholding is reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. Copies of this information reporting may also be made available under the provisions of a specific tax treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established.

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U.S. backup withholding tax is imposed on certain dividend payments to Non-U.S. Holders that fail to furnish the information required under the U.S. information reporting requirements. Dividends on common stock paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will generally be exempt from backup withholding, provided the Non-U.S. Holder meets applicable certification requirements, including providing a correct and properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN, or otherwise establishes an exemption.

Information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a sale of our common stock within the United States or conducted through certain United States-related financial intermediaries, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a Non-U.S. Holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person as defined under the Code), or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption.

Backup withholding does not represent an additional U.S. federal income tax. Any amounts withheld from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund, provided that the required information or returns are timely furnished by the holder to the IRS.

Foreign Account Legislation

Certain provisions of the Code, which will be phased in beginning after June 30, 2014, generally will impose a withholding tax of 30% on any dividends on our common stock paid to certain foreign financial institutions, unless (i) such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to, among other things, collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) (ii) the government of the applicable institution's jurisdiction has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the United States with respect to the foreign account tax compliance act (an "IGA"_ and the institution registers with the IRS and complies with the terms of the IGS or (iii) another exception applies. The legislation will also generally impose a withholding tax of 30% on any dividends on our common stock paid to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with either certification that such entity does not have any substantial U.S. owners or identification of the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity. Finally, beginning on January 1, 2017, withholding of 30% also generally will apply to the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid to a foreign financial institution or to a non-financial foreign entity unless the reporting and certification requirements described above have been met or another exception applies. Under certain circumstances, a Non-U.S. Holder of our common stock may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation on their investment in our common stock.

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UNDERWRITING

Under the terms and subject to the conditions in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the underwriters named below, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS Securities LLC are acting as representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to them, severally, the number of shares indicated below:

Name	Number of Shares
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
UBS Securities LLC
Jefferies LLC
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
Piper Jaffray & Co
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
Total

The underwriters and the representatives are collectively referred to as the “underwriters” and the “representatives,” respectively. The underwriters are offering the shares of common stock subject to their acceptance of the shares from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for the shares covered by the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares described below. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased, or, in the case of a default with respect to the shares covered by the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares described below, the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the shares of common stock directly to the public at the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $ per share under the public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares of common stock, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

The selling stockholders have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to additional shares of common stock at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase the same percentage of the additional shares of common stock as the number listed next to the underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares of common stock listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table. The option may be exercised only to cover any over-allotments of shares of common stock.

The following tables show the per share and total public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions, and proceeds before expenses to us and the selling stockholders. These amounts to the selling stockholders are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to an additional  shares of common stock from the selling stockholders.

		Total
	Per Share	No Exercise	Full Exercise
Public offering price	$	$	$
Underwriting discounts and commissions	$	$	$
Proceeds, before expenses to us	$	$	$

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The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of the underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately $ . We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses, up to $ , as set forth in the underwriting agreement.

The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed 5% of the total number of shares of common stock offered by them.

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol NDLS.

We, our sponsors, all directors and executive officers and the selling stockholders, have agreed that, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS Securities LLC on behalf of the underwriters, and subject to certain exceptions, we and they will not, during the period ending 75 days after the date of this prospectus (or such earlier date or dates as agreed between us and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS Securities LLC):

• offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock beneficially owned or any other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock;

• file any registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the offering of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock; or

• enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common stock;

whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. In addition, we and each such person agrees that, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS Securities LLC on behalf of the underwriters, we or such other person will not, during the restricted period, make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock.

The restrictions described in the immediately preceding paragraph do not apply to:

• the sale of shares to the underwriters;

• the issuance by us of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this prospectus of which the underwriters have been advised in writing;

• the sale or issuance of shares in connection with bona fide mergers or acquisitions, joint ventures, commercial relationships or other strategic transactions; provided that the aggregate number of such shares shall not exceed 5% of the total number of our issued and outstanding common stock;

• the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, for the transfer of shares of common stock, provided that such plan does not provide for the transfer of common stock during the restricted period and no public announcement or filing under the Exchange Act regarding the establishment of such plan shall be required or shall be voluntarily made;

• transfers of shares of common stock as a bona fide gift or charitable contribution, by will or intestacy or to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the holder or the immediate family of the holder;

• distributions of shares of common stock to beneficiaries or affiliates, including limited partners, members or stockholders of the holder;

• transactions relating to shares of common stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of this offering, provided, that no filing under the Exchange Act (other than a filing on Form 5, Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G (or 13D/A or 13G/A) made after the expiration of 180 day period) will be required or voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of common stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions; or

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• transfers in connection with a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or similar transaction that results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property;

provided, that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to the fourth and fifth bullets above, it will be a condition of transfer or distribution, as the case may be, that each transferee, donee and distributee shall enter into a written agreement accepting the restrictions set forth in the preceding paragraph as if it were a selling shareholder and no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of common stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in respect of the transfer or distribution during the restricted period.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS Securities LLC may, in their sole discretion and at any time or from time to time before the termination of the 75 day period, without public notice, release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreements.

In order to facilitate the offering of the common stock, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters under the option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the option to purchase additional shares, creating a naked short position. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. As an additional means of facilitating this offering, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of common stock in the open market to stabilize the price of the common stock. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the common stock above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the common stock. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

We, the selling stockholders, and the several underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The representative may agree to allocate a number of shares of common stock to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representative to underwriters that may make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

Selling Restrictions

European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”) an offer to the public of any shares of our common stock may not be made in that Relevant Member State, except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any shares of our common stock may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if they have been implemented in that Relevant Member State:

(a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

(b) to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or

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(c) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of shares of our common stock shall result in a requirement for the publication by us or any underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares of our common stock in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares of our common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any shares of our common stock, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State, and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

United Kingdom

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

(a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, or FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the shares of our common stock in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us; and

(b) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares of our common stock in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

Hong Kong

The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.

Japan

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or

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indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

Switzerland

This prospectus does not constitute an issue prospectus pursuant to Article 652a or Article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (“CO”) and the shares will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Therefore, this prospectus may not comply with the disclosure standards of the CO and/or the listing rules (including any prospectus schemes) of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Accordingly, the shares may not be offered to the public in or from Switzerland, but only to a selected and limited circle of investors, which do not subscribe to the shares with a view to distribution.

Australia

No prospectus or other disclosure document (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) of Australia (“Corporations Act”)) in relation to the common stock has been or will be lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (“ASIC”). This document has not been lodged with ASIC and is only directed to certain categories of exempt persons. Accordingly, if you receive this document in Australia:

• you confirm and warrant that you are either:

• a "sophisticated investor" under section 708(8)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act;

• a "sophisticated investor" under section 708(8)(c) or (d) of the Corporations Act and that you have provided an accountant's certificate to us which complies with the requirements of section 708(8)(c)(i) or (ii) of the Corporations Act and related regulations before the offer has been made;

• a person associated with the company under section 708(12) of the Corporations Act; or

• a "professional investor" within the meaning of section 708(11)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act, and to the extent that you are unable to confirm or warrant that you are an exempt sophisticated investor, associated person or professional investor under the Corporations Act any offer made to you under this document is void and incapable of acceptance; and

• you warrant and agree that you will not offer any of the common stock for resale in Australia within 12 months of that common stock being issued unless any such resale offer is exempt from the requirement to issue a disclosure document under section 708 of the Corporations Act.

Korea

The common stock may not be offered, sold and delivered directly or indirectly, or offered or sold to any person for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Korea or to any resident of Korea except pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of Korea, including the Korea Securities and Exchange Act and the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law and the decrees and regulations thereunder. The common stock has not been registered with the Financial Services Commission of Korea for public offering in Korea. Furthermore, the common stock may not be resold to Korean residents unless the purchaser of the common stock complies with all applicable regulatory requirements (including but not limited to government approval requirements under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law and its subordinate decrees and regulations) in connection with the purchase of the common stock.

Dubai International Finance Centre

This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Markets Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to Professional Clients who are not natural persons. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The Dubai Financial Services Authority has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The Dubai Financial Services Authority has not approved this document nor taken steps to verify the information set out in it, and has no responsibility for it. The Securities to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the Securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the Securities. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorized financial adviser.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, New York, New York.

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EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of the Company at January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, and for the fiscal years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010, appearing in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the common stock. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, some items of which are contained in exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement, including the exhibits and the consolidated financial statements and notes filed as a part of the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. If a contract or document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see the copy of the contract or document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit. The exhibits to the registration statement should be reviewed for the complete contents of these contracts and documents. A copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits and the financial statements and notes filed as a part of the registration statement, may be inspected without charge at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of all or any part of the registration statement may be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of fees prescribed by it. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the operation of the public reference facilities. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies that file electronically with it.

We are subject to the information and periodic and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith, we file periodic and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The registration statement, such periodic and current reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such materials, including copies of all or any portion of the registration statement, can be obtained from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at prescribed rates. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Such materials may also be accessed electronically by means of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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Noodles & Company

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010	F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-8

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Noodles & Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Noodles & Company (the Company) as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 1, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Noodles & Company as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 1, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Denver, Colorado

March 22, 2013, except

for Note 17, as to which the date is June 26, 2013

and except to which Note 1, as to which is date is

November 18, 2013

F-2

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

	January 1, 2013			January 3, 2012
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	581		$	523
Accounts receivable	4,566			3,413
Inventories	6,042			4,595
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,970			3,332
Income tax receivable	995			1,016
Total current assets	16,154			12,879
Property and equipment, net	136,287			103,831
Deferred tax assets, net	2,791			5,496
Other assets, net	1,763			4,119
Total long-term assets	140,841			113,446
Total assets	$	156,995		$	126,325
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	9,393		$	6,900
Accrued payroll and benefits	5,345			6,198
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	7,249			5,846
Current deferred tax liabilities	1,023			863
Current portion of long-term debt	750			750
Total current liabilities	23,760			20,557
Long-term debt	93,731			77,523
Deferred rent	23,013			18,644
Other long-term liabilities	2,483			2,078
Total liabilities	142,987			118,802
Temporary equity
Common stock subject to put options—296,828 shares as of 2012 and 2011	3,601			2,572
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock—$0.01 par value, authorized 2,885,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock—$0.01 par value, authorized 34,043,001 shares; 23,238,984 issued and outstanding as of 2012 and 2011	232			232
Additional paid-in capital	7,585			6,291
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(24		)	(52		)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	2,614			(1,520		)
Total stockholders' equity	10,407			4,951
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	156,995		$	126,325

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

	Fiscal Year Ended
	January 1, 2013		January 3, 2012		December 28, 2010
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$	297,264	$	253,467	$	218,560
Franchise royalties and fees	3,146		2,599		2,272
Total revenue	300,410		256,066		220,832
Costs and expenses:
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	78,997		66,419		56,869
Labor	89,435		75,472		64,942
Occupancy	29,323		25,208		21,650
Other restaurant operating costs	36,380		32,031		27,403
General and administrative	29,081		26,463		27,302
Depreciation and amortization	16,719		14,501		13,932
Pre-opening	3,145		2,327		2,088
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	1,278		1,629		2,815
Total costs and expenses	284,358		244,050		217,001
Income from operations	16,052		12,016		3,831
Debt extinguishment expense	2,646		275		—
Interest expense	5,028		6,132		1,819
Income before income taxes	8,378		5,609		2,012
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,215		1,780		(366		)
Net income	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378
Earnings per Class A and Class B common stock, combined
Basic	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.10
Diluted	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.09
Weighted average Class A and Class B common stock outstanding, combined
Basic	23,238,984		23,237,698		24,386,059
Diluted	23,265,542		23,237,698		25,226,989

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

	Fiscal Year Ended
	January 1, 2013			January 3, 2012			December 28, 2010
Net income	$	5,163		$	3,829		$	2,378
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cash flow hedges:
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	(186		)	(209		)	(560		)
Reclassification of loss to net income	382			434			754
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges	196			225			194
Provision for income tax on cash flow hedges	(168		)	(3		)	(74		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	28			222			120
Comprehensive income	$	5,191		$	4,051		$	2,498

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Statements of Equity

(in thousands, except share data)

	Series A Preferred Stock				Common Stock(1)					Treasury					Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Total Stockholders' Equity			Temporary Equity
	Shares		Amount		Shares		Amount			Shares		Amount
Balance—December 29, 2009	5,898,709		$	—	24,462,846		$	—		11,897,375		$	(67,513	)	$	104,184		$	(394	)	$	(7,727	)	$	28,550		$	—
Exercise of stock options	—		—		59,990		—			—		—			147			—			—			147			—
Stock-based compensation expenses	—		—		—		—			—		—			1,987			—			—			1,987			—
Equity recapitalization—Preferred shares converted to common	(5,898,709	)	—		11,797,418		—			—		—			—			—			—			—			—
Cancellation of outstanding treasury stock	—		—		(11,897,375	)	—			(11,897,375	)	67,513			(67,513		)	—			—			—			—
Conversion of outstanding common stock into the right to receive cash, net of rollover equity	—		—		(22,491,822	)	19			—		—			(194,849		)	—			—			(194,830		)	—
Accelerated vesting of unvested outstanding stock options	—		—		—		—			—		—			3,706			—			—			3,706			—
Cash settlement of outstanding options, net of rollover equity	—		—		418,711		4			—		—			(16,445		)	—			—			(16,441		)	2,572
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses	—		—		20,887,401		209		(2)	—		—			173,680			—			—			173,889			—
Net income	—		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			2,378			2,378			—
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, net of tax	—		—		—		—			—		—			—			120			—			120			—
Balance—December 28, 2010	—		—		23,237,169		232		(3)	—		—			4,897			(274		)	(5,349		)	(494		)	2,572
Exercise of stock options	—		—		1,815		—			—		—			16			—			—			16			—
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options	—		—		—		—			—		—			109			—			—			109			—
Stock-based compensation expenses	—		—		—		—			—		—			1,402			—			—			1,402			—
2010 Merger-transaction expenses	—		—		—		—			—		—			(133		)	—			—			(133		)	—
Net income	—		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			3,829			3,829			—
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, net of tax	—		—		—		—			—		—			—			222			—			222			—
Balance—January 3, 2012	—		—		23,238,984		232		(3)	—		—			6,291			(52		)	(1,520		)	4,951			2,572
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options	—		—		—		—			—		—			27			—			—			27			—
Stock-based compensation expenses	—		—		—		—			—		—			1,315			—			—			1,315			—
2010 Merger-transaction expenses	—		—		—		—			—		—			(48		)	—			—			(48		)	—
Temporary equity related to put options	—		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			(1,029		)	(1,029		)	1,029
Net income	—		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			5,163			5,163			—
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, net of tax	—		—		—		—			—		—			—			28			—			28			—
Balance—January 1, 2013	—		$	—	23,238,984		$	232	(3)	—		$	—		$	7,585		$	(24	)	$	2,614		$	10,407		$	3,601

_____________________

(1) Unless otherwise noted, activity relates to Class A common stock

(2) Represents issuance of 14,594,760 shares of Class A common stock, 6,292,640 shares of Class B common stock and one share of Class C common stock

(3) Includes 6,292,640 shares of Class B common stock and one share of Class C common stock

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

	Fiscal Year Ended
	January 1, 2013			January 3, 2012			December 28, 2010
Operating activities
Net income	$	5,163		$	3,829		$	2,378
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,719			14,501			13,932
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	2,607			1,520			(419		)
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation	(27		)	(109		)	—
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	1,278			1,629			2,815
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt
extinguishment expense	3,227			1,013			155
Stock-based compensation	1,234			1,327			5,610
Other noncash	(341		)	892			(250		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and income tax receivable	(1,104		)	274			(2,384		)
Inventories	(1,447		)	(680		)	(572		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(644		)	(63		)	(743		)
Accounts payable	(155		)	80			270
Deferred rent	4,369			2,290			2,973
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,190			1,419			840
Net cash provided by operating activities	32,069			27,922			24,605
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(47,384		)	(30,047		)	(26,933		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(47,384		)	(30,047		)	(26,933		)
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuances of notes payable	105,697			111,771			57,624
Payments on notes payable	(89,549		)	(65,498		)	(59,462		)
(Payments on) proceeds from bridge financing	—			(45,977		)	45,000
Debt issuance costs	(754		)	(4,226		)	—
Change in restricted cash related to equity recapitalization	—			189,388			(189,388		)
Change in shareholder escrow-equity recapitalization	—			(189,502		)	(5,484		)
Cash settlement of outstanding options, net	—			—			(7,264		)
Payment of payroll taxes associated with equity recapitalization	—			(6,602		)	—
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses	(48		)	(133		)	174,042
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	—			16			147
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation	27			109			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	15,373			(10,654		)	15,215
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	58			(12,779		)	12,887
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year	523			13,302			415
End of year	$	581		$	523		$	13,302

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Noodles & Company (the "Company" or "Noodles & Company"), a Delaware corporation, develops and operates fast casual restaurants that serve globally inspired noodle and pasta dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches. As of January 1, 2013, there were 276 company-owned restaurants and 51 franchise restaurants in 25 states and the District of Columbia. The Company operates its business as one operating and reportable segment.

In December 2010, Catterton Partners ("Catterton") and Argentia Private Investments Inc. ("Argentia") completed an equity recapitalization to purchase approximately 90% of the Company's equity interests. See Note 2, Equity Recapitalization.

All share and per share data, including options, have been retroactively adjusted in the accompanying financial statements to reflect a reverse stock split. See Note 17, Subsequent Events.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noodles & Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal years 2012 and 2010, which ended on January 1, 2013 and December 28, 2010, respectively, each contained 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on January 3, 2012, contained 53 weeks.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Error Correction

The Company's consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 included in its previously issued consolidated financial statements excluded temporary equity of $3.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The related consolidated statements of equity overstated additional paid in capital by $2.6 million in each of the years presented and overstated retained earnings by $1.0 million for the year ended January 1, 2013. Accordingly the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 and the consolidated statements of equity for the years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010 have been revised to correct this error. Temporary equity represents the fair market value of 296,828 outstanding shares subject to put options that can be exercised in circumstances outside the Company's control. See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies.

Reclassifications

During 2013, the Company changed the manner in which it reports marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements in all periods presented. In the accompanying consolidated statements of income for 2012, 2011 and 2010, $2.9 million, $2.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, have been reclassified from restaurant operating costs to general and administrative expense. The change has no impact on income from operations.

F-8

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

1. Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investment instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are converted to cash shortly after the related sales transaction and considered to be cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature. Amounts receivable from credit card processors and considered cash equivalents as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 were $2.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and were offset on the consolidated balance sheets by payments processed by the Company, but not yet redeemed by the payee. Book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of cash and cash equivalents, are recorded with accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and within operating activities in the accompanying statements of cash flows.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist primarily of tenant improvement receivables and vendor rebates receivable, as well as amounts due from franchisees and other miscellaneous receivables. The Company believes all amounts to be collectible. Accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded as of January 1, 2013 or January 3, 2012.

Inventories

Inventories consist of food, beverages, supplies, and smallwares, and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Smallwares inventory, which consist of the plates, silverware, and cooking utensils used in the restaurants, are frequently replaced and are considered current assets. Replacement costs of smallwares inventory are recorded as other restaurant operating costs and are expensed as incurred. As of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, smallwares inventory of $3.8 million and $3.0 million was included on the consolidated balance sheets.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while expenditures for minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the accounts are relieved of cost and accumulated depreciation and the related gain or loss is reflected in earnings. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term, which generally includes option periods that are reasonably assured to be exercised. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, was $16.7 million in 2012, $14.5 million in 2011 and $13.9 million in 2010.

The estimated useful lives for property and equipment are:

Property and Equipment	Estimated Useful Lives
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life, not to exceed 20 years
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 15 years
Equipment	3 to 7 years

The Company capitalizes internal payroll and payroll related costs directly related to the successful acquisition, development, design and construction of its new restaurants. Capitalized internal costs were $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest incurred on funds used to construct company-owned restaurants is capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Capitalized interest totaled $0.3 million in 2012 and 2011 and $0.1 million in 2010.

Other Assets

Other assets consist primarily of unamortized debt issuance costs, long term deposits, trademark rights and transferable liquor licenses. Direct costs incurred for the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the term of the debt. During 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred debt issuance costs related to an amendment of its credit facility in 2012 and its financing in 2011. See Note 4, Borrowings.

F-9

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

1. Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Net debt issuance costs of $1.0 million and $3.5 million are recorded in other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, respectively. In conjunction with the 2012 amendment of its credit facility, the Company wrote off $2.6 million of debt issuance costs, net of $0.8 million of accumulated amortization. The Company wrote off $0.3 million of debt issuance costs in 2011, net of $0.9 million of accumulated amortization, related to the new credit facility entered into during 2011. Trademark rights are amortized over their estimated useful life of 20 years. Transferable liquor licenses are carried at the lower of fair value or cost. The estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets as of January 1, 2013 is $8,000 in each of the next five years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Identifiable cash flows are measured at the lowest level for which they are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities, generally at the restaurant level. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, which is based on discounted future cash flows. Estimates of future cash flows are based on the Company's experience and knowledge of local operations. The Company recorded impairment charges of certain long-lived assets of $0.1 million, $0.7 million and $2.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which are included in asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments in the consolidated statements of income. Fair value of the restaurants was determined using Level 3 inputs (as described in Note 6, Fair Value Measures) based on a discounted cash flows method at a market level through the estimated date of closure.

Self-Insurance Programs

The Company self-insures for health, workers' compensation, general liability and property damage. Predetermined loss limits have been arranged with insurance companies to limit the Company's per occurrence cash outlay. Estimated costs to settle reported claims and incurred but unreported claims for health and workers' compensation self-insured plans are recorded in accrued payroll and benefits and for general liability and property damage in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company's cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. Credit card transactions at the Company's restaurants are processed by one service provider. Concentration of credit risk related to accounts receivable are limited, as the Company's receivables are primarily amounts due from landlords for the reimbursement of tenant improvements and the Company generally has the right to offset rent due for tenant improvement receivables.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue consists of sales from restaurant operations and franchise royalties and fees. Revenue from the operation of company-owned restaurants are recognized when sales occur. The Company reports revenue net of sales and use taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental taxing authorities.

The Company sells gift cards which do not have an expiration date, and it does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer or the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote ("gift card breakage"). The determination of the gift card breakage rate is based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns. The Company has determined that approximately 6% of gift cards will not be redeemed, which is recognized ratably over the estimated redemption period of the gift card, approximately 18 months. The Company recognized gift card breakage of $0.2 million in 2012 and $0.1 million in 2011 and 2010, in restaurant revenue.

Royalties from franchise restaurants are based on a percentage of restaurant revenues and are recognized in the period the related franchised restaurants' sales occur. Development fees and franchise fees, portions of which are collected in advance, are nonrefundable and are recognized in income when all material services or conditions relating to the sale of the franchise have been substantially performed or satisfied by the Company. Both franchise fees and development fees will generally be recognized upon the opening of a franchise restaurant or upon termination of the agreement(s) between the Company and the franchisee.

F-10

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

1. Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

As of January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012, and December 28, 2010, there were 51, 45, and 43 franchise restaurants in operation. Franchisees opened six, two and no restaurants in 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs, including rent, wages, benefits and travel for the training and opening teams, food, beverage, and other restaurant operating costs, are expensed as incurred prior to a restaurant opening for business.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and aggregated $2.8 million, $2.3 million and $2.1 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These costs are included in restaurant operating costs, general and administrative expenses and pre-opening costs based on the nature of the advertising and marketing costs incurred.

Rent

Rent expense for the Company's leases, which generally have escalating rentals over the term of the lease, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term includes renewal options which are reasonably assured of being exercised and begins when the Company has control and possession of the leased property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the lease. The difference between the rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent in the consolidated balance sheets. Rent expense for the period prior to the restaurant opening is reported in pre-opening costs in the consolidated statements of income. Tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recorded in deferred rent and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. Certain leases contain rental provisions based on the sales of the underlying restaurants; the Company has determined that the amount of these provisions is immaterial.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Provision (benefit) for income taxes is accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those deferred amounts are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company's policy is to recognize interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes in interest expense and any related statutory penalties in provision (benefit) for income taxes in the consolidated statement of income.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of the net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting stockholders' equity that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income (loss), presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for 2012 and 2011, consists of the unrealized income (loss), net of tax, on the Company's cash flow hedges. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments.

Stock Compensation Expense

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation using fair value measurement guidance for all share-based payments, including stock options and warrants. For option awards, expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards on the date of grant determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Warrants are valued using the fair value of the common stock as of the measurement date. See Note 10, Stock-Based Compensation.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") are calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying stock options and restricted stock. Diluted EPS considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. Convertible preferred stock is considered converted to common. See Note 11, Earnings Per Share.

F-11

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

1. Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," which revises the manner in which companies present comprehensive income. Under ASU 2011-05, companies may present comprehensive income, which is net income adjusted for components of other comprehensive income, either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-05 during 2012 and elected to present comprehensive income in the statements of comprehensive income. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")." This pronouncement was issued to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between US GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. This pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 on January 4, 2012 increased the Company's fair value disclosure requirements but did not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

2. Equity Recapitalization

On December 27, 2010, the Company completed an equity recapitalization through a merger with a newly organized Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub"), which was 100% indirectly owned by Catterton and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board ("PSPIB"), a Canadian Crown corporation, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 26, 2010 ("Merger Agreement"). The Company was the surviving entity of the recapitalization. The Company received $181.0 million from Catterton and Argentia and paid $7.0 million in transaction expenses. Total consideration paid for the outstanding shares was $211.7 million, of which $16.7 million was settled in rollover shares and the remainder was paid in cash in 2010 and 2011.

In connection with the Merger, the following equity transactions were completed:

• The Series A preferred stock and Class A common stock was converted on a 3.4 for 1 basis;

• All outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock (5,898,709 shares or 11,797,418 as converted to common on a 2 for 1 basis at the option of the holder) and Class A common stock (12,625,462 outstanding, 11,897,375 held in treasury) were cancelled. Outstanding shares were converted to the right to receive cash consideration of $8.67 or the equivalent equity interest in the surviving entity ("rollover shares");

• Outstanding stock options with an intrinsic value of $17,494,531 were cancelled in exchange for payments in cash or equity in the surviving entity. The intrinsic value was calculated as the fair market value in excess of exercise price at the time of settlement;

• Holders of shares immediately prior to the merger elected to retain $16.7 million in equity interests, or 1,931,058 shares of Class A common stock;

• Certain members of the Company's management team were issued $3.6 million in equity interests, or 418,711 shares of Class A common stock ("rollover shares");

• Catterton was issued 10,501,400 shares of Class A common stock in exchange for $91.0 million in cash, which was used to pay the cash portion of merger consideration to shareholders and holders of outstanding stock options;

• Argentia received 4,093,360 shares of Class A common stock, 6,292,640 shares of Class B common stock, and 1 share of Class C common stock in exchange for $90.0 million, which was also used to pay selling shareholders and holders of outstanding stock options. Class B and Class C common stock is nonvoting.

F-12

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2. Equity Recapitalization (Continued)

Catterton and Argentia also made a bridge loan to the Company. See Note 4, Borrowings. Following the equity recapitalization, Catterton and Argentia owned 90% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock, while the management team and other shareholders owned the remaining 10%.

The Company completed the following analysis in connection with the Equity Recapitalization that occurred at the end of fiscal year 2010:

• A transitory entity was used to effect the transaction, and the Company evaluated whether this entity was a substantive entity. The Company concluded that it was not substantive since it did not participate in any significant pre-combination activities and did not survive the transaction (it was subsumed into Noodles & Company). These facts led the Company to conclude that the transitory entity was not an accounting acquirer and the transaction was not deemed to be a business combination under ASC 805;

• The Company then considered whether any investor obtained control of Noodles & Company but concluded that following the transaction it was not substantially wholly owned. Catterton held shares of Class A common stock representing an approximate 45% economic interest in the Company and Argentia held shares of common stock also representing an approximate 45% economic interest in the Company. However, Argentia held shares of both Class A common stock, with voting rights, and nonvoting Class B common stock, so Catterton held shares representing an approximate 62% voting interest while Argentia held shares representing an approximate 24% voting interest. The rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except that the Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors unless converted on a share-for-share basis into Class A common stock. The Company's articles of incorporation, upon consummation of the transaction, contained 19 specific items that require at least 75% of the voting shares (Class A common stock and Class B common stock voting as one group). These specific items include substantive participating rights, such as: to approve/amend the Company's five year plan, appoint or remove the Company's independent auditors and enter into a merger transaction or initiate an IPO. The Company, therefore, determined that these voting rights prevent control by Catterton. These facts led the Company to conclude that although a change of control had occurred, the Company had not become substantially wholly owned by Catterton and thus business combination accounting treatment under ASC 805 was not required;

• For purposes of assessing whether the guidance on push-down accounting should be applied, the Company evaluated whether the new investors and any rollover investors constitute a collaborative group under the SEC's guidance in ASC 805-50-S99 and concluded that the new investors and management are a collaborative group. The Company determined that Catterton, Argentia, current Company management and one board member would all be considered part of the surviving collaborative group as they came together to mutually promote and subsequently collaborate as one investor and control Noodles & Company. The remaining investors, all of whom were rollover shareholders, were not solicited to participate in the investment, since they were already shareholders. The Company's management, and not the non-management rollover shareholders, negotiated the terms of the merger. Additionally, the remaining investors do not participate in the subsequent collaboration and would not be included in the collaborative group. The Company then determined that this collaborative group acquired more than 80% (by vote and economic value) but less than 95% (vote and economic value) ownership of Noodles & Company, thus the Company is permitted (but not required) to reflect a new basis in Noodles & Company's financial statements. The Company elected not to apply push-down accounting, but to treat the transaction as a recapitalization;

• The Company continually monitors the composition of the collaborative group to substantiate the fact that no changes have occurred with respect to the collaborative group (or the related ownership or voting percentages) since the recapitalization transaction, that would require push-down accounting to be applied.

F-13

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

3. Supplemental Financial Information (in thousands)

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Prepaid occupancy related costs	$	2,700	$	2,179
Other prepaid expenses	1,191		1,097
Other current assets	79		56
	$	3,970	$	3,332

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following:

	2012			2011
Leasehold improvements	$	139,907		$	113,313
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	77,202			62,472
Construction in progress	7,878			3,227
	224,987			179,012
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(88,700		)	(75,181		)
	$	136,287		$	103,831

Accrued payroll and benefits consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	2,537	$	2,094
Accrued bonus	1,981		3,511
Insurance liabilities	827		593
	$	5,345	$	6,198

Accrued expense and other liabilities consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Gift card liability	$	2,182	$	1,875
Occupancy related	1,264		1,188
Utilities	1,002		870
Accrued interest	484		337
Other accrued expenses	2,317		1,576
	$	7,249	$	5,846

F-14

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

4. Borrowings

Credit Facility

In February 2011, the Company entered into a credit facility to increase its borrowing capacity to $120.0 million, consisting of a $75.0 million senior term loan and a $45.0 million revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit includes a swing line loan of $5.0 million, used to fund the Company's everyday working capital requirements. In August 2012, the credit facility was amended to provide more favorable borrowing rates and extend borrowing capacity through July 2017. The Company had $94.5 million outstanding and $23.1 million available for borrowing under the credit facility as of January 1, 2013.

Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 2.00% to 4.25%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) at the highest of the following rates plus 1.00% to 3.25%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%. Prior to the August 2012 amendment, borrowings under the credit facility bore interest, at the Company's option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 4.00% to 5.00%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) at the highest of the following rates plus 3.00% to 4.00%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The August 2012 amendment eliminated a 1.25% LIBOR floor on all borrowings. The facility includes a commitment fee of 0.50% per year on any unused portion of the facility. The term loan commitment requires quarterly principal payments of $0.2 million through December 2015. The Company also maintains outstanding letters of credit to secure its obligations under its workers' compensation program and certain lease obligations. The letters of credit and quarterly principal payments reduce the amount of future borrowings available under the agreement as amounts borrowed and repaid on the term debt may not be reborrowed and aggregated $1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2013. As of January 1, 2013, the credit facility bore interest from 3.6% to 5.5% per year.

Availability of borrowings under the credit facility is conditioned on the Company's compliance with specified covenants, including a maximum lease-adjusted leverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company is subject to a number of other customary covenants, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, dividend payments and lease commitments. As of January 1, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

The credit facility is secured by a pledge of stock of substantially all subsidiaries of the Company and a lien on substantially all personal property assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.

As required by the Company's amended facility, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements covering a portion of its borrowings under the senior term loan. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments.

Bridge Financing

In connection with the 2010 Equity Recapitalization the Company obtained bridge financing from Catterton and Argentia in the amount of $45.0 million. Such amount was repaid, along with $0.9 million of PIK interest at 12%, in conjunction with the February 2011 debt refinancing.

5. Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The Company uses interest rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. By using these instruments, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. The Company minimizes the credit risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties whose credit rating is evaluated on a quarterly basis. Management has evaluated credit and nonperformance risks as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 and considers the risk of counterparty default to be improbable. Market risk, as it relates to the Company's interest-rate derivatives, is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from changes in interest rates. The Company minimizes market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be taken.

During 2008, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements, with a combined notional amount of $29.0 million. In February 2011, the Company's interest rate swap with a notional amount of $15.0 million matured. The swap had been designated as a cash flow hedge in October 2008 and gains of $0.2 million, $27,000 and $10,000 were recorded in earnings during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, due to ineffectiveness as a result of the fair value of the swap not equaling

F-15

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

5. Derivative Instruments (Continued)

zero at the date of hedge designation. A second interest rate swap on a notional amount of $14.0 million was terminated by the Company in March 2011. The fair value of the interest rate swap on the date of termination was $0.5 million and will be settled in payments on a new interest rate swap with an effective date of April 4, 2011 and a notional amount of $17.5 million. The deferred loss accumulated in other comprehensive income as of the date of termination was amortized over the life of the terminated swap through November 2012, the original term of the terminated swap.

As required by the new credit facility and to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with embedded floors matching that of the hedged portion of its borrowings under the credit facility. The new interest rate swaps became effective on April 4, 2011 and mature April 4, 2013. The swaps were designated as cash flow hedges at inception and were expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during their respective terms. In August 2012, the Company ceased the application of hedge designation on both interest rate swaps as a result of the interest rate floor being removed from the hedged credit facility. Under the terms of the swap agreements, the Company is required to make payments based on a fixed rate of 1.59% calculated on a notional amount of $20.0 million and 3.06% calculated on a notional amount of $17.5 million. The fair value of the $20.0 million swap was zero at designation, while the fair value of the $17.5 million swap was a liability of $0.5 million at designation, which is reflective of the fair value of the previously terminated swap. In exchange, the Company will receive interest on $20.0 million of notional amount at a variable rate based on the greater of 1.25% or one-month LIBOR and will receive interest on a notional amount of $17.5 million at a variable rate based on the greater of 1.25% or one-month LIBOR.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of designated cash flow hedges were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Following termination of hedge designation in August 2012, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps were recorded directly to interest expense. During 2011 and 2012, these derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the Company's applicable credit facilities. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives was calculated using the hypothetical derivative method and recognized directly in earnings. During 2012, the Company recorded $174,000 of hedge ineffectiveness in earnings attributable to the fair value at inception on the $17.5 million notional interest rate swap.

The following table summarizes the fair value and presentation of the interest rate swaps as hedging instruments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

	2012 Fair Value		2011 Fair Value
Deferred revenue and other noncurrent liabilities	$	98	$	473

The following table summarizes the effect of the interest rate swap on the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011		2010
Loss on swap in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax)	$	186	$	209	$	560
Realized loss (pretax) recognized in interest expense	382		434		754

The interest rate swaps are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. As of January 1, 2013, the fair market value of the interest rate swaps is recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. As a result of this activity, accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased by $196,000, or $28,000 net of tax, for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2013. Additionally, the Company reclassified to earnings $202,000 of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the interest rate swap terminated and embedded in a new instrument in April 2011. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the interest rate swaps will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company's variable-rate debt.

6. Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying amounts of borrowings approximate fair value as the line of credit and term borrowings vary with market interest rates and negotiated terms and conditions are consistent with current market rates. Asset impairment charges are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

F-16

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

6. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

Fair Value of Derivatives

All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value as either assets or liabilities. The fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The Company reports its derivative assets or liabilities in other assets, other liabilities, other current assets or accrued expenses as applicable. The accounting for the change in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument depends on its intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation.

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3—Prices or valuation techniques which require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

The Company's cash flow hedges are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including an adjustment for the Company's credit risk. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of January 1, 2013, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents the Company's liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Total derivatives—Level 1	$	—	$	—
Total derivatives—Level 2	98		473
Total derivatives—Level 3	—		—

The Company's temporary equity is measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its stock, which directly impacts the valuation of temporary equity, fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 10, Stock Based Compensation, for further discussion of the significant inputs into the share price valuation.

Fair Value of Temporary Equity

The following table represents the temporary equity measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 and the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the measurements fall (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Level 1	$	—	$	—
Level 2	—		—
Level 3	3,601		2,572

7. Closed Restaurant Reserve

The Company provides for closed property operating lease liabilities using a discount rate to calculate the present value of the remaining non-cancelable lease payments after the closing date, net of estimated subtenant income. Following is a summary of the changes in the liability for closed properties as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 (in thousands).

F-17

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

7. Closed Restaurant Reserve (Continued)

	2012			2011
Closed restaurant reserves, beginning of period	$	515		$	577
Additions—store closing costs incurred, accretion	483			140
Decreases—payments	(210		)	(202		)
Closed restaurant reserves, end of period	$	788		$	515

The current portion of the liability, $0.3 million and $0.2 million as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, respectively, is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and the long-term portion is reported in other noncurrent liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

8. Income Taxes

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011			2010
Current tax provision:
Federal	$	49	$	—		$	47
State	559		260			6
	608		260			53
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal	2,591		1,945			(340		)
State	16		(425		)	(79		)
	2,607		1,520			(419		)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,215	$	1,780		$	(366	)

The reconciliation of income tax provision (benefit) that would result from applying the federal statutory rate to pre-tax income as shown in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012			2011			2010
Federal income expense at federal rate	$	2,848		$	1,907		$	684
State income tax, net of related federal income tax benefit	420			257			8
Permanent items—primarily incentive stock options and cash settlement of options	83			(10		)	(626		)
Foreign rate differential	106			—			—
Change in blended state rate	—			(25		)	—
Other items, net	(242		)	(349		)	(432		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,215		$	1,780		$	(366	)
Effective income tax rate	38.4		%	31.7		%	(18.2		)%

Pre-tax net income in 2012 totaled $8.4 million and included a foreign loss of $0.3 million in 2012.

In 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized tax benefits on option exercises at fair value in excess of those utilized to record stock-based compensation for book purposes, totaling $27,000 and $109,000, respectively, as a credit to additional paid-in capital. The largest portion of the permanent items in 2010 relate to the stock-based compensation expense for incentive stock options that was previously added back for tax purposes and deductible due to the Merger.

In 2012, other items represents changes made between the provision for income taxes and the filed tax return and the impact of the prior year interest rate swap designation to interest expense. Other items in 2011 represents the reconciliation of the beginning deferred tax asset for state asset depreciation, while the true up adjustment in 2010 represents the reconciliation of the deferred

F-18

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

8. Income Taxes (Continued)

tax asset for nonqualified stock options following the Merger. The tax-effected true up adjustments represent $242,000, $349,000 and $432,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Deferred income taxes arise because of the differences in the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax liabilities and assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	2,012			2,011
Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Loss carry forwards	$	2,445		$	3,275
Deferred rent and franchise revenue	9,622			7,696
Property, equipment and intangible assets	(11,061		)	(6,628		)
Stock-based compensation	994			514
Alternative minimum tax credits	256			205
Interest rate swap	38			183
Other	497			251
Total noncurrent net deferred tax assets	2,791			5,496
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Inventory smallwares	(1,459		)	(1,146		)
Other	436			283
Total current deferred tax liabilities	(1,023		)	(863		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,768		$	4,633

At January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $15.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, were available to offset future taxable income through the year 2032 and 2031, respectively. The net operating loss carry forwards are primarily composed of excess tax deductions for equity compensation. Utilization of the net operating losses is subject to an annual limitation resulting from a change in control in 2007 and a change of control in 2010, pursuant to the change in ownership provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar provisions of state law. As a result of certain realization requirements of ASC 718, the deferred tax assets shown above include only realized tax deductions related to equity compensation equal to the compensation recognized for financial reporting during the years ended January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012. Equity will be increased by up to $3.3 million if and when the net operating loss is ultimately realized.

Uncertain tax positions are recognized if it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to sustain the tax position taken, and the measurement of the benefit is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon resolution of the benefit. The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. There were no uncertain tax positions for the years ended January 1, 2013 or January 3, 2012. The only periods subject to examination for the Company's federal and state returns are 2009 through 2012.

9. Stockholders' Equity

The Company has 36,928,001 shares of stock authorized, consisting of 27,119,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 6,294,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01; 1 share of Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share and 2,885,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Preferred stock rights will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors in the event that preferred shares are issued. The following summarizes the rights of common stock:

Voting—Shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to one vote per share in all voting matters, with the exception that Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors. Class C common stock is entitled to vote only on amendments to the certificate of incorporation that would adversely affect the rights and preferences of the Class C common stock and reclassification or subdivision matters related to the Class C common stock.

F-19

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9. Stockholder's Equity (Continued)

Conversion—Each share of Class A common stock held by one of the Equity Sponsors is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class B common stock. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A common stock.

Dividends—A Class C dividend agreement was entered in connection with the Merger Agreement between one of the Equity Sponsors and the Company, which provides that the new investor will receive, in the form of a dividend, an amount equal to the compensation payable to the other new investor under a Management Services Agreement. See additional information in Note 16, Related-Party Transactions. Class A common stock and Class B common stock share equally if a dividend is declared or paid to either class, but do not have rights to any special dividend.

Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up—Class A common stock and Class B common stock share equally in distributions in liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the corporation.

Registration Rights—After December 27, 2011, the Equity Sponsors have the right to demand registration of 10% or more of the shares of the Company's common stock held by them. Other shareholders have piggyback registration rights, but are not required to exercise these rights.

10. Stock-Based Compensation

In connection with the Merger Agreement, the Company adopted the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), under which the Company's Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options to directors, officers and employees of the Company. Option awards may be issued under the Plan for up to 3,168,705 shares. Stock options are granted at fair market value of the stock at the date the option is granted, and in no event less than the fair market value of the shares. The fair market value of shares for the purposes of the Plan is determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, or the Board of Directors using historical or current transactions, comparable public company valuations, historical transactions, third-party valuations and other factors. Stock options generally have a 10-year term and vest equally over 4 years from the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the options. In 2012, 2011 and 2010, non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively, is included in general and administrative expense. Stock-based compensation of $81,000, $75,000 and $83,000 is included in capitalized internal costs in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company recognized $3.7 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2010 related to acceleration of unvested options in connection with the Merger Agreement. A total of 4,939,389 outstanding stock options were settled for the right to receive cash consideration of $8.67 per share, net of exercise price and income taxes withheld, or equity interest in the surviving entity. The Merger Agreement called for acceleration of unvested options immediately prior to the transaction. Accordingly, options to purchase 2,393,725 shares were accelerated.

Options granted prior to December 27, 2010 were granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended, or the 2010 Stock Option Plan, both of which were terminated with the Merger Agreement. The 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended, authorized option grants to purchase up to 8,969,350 shares of common stock, while the 2010 Stock Option Plan authorized up to 480,641 option grants to purchase shares of common stock. Both of these plans allowed for the Company's Board of Directors to grant incentive stock options or nonstatutory stock options to employees, directors and consultants. In February 2010, the Company's Board of Directors also adopted a new stock incentive plan, under which the Company may grant incentive stock options, nonstatutory options, or other stock incentives, including restricted stock, covering up to 1,471,350 shares of Class A common stock, to employees, directors and consultants. No options were granted under the new stock incentive plan, and the plan was terminated in conjunction with the Merger Agreement.

At January 1, 2013, options available for future share grants totaled 193,711. The intrinsic value associated with options exercised was $16,000 and $147,000 for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010, respectively. There were no options exercised in 2012.

F-20

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

The estimated fair value of each option granted is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical Company volatility, as well as volatilities from publicly traded companies operating in the Company's industry. The Company uses historical data to estimate expected employee forfeiture of stock options. The expected life of options granted is management's best estimate using recent and expected transactions. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The weighted-average assumptions used in the model were as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest	0.4		%	1.1		%	1.9		%
Expected life (years)	3.4			3.7			4.5
Expected dividend yield	—			—			—
Volatility	32.7		%	26.2		%	29.5		%
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value per share at date of grant	$	2.84		$	1.89		$	1.72

The tables below summarize the option activity under the Plan:

	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding—December 29, 2009	4,348,407		$	4.96
Granted	736,734		5.86
Forfeited	(85,762	)	5.04
Exercised	(59,990	)	2.46
Cash settled	(4,939,389	)	5.13
Outstanding at Merger	—		—
Granted	2,420,861		8.67
Forfeited	—		—
Exercised	—		—
Outstanding—December 28, 2010	2,420,861		8.67
Granted	283,307		8.67
Forfeited	(81,330	)	8.67
Exercised	(1,815	)	8.67
Outstanding—January 3, 2012	2,621,023		8.67
Granted	516,473		11.27
Forfeited	(164,329	)	8.68
Exercised	—		—
Outstanding—January 1, 2013	2,973,167		$	9.12

	Shares	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1) (in thousands)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2013	2,973,167	$	9.12	8.10	$	8,971
Vested and expected to vest	2,823,099	9.06		8.05	8,656
Exercisable as of January 1, 2013	1,229,341	8.67		7.48	4,261

______________________________

F-21

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

(1) Aggregate intrinsic value represents the amount by which estimated fair value of the Company's stock ($12.13 as of January 1, 2013) exceeds the exercise price of the option as of January 1, 2013.

Since our common stock is not publicly traded, the Company estimated the fair value of each stock option grant at or near the date of grant by performing its own contemporaneous valuation, which is approved by the Board of Directors. The Company uses the market approach including but not limited to recent arm's length sales of the Company's common stock in privately negotiated transactions, current and projected financial performance, as well as a discount factor for the stock option's lack of marketability. The table below reflects disclosure as recommended by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation for stock option grants in the twelve month period preceding the latest consolidated balance sheet presented:

Grant Date	Number of Options Granted	Exercise Price	Common Stock Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date
April 10, 2012	15,868	9.53	9.53
May 14, 2012	152,328	9.53	9.53
September 20, 2012	8,655	10.40	10.40
December 6, 2012	339,622	12.13	12.13

As of January 1, 2013, there was $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan, which is expected to be recognized over two years. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013:

	Outstanding				Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	Number of Options	Weighted- Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Options	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$8.67-$12.13	2,973,167	8.10	$	9.12	1,229,341	$	8.67

On March 10, 2011, the Company issued warrants to a consultant to purchase 86,550 shares of Class B common stock at $8.67 per share, which are classified as equity awards. The warrants vest based on specified performance criteria and are considered stock-based compensation to nonemployees. Stock-based compensation expense related to the awards is recognized when the performance criteria are met, using the estimated fair value at the measurement date. During 2012, the Company did not recognize stock-based compensation expense related to the warrants as no performance criteria were met in 2012. No warrants have been exercised by the consultant.

11. Earnings Per Share

EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share ("diluted EPS") is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying stock options and restricted common stock. Diluted EPS considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. The following table sets forth the computations of basic and dilutive earnings per share:

F-22

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

11. Earnings Per Share (Continued)

	2012		2011		2010
Net income (in thousands)	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	23,238,984		23,237,698		24,386,059
Dilutive stock options and warrants	26,558		—		840,930
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding	23,265,542		23,237,698		25,226,989
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.10
Diluted	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.09

The Company excluded 590,617, 2,621,023 and 736,734 outstanding options from the diluted earnings per share calculation for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, as the options were out of the money and to include them would have been antidilutive. All outstanding warrants were dilutive in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

12. Employee Benefit Plans

In October 2003, the Company adopted a defined contribution plan, The Noodles & Company 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Company employees with six months of service, aged 21 or older, are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. Under the provisions of the plan, the Company may, at its discretion, make contributions to the 401(k) Plan. Participants are 100% vested in their own contributions. The Company made no contributions during 2012, 2011 or 2010. The employee benefit plans remained in effect following the Merger Agreement.

13. Leases

The Company leases restaurant facilities, office space and certain equipment under operating leases that expire on various dates through December 2028. Lease terms for traditional shopping centers generally include a base term of 10 years, with options to extend these leases for additional periods of 5 to 15 years. Typically, the lease includes rent escalations, which are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between rent expense and cash paid for rent is recognized as deferred rent. Rent expense for 2012 and 2011 was approximately $24.6 million and $20.9 million, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments required under existing leases as of January 1, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	29,528
2014	28,981
2015	27,139
2016	25,575
2017	22,786
Thereafter	70,394
	$	204,403

Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $45,000 due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.

14. Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents the supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands) for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010:

F-23

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

14. Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

	2012		2011		2010
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)	$	4,400	$	5,177	$	1,551
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)	509		43		870
Purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable	2,648		1,170		1,354
Settlement of stock options in shares of Class A common stock	—		—		3,628
Non-cash settlement of outstanding equity(1)	—		—		189,388

______________________________

(1) Represents the liability for payments due to shareholders that was paid in 2011.

15. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Consequently, the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of January 1, 2013. These matters could affect the operating results of any one financial reporting period when resolved in future periods. Management believes that an unfavorable outcome with respect to these matters is remote or a potential range of loss is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Significant increases in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims that result in greater liabilities than the Company currently anticipates, could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company entered into employment agreements with two of its executives in connection with the Merger Agreement, superseding the previous employment agreements with these executives. The agreements have an initial term of three years and automatically renew annually unless cancelled by either party within 90 days of the end of the initial term or anniversaries thereof. In the event of termination for good reason by the executive or termination without cause by the Company, the executive is entitled to receive severance pay equal to 18 months of his then current salary, payment of accrued bonus from prior years, severance bonus equal to the pro rata portion of the executive's target annual bonus for the year in which termination occurs and reimbursement for COBRA benefits coverage. The agreements also include a call option in favor of the Company and a put option in favor of the executive, for the Company to purchase 296,828 rollover shares at fair market value if the employment agreement is terminated prior to a qualified initial public offering. The put option does not result in the executive avoiding the risks and rewards of owning the rollover shares. The fair value of the shares of common stock subject to put options has been presented as temporary equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company records changes in the fair value of the common stock subject to put options by adjusting temporary equity with the offset to retained earnings. The fair value per share is determined using the most recent valuation performed by the board of directors. See Note 10, Stock Based Compensation.

The Company entered into a Management Services Agreement with one of the Equity Sponsors, and a Class C dividend agreement with the other Equity Sponsor, which provide for certain management fee and dividend payments by the Company to the Equity Sponsors. See additional discussion in Note 16, Related-Party Transactions.

16. Related-Party Transactions

During 2012 and 2011, the Company paid $1.1 million to the Equity Sponsors for management service fees and Class C dividends pursuant to a management services agreement and an agreement to pay dividends on its Class C common stock. Management service fees and Class C dividends paid in each fiscal year vary due to the timing of payments.

In February 2011, the Company paid the Equity Sponsors $45.9 million to repay subordinated notes, which included amounts accrued for PIK interest. See Note 4, Borrowings.

As discussed in Note 2, Equity Recapitalization, Catterton and Argentia each own approximately 45% of the Company's common shares; however, the terms of the Company's certificate of incorporation prevent control by Catterton or Argentia.

Stockholders Agreement.    In connection with the 2010 merger, the Company entered into a stockholders agreement with the Equity Sponsors. Under the 2010 Stockholders Agreement, each of Catterton and Argentia have agreed to vote its respective shares of common stock to elect two directors selected by Argentia. Furthermore, if the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act ceases to prohibit PSPIB from investing in securities of a corporation to which are attached more than 30% of the votes that may be cast to elect directors, each of Catterton and Argentia will vote its respective shares of common stock to elect two directors

F-24

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

16. Related-Party Transactions (Continued)

selected by Catterton. Additionally, Catterton will not vote its shares to elect any three of the five directors not designated by Argentia, unless any such director has been approved by Argentia. Catterton and Argentia have further agreed not to vote their shares in favor of any of certain actions without the mutual consent of the other.

17. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events through June 26, 2013 in connection with Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Reverse Stock Split

On June 25, 2013, the Company effected a 1-for-0.577 reverse stock split of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Concurrent with the reverse stock split, we adjusted the number of shares subject to and the exercise price of our outstanding stock option awards under the Plan such that the holders of the options are in the same economic position both before and after the reverse stock split.

F-25

INDEX TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2013	F-27
Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012	F-28
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012	F-29
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012	F-30
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement	F-31

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-26

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
	(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	589	$	581
Accounts receivable	5,842		4,566
Inventories	7,082		6,042
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,999		3,970
Income tax receivable	—		995
Total current assets	18,512		16,154
Property and equipment, net	158,413		136,287
Deferred tax assets, net	2,753		2,791
Other assets, net	2,132		1,763
Total long-term assets	163,298		140,841
Total assets	$	181,810	$	156,995
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	8,817	$	9,393
Accrued payroll and benefits	8,871		5,345
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	7,614		7,249
Income tax payable	909		—
Current deferred tax liabilities	1,351		1,023
Current portion of long-term debt	—		750
Total current liabilities	27,562		23,760
Long-term debt	1,714		93,731
Deferred rent	27,596		23,013
Other long-term liabilities	2,426		2,483
Total liabilities	59,298		142,987
Temporary equity:
Common stock subject to put options—0 and 296,828 shares as of October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2013, respectively	—		3,601
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock—$0.01 par value, authorized 1,000,000 and 2,885,000 shares as of October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2013, respectively; no shares issued or outstanding	—		—
Common stock—$0.01 par value, authorized 180,000,000 and 34,043,001 shares as of October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2013, respectively; 29,422,939 and 23,238,984 issued and outstanding as of October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2013, respectively	294		232
Additional paid-in capital	114,318		7,585
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—		(24		)
Retained earnings	7,900		2,614
Total stockholders' equity	122,512		10,407
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	181,810	$	156,995

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-27

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unaudited)

	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$	87,864	$	76,306	$	256,744	$	220,261
Franchising royalties and fees	1,072		793		2,711		2,220
Total revenue	88,936		77,099		259,455		222,481
Costs and expenses:
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	23,127		20,246		67,524		58,423
Labor	26,345		23,065		77,464		66,002
Occupancy	8,870		7,468		25,824		21,669
Other restaurant operating costs	11,315		9,488		32,962		27,449
General and administrative	6,939		7,464		27,808		21,426
Depreciation and amortization	5,238		4,334		15,074		12,165
Pre-opening	1,183		829		2,873		2,000
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	339		201		837		663
Total costs and expenses	83,356		73,095		250,366		209,797
Income from operations	5,580		4,004		9,089		12,684
Debt extinguishment expense	—		2,646		—		2,646
Interest expense	132		1,118		2,199		3,894
Income before income taxes	5,448		240		6,890		6,144
Provision for income taxes	2,183		107		2,633		2,540
Net income	$	3,265	$	133	$	4,257	$	3,604
Earnings per share of Class A and Class B common stock, combined:
Basic	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.17	$	0.16
Diluted	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.16	$	0.16
Weighted average shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding, combined:
Basic	29,399,650		23,238,984		25,382,805		23,238,984
Diluted	31,063,213		23,388,729		26,528,004		23,250,745

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-28

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands, unaudited)

	Fiscal Quarter Ended					Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012			October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Net income	$	3,265	$	133		$	4,257		$	3,604
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cash flow hedges:
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—			—			(186		)
Reclassification of loss to net income	—		104			39			312
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges	—		104			39			126
Provision for income tax on cash flow hedges	—		(42		)	(15		)	(104		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		62			24			22
Comprehensive income	$	3,265	$	195		$	4,281		$	3,626

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-29

Noodles & Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands, unaudited)

	Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Operating activities
Net income	$	4,257		$	3,604
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15,074			12,165
Provision for deferred income taxes	366			4
Asset disposal, closure costs, and restaurant impairments	837			663
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt extinguishment expense	82			3,170
Stock-based compensation	4,065			921
Other noncash	(205		)	(209		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,276		)	536
Inventories	(1,040		)	(1,025		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,050		)	(575		)
Accounts payable	787			(805		)
Deferred rent	4,583			2,534
Income taxes	1,904			1,016
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,078			3,378
Net cash provided by operating activities	32,462			25,377
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(39,788		)	(30,525		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(39,788		)	(30,525		)
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuances of notes payable	101,731			60,128
Payments on notes payable	(194,498		)	(54,094		)
Debt issuance costs	—			(752		)
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses	100,101			(48		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	7,334			5,234
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	8			86
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year	581			523
End of year	$	589		$	609

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-30

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1. Business and Summary and Basis of Presentation

Business

Noodles & Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Noodles & Company"), develops and operates fast casual restaurants that serve globally inspired noodle dishes and pasta dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches. As of October 1, 2013, there were 310 company-owned restaurants and 58 franchise restaurants in 29 states and the District of Columbia. The Company operates its business as one operating and reportable segment.

On July 2, 2013, the Company completed an initial public offering ("IPO") of shares of Class A common stock at $18.00 per share. The Company issued 6,160,714 shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, including 803,571 shares sold to the underwriters in the IPO pursuant to their over-allotment option. After underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, the Company received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $100.2 million. These proceeds were used to repay all but $0.2 million of outstanding debt under the Company's credit facility.

The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes for the year ended January 1, 2013 included in the Company'sfinal prospectus filed June 28, 2013.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noodles & Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2013, which ends on December 31, 2013 and fiscal year 2012, which ended on January 1, 2013, each contain 52 weeks. Fiscal quarters each contain thirteen weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53 week fiscal year, which contains fourteen weeks.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-2, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which revises disclosure requirements related to components of other comprehensive income. The Company adopted ASU 2013-2 effective January 2, 2013. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Reclassifications

In the third quarter of 2013, the Company changed the manner in which it reports marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements in all periods presented. In the first two quarters of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2012, $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, have been reclassified from restaurant operating costs to general and administrative expense. The change has no impact on income from operations.

F-31

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2. Supplemental Financial Information

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Prepaid occupancy related costs	$	3,029	$	2,700
Other prepaid expenses	1,912		1,191
Other current assets	58		79
	$	4,999	$	3,970

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			January 1, 2013
Leasehold improvements	$	164,498		$	139,907
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	89,270			77,202
Construction in progress	5,865			7,878
	259,633			224,987
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(101,220		)	(88,700		)
	$	158,413		$	136,287

Accrued payroll and benefits consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	5,196	$	2,537
Accrued bonus	2,303		1,981
Insurance liabilities	1,372		827
	$	8,871	$	5,345

Accrued expense and other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Gift card liability	$	1,633	$	2,182
Occupancy related	1,302		1,264
Utilities	1,319		1,002
Other accrued expenses	3,360		2,801
	$	7,614	$	7,249

3. Borrowings

The Company has a credit facility with a borrowing capacity of $45.0 million in the form of a revolving line of credit, expiring in July 2017. Prior to the IPO, the Company had a credit facility with a borrowing capacity of 120.0 million, consisting of a $75.0 million senior term loan and a $45.0 million revolving line of credit. In connection with the IPO, the Company repaid in full its outstanding $75.0 million senior term loan and the majority of the revolving line of credit. The Company will continue to have access to the funds and the ability to borrow under the revolving line of credit; however, the amounts repaid on the senior term loan cannot be re-borrowed. As of October 1, 2013, the Company had $1.7 million outstanding and $41.3 million available

F-32

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

3. Borrowings (Continued)

for borrowing under the credit facility. Outstanding letters of credit aggregating $2.0 million reduce the amount of borrowings available under the agreement. The credit facility bore interest at rates ranging from 4.25% to 5.50% and 3.5% to 5.5% for the third quarter of 2013 and the first three quarters of 2013, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of October 1, 2013.

4. Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying amounts of borrowings approximate fair value as interest rates on the the line of credit borrowings vary with market interest rates and negotiated terms and conditions are consistent with current market rates.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The Company’s deferred compensation plan, under which compensation deferrals began during the third quarter of 2013, is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan which allows highly compensated employees to defer a portion of their base salary and variable compensation each plan year. To offset its obligation, the Company purchases Company-owned whole-life insurance contracts on certain team members. As of October 1, 2013, $460,000 and $480,000 were included in other assets, net and other-long term liabilities, respectively, which represent the carrying value of both the liability for deferred compensation plan and associated life insurance policy equal to fair value.

5. Income Taxes

The following table presents the Company's provision for income taxes for the three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Provision for income taxes	$	2,633		$	2,540
Effective tax rate	38.0		%	41.3		%

The 2013 estimated annual effective tax rate is expected to be 39.2% compared to 38.4% for the full year 2012. The effective tax rate for the first three quarters of 2013 includes the discrete adjustment for certain transaction costs related to the IPO.

6. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company's Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated in May of 2013, authorizes the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and incentive bonuses to employees, officers, non-employee directors and other service providers. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan on or after the closing of the IPO shall not exceed 3,750,500.

The following table presents information related to the Stock Incentive Plan (in thousands, except for share and per share amounts):

F-33

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

6. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Outstanding, beginning of period	3,474,398		2,789,212		2,973,168		2,621,017
Granted(1)	—		8,655		538,273		176,850
Exercised	—		—		—		—
Canceled	1,961		129,949		39,004		129,949
Outstanding, end of period	3,472,437		2,667,918		3,472,437		2,667,918
Weighted average fair market value on option grant date	N/A		$	1.25	$	5.81	$	1.21
Stock based compensation expense(2)	$	131	$	315	$	4,065	$	921
Capitalized stock based compensation expense	$	15	$	21	$	56	$	57

______________________

(1) The stock options granted in the first three quarters of 2013 included 403,900 awards to two executive officers of which 50% vested at IPO and the remaining vest annually over four years on the anniversary of the grant in equal installments.

(2) Stock-based compensation expense includes $45,000 related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2013 and is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total stock-based compensation recognized in the first three quarters of 2013, $2.0 million related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options at the IPO and $1.2 million related to stock options granted at the IPO to 2 executive officers of which 50% were vested at the time of grant.

On October 1, 2013, 23,289 warrants previously issued to a consultant were exercised for Class B common stock at an exercise price of $8.67 per share. Of the original warrants issued, 57,700 remain outstanding as of October 1, 2013.    

During the third quarter of 2013, the Company commenced sales of common stock under it's Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") and has reserved 750,100 shares of common stock for issuance. Eligible employees may purchase common stock at 85% of the beginning or ending closing price, whichever is lower, for each quarterly purchase period. During the first three quarters of 2013, the Company issued 14,425 shares of common stock under the ESPP. As of October 1, 2013, the Company has 735,675 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP.

7. Earnings Per Share

EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share ("diluted EPS") is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying stock options and warrants. The following table sets forth the computations of basic and dilutive earnings per share:

	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Net income (in thousands):	$	3,265	$	133	$	4,257	$	3,604
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	29,399,650		23,238,984		25,382,805		23,238,984
Dilutive stock options and warrants	1,663,563		149,745		1,145,199		11,761
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding	31,063,213		23,388,729		26,528,004		23,250,745
Earnings per share:
Basic EPS	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.17	$	0.16
Diluted EPS	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.16	$	0.16

F-34

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

7. Earnings Per Share (Continued)

In the third quarter of 2013 and 2012 and in the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012, zero and 172,831, and 488,018 and 2,552,951 outstanding options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would be antidilutive. All outstanding warrants are dilutive and were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

8. Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents the supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows for the first three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)	$	2,748		$	4,744
Income taxes paid	400			273
(Payments for) purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable	(1,363		)	2,025

9. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits, and claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Consequently, the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of October 1, 2013. These matters could affect the operating results of any one financial reporting period when resolved in future periods. Management believes that an unfavorable outcome with respect to these matters is remote or a potential range of loss is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Significant increases in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims that result in greater liabilities than the Company currently anticipates, could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company entered into employment agreements with two of its executives in connection with the IPO superseding the previous employment agreements with these executives. The agreements have an initial term of three years and automatically renew annually unless earlier terminated. Under each of the employment agreements, if the executive's employment is terminated by the Company without "cause" or by the executive with "good reason," (as such terms are defined in the applicable employment agreement) the executive is entitled to receive compensation equal to18months of the executive's then-current base salary, payable in equal installments over18 months, a pro rata bonus for the year of termination and reimbursement of "COBRA" premiums for up to18 monthsfor the executive and his dependents. The severance payments are conditioned upon the executive entering into a mutual release of claims with the Company.

The prior employment agreements with such executives, which were superseded by the agreements entered into in connection with the IPO, included a call option in favor of the Company and a put option in favor of the executive, for the Company to purchase certain shares at fair market value if the employment agreement was terminated prior to a qualified initial public offering. The put option did not result in the executive avoiding the risks and rewards of owning the shares. The fair value of the shares of common stock subject to such put options was presented as temporary equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the IPO, the put options were terminated and amounts previously presented in temporary equity were reclassified to permanent stockholders' equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

10. Related-Party Transactions

In the first three quarters of 2013 and the first three quarters of 2012, the Company paid $375,000 and $625,000, respectively, to Catterton Partners and Argentia Private Investments Inc. or their affiliates ("Equity Sponsors") for management service fees and Class C Dividends pursuant to a management services agreement and an agreement to pay dividends on its Class C common stock. In connection with the IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed therefore no payments were made in the third quarter of 2013. Management service fees and Class C dividends paid in prior fiscal quarters varies due to the timing of payments.

In connection with the IPO during the second quarter of 2013, the Company paid $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll taxes to employees of the Company and $0.8 million in transaction payments to the Equity Sponsors.

F-35

NOODLES & COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

11. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events and found there to be no events requiring recognition or disclosure through the date of issuance of this report.

F-36

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 13.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the various expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by the Registrant in connection with the sale of common stock being registered. All of the amounts shown are estimated except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee and the FINRA filing fee.

	Amount To Be Paid
SEC registration fee	*
FINRA filing fee	*
Nasdaq listing fee	*
Printing and engraving expenses	*
Legal fees and expenses	*
Accounting fees and expenses	*
Blue sky fees and expenses	*
Transfer agent and registrar fees	*
Miscellaneous fees and expenses	*
Total

______________________________

*    To be completed by amendment.

Item 14.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Registrant is a Delaware corporation. Section 145(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorney fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

Further subsections of DGCL Section 145 provide that:

(1) to the extent a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith;

II-1

(2) the indemnification and advancement of expenses provided for pursuant to Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise; and

(3) the corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance of behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under Section 145.

As used in this Item 14, the term “proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether or not by or in the right of Registrant, and whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise.

Section 145 of the DGCL makes provision for the indemnification of officers and directors in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify officers and directors of Registrant under certain circumstances from liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933. Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides, in effect, that, to the fullest extent and under the circumstances permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, registrant will indemnify any and all of its officers and directors. Before the completion of this offering, registrant intends to enter into indemnification agreements with its officers and directors. Registrant may, in its discretion, similarly indemnify its employees and agents. Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate also relieves its directors from monetary damages to Registrant or its stockholders for breach of such director’s fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Under Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, a corporation may relieve its directors from personal liability to such corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of their fiduciary duty as directors except (i) for a breach of the duty of loyalty, (ii) for failure to act in good faith, (iii) for intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law, (iv) for willful or negligent violations of certain provisions in the DGCL imposing certain requirements with respect to stock repurchases, redemptions and dividends, or (v) for any transactions from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Registrant has purchased insurance policies which, within the limits and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, cover certain expenses and liabilities that may be incurred by directors and officers in connection with proceedings that may be brought against them as a result of an act or omission committed or suffered while acting as a director or officer of registrant.

Item 15.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

Since November 18, 2010, we have made the following sales of unregistered securities:

1. On January 7, 2011, in connection with the acquisition of a majority of our equity interests by Catterton, certain of its affiliated entities and Argentia, we issued an aggregate of 23,237,170 shares of our equity securities to new and existing investors for aggregate consideration of approximately $201.3 million. New investors contributed $181.0 million in exchange for equity interests and existing investors and management retained $16.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively, of rollover equity. The issuances of these securities were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and Regulation D or Regulation S promulgated thereunder, as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.

2. On October 1, 2013, we issued 23,289 shares of our Class B common stock to a third-party consulting firm, pursuant to the partial exercise of its rights to purchase our Class B common stock at an exercise price of $8.67 and fair market value at exercise of $44.96 per share under a Warrant dated March 10, 2011. The exercise price was paid through net share settlement. The shares of Class B common stock we issued were converted into an equal number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock on October 11, 2013. The issuances of these securities were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.

3. Stock option holders exercised options to purchase an aggregate of 59,990 shares of our Class A common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.42 to $5.61 per share during 2010. These exercises include 58,028 options that were exercised in 2010 prior to November 18, 2010. During 2011, stock option holders exercised options to purchase an aggregate of 1,815 shares of our Class A common stock at an exercise price of $8.67 per share. The issuances of these securities were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Rule 701 promulgated under Section 3(b) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer pursuant to benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. During 2012 and 2013 there were no unregistered option exercises.

II-2

Item 16.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Exhibits

		Description of Exhibit Incorporated Herein by Reference
Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description	Form	File No.	Filing Date	Exhibit Number	Filed Herewith
1.1*	Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation					X
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws					X
4.1	Specimen Stock Certificate	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	4.1
5.1*	Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
10.1	Noodles & Company Awarded and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.1
10.2	Noodles & Company 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.2
10.3	Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 27, 2010, by and among Noodles & Company and certain of its stockholders	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.3
10.4	Credit Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2011, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.10
10.5	Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2011, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.11
10.6	Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2012, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.12
10.7	Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2013, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	10-Q	001-35987	August 9, 2013	10.1
10.8	Security Agreement, dated February 28, 2011, by and between Noodles & Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.13
10.9	Pledge Agreement, dated February 28, 2011, by and between Noodles & Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.14

II-3

10.10	Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Noodles & Company and each of its directors and executive officers	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.15
10.11	Form of Area Development Agreement	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.16
10.12	Form of Franchise Agreement	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.17
10.13	Severance Agreement with Dan Fogarty, dated January 24, 2011	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.9
10.14	Employment Agreement, dated June 7, 2013, by and between Noodles & Company and Kevin Reddy	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.20
10.15	Employment Agreement, dated June 7, 2013, by and between Noodles & Company and Keith Kinsey	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.21
10.16	Noodles & Company Compensation Plan For Non-Employee Directors					X
10.17	The Executive Nonqualified “Excess” Plan Adoption Agreement, adopted by Noodles & Company on May 16, 2013	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.22
10.18	Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2013, among Noodles & Company, Catterton-Noodles, LLC and Argentia Private Investments Inc.					X
21.1	List of Subsidiaries of Noodles & Company					X
23.1	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP					X
23.2*	Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1	Power of Attorney (included on pages II-6 and II-7 hereof)					X

(b) No financial statement schedules are provided because the information called for is not required or is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

II-4

Item 17.    Undertakings.

(a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

II-5

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Broomfield, State of Colorado, on November 18, 2013.

NOODLES & COMPANY

By: /s/ Kevin Reddy

Kevin Reddy

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Keith Kinsey, Dave Boennighausen and Paul Strasen, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

II-6

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ Kevin Reddy
Kevin Reddy	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)	November 18, 2013
/s/ Keith Kinsey
Keith Kinsey	President, Chief Operating Officer and Director	November 18, 2013
/s/ Dave Boennighausen
Dave Boennighausen	Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)	November 18, 2013
/s/ Kathy Lockhart
Kathy Lockhart	Vice President and Controller (principal accounting officer)	November 18, 2013
/s/ Scott Dahnke
Scott A. Dahnke	Director	November 18, 2013
/s/ Stuart Frenkiel
Stuart Frenkiel	Director	November 18, 2013
/s/ Jeffrey Jones
Jeffrey Jones	Director	November 18, 2013
/s/ James Pittman
James Pittman	Director	November 18, 2013
/s/ James Rand
James Rand	Director	November 18, 2013
/s/ Andrew Taub
Andrew Taub	Director	November 18, 2013

II-7

EXHIBIT INDEX

		Description of Exhibit Incorporated Herein by Reference
Exhibit Number	Exhibit Description	Form	File No.	Filing Date	Exhibit Number	Filed Herewith
1.1*	Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation					X
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws					X
4.1	Specimen Stock Certificate	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	4.1
5.1*	Opinion of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
10.1	Noodles & Company Awarded and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.1
10.2	Noodles & Company 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.2
10.3	Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 27, 2010, by and among Noodles & Company and certain of its stockholders	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.3
10.4	Credit Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2011, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.10
10.5	Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2011, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.11
10.6	Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2012, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.12
10.7	Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2013, by and among Noodles & Company, Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders party thereto	10-Q	001-35987	August 9, 2013	10.1
10.8	Security Agreement, dated February 28, 2011, by and between Noodles & Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.13

II-8

10.9	Pledge Agreement, dated February 28, 2011, by and between Noodles & Company and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.14
10.10	Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Noodles & Company and each of its directors and executive officers	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.15
10.11	Form of Area Development Agreement	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.16
10.12	Form of Franchise Agreement	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.17
10.13	Severance Agreement with Dan Fogarty, dated January 24, 2011	S-1	333-188783	May 23, 2013	10.9
10.14	Employment Agreement, dated June 7, 2013, by and between Noodles & Company and Kevin Reddy	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.20
10.15	Employment Agreement, dated June 7, 2013, by and between Noodles & Company and Keith Kinsey	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.21
10.16	Noodles & Company Compensation Plan For Non-Employee Directors					X
10.17	The Executive Nonqualified “Excess” Plan Adoption Agreement, adopted by Noodles & Company on May 16, 2013	S-1/A	333-188783	June 17, 2013	10.22
10.18	Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2013, among Noodles & Company, Catterton-Noodles, LLC and Argentia Private Investments Inc.					X
21.1	List of Subsidiaries of Noodles & Company					X
23.1	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP					X
23.2*	Consent of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1	Power of Attorney (included on pages II-6 and II-7 hereof)					X

_________________

*    To be filed by amendment.

II-9

EX-3.1

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

of

NOODLES & COMPANY

a Delaware corporation

NOODLES & COMPANY (the “Corporation”), a corporation duly organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), does hereby certify as follows:

1. The name of the Corporation is Noodles & Company.

2.The Corporation’s original Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 19, 2002.

3.Pursuant to Section 242 of the DGCL, the amendments and restatements herein set forth have been duly approved by the Board of Directors and the Stockholders of the Corporation.

4.Pursuant to Section 245 of the DGCL, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and further amends the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.

The text of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended and restated as follows:

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the corporation is Noodles & Company.

ARTICLE II

AGENT

The address of the corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, DE 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE III

PURPOSE

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.

1

ARTICLE IV

STOCK

Section 4.1 Authorized Stock. Subject to Section 4.2(b)(iii) hereof, the aggregate number of shares which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 181,000,000, of which 150,000,000 shall be designated as Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), 30,000,000 shall be designated as Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class B Common Stock” and together with the Class A Common Stock, the “Common Stock”) and 1,000,000 shall be designated as Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

Section 4.2 Common Stock.

(a) Voting. Each holder of Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote, voting as a single class, except that each holder of Class B Common Stock shall not be entitled to any vote for any share of Class B Common Stock with respect any vote related to the election and removal of any member of the Corporation’s Board of Directors; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Certificate of Designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation (including any Certificate of Designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.

(b) Conversion.

(i) Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof at any time and from time to time, into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class A Common Stock. Such right shall be exercised by the surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates, if any, representing the shares of Class B Common Stock to be converted at any time during normal business hours at the office of the Corporation’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”), accompanied by a written notice from the holder of such shares stating that such holder desires to convert such shares, or a stated number of the shares represented by such certificate or certificates, if any, into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock, and (if so required by the Transfer Agent) by instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Transfer Agent, duly executed by such holder or such holder’s duly authorized attorney, and transfer tax stamps or funds therefor if required pursuant to this Section 4.2(b). To the extent permitted by law, such conversion shall be deemed to have been effected at the close of business on the date of such surrender. Immediately upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock, the rights of the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock as such shall cease, and such holders shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock. The issuance of certificates, if any, for shares of Class A Common Stock upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock shall be made without charge to the holders of such shares for any stamp or other similar tax in respect of such issuance; provided, however, that if any such certificate is to be issued in a name other than that of the holder of the share or shares of Class B Common Stock converted, then the individual, entity or other person requesting the issuance thereof shall pay to the Corporation the amount of any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in such issuance or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid or is not payable.

2

(ii) Each share of Class A Common Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof at any time and from time to time, into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Class B Common Stock. Such right shall be exercised by the surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates, if any, representing the shares of Class A Common Stock to be converted at any time during normal business hours at the office of the Transfer Agent, accompanied by a written notice from the holder of such shares stating that such holder desires to convert such shares, or a stated number of the shares represented by such certificate or certificates, if any, into an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock, and (if so required by the Transfer Agent) by instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Transfer Agent, duly executed by such holder or such holder’s duly authorized attorney, and transfer tax stamps or funds therefor if required pursuant to this Section 4.2(b). To the extent permitted by law, such conversion shall be deemed to have been effected at the close of business on the date of such surrender. Immediately upon conversion of shares of Class A Common Stock, the rights of the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock as such shall cease, and such holders shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of Class B Common Stock. The issuance of certificates, if any, for shares of Class B Common Stock upon conversion of shares of Class A Common Stock shall be made without charge to the holders of such shares for any stamp or other similar tax in respect of such issuance; provided, however, that if any such certificate is to be issued in a name other than that of the holder of the share or shares of Class A Common Stock converted, then the individual, entity or other person requesting the issuance thereof shall pay to the Corporation the amount of any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in such issuance or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been paid or is not payable.

(iii) Reservation of Stock Issuable upon Conversion. If at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, in addition to such other remedies as shall be available to the holders of such Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, the Corporation shall take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock and/or Class B Common Stock, as applicable, to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purposes, including, without limitation, engaging in best efforts to obtain the requisite stockholder approval of any necessary amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation.

(c) Dividends. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends out of any funds of the Corporation legally available therefor when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors.

(d) Liquidation. Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them.

Section 4.3 Preferred Stock. Subject to limitations prescribed by law and the provisions of this Article IV, the Board of Directors is hereby authorized to provide by resolution for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences, and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.

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The authority of the Board with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following:

(i) the number of shares constituting such series, including any increase or decrease in the number of shares of any such series (but not below the number of shares in any such series then outstanding), and the distinctive designation of such series;

(ii) the dividend rate on the shares of such series, if any, whether dividends shall be cumulative, and, if so, from which date or dates, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of dividends on shares of such series;

(iii) whether the shares of such series shall have voting rights (including multiple or fractional votes per share) in addition to the voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights;

(iv) whether the shares of such series shall have conversion privileges, and, if so, the terms and conditions of such privileges, including provision for adjustment of the conversion rate in such events as the Board of Directors shall determine;

(v) whether or not the shares of such series shall be redeemable, and if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption, including the date or dates upon or after which they shall be redeemable, and the amount per share payable in case of redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions and at different redemption rates;

(vi) whether a sinking fund shall be provided for the redemption or purchase of shares of such series, and, if so, the terms and the amount of such sinking fund;

(vii) the rights of the shares of such series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of shares of such series; and

(viii) any other relative rights, preferences and limitations of such series.

ARTICLE V

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 5.1 Number. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV of this Certificate of Incorporation relating to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors in certain circumstances, the Board of Directors shall consist of not fewer than five nor more than eleven directors, the exact number to be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by affirmative vote of a majority of such directors then in office.

Section 5.2 Classification.

(a) The Board of Directors (other than those directors elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof (the “Preferred Stock Directors”)) shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Class I directors shall initially serve until the first annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Section 5.2; Class II directors shall initially

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serve until the second annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Section 5.2; and Class III directors shall initially serve until the third annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Section 5.2. Commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the effectiveness of this Section 5.2, directors of each class the term of which shall then expire shall be elected to hold office for a three-year term and until the election and qualification of their respective successors in office. In case of any increase or decrease, from time to time, in the number of directors (other than Preferred Stock Directors), the number of directors in each class shall be apportioned as nearly equal as possible by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is authorized to assign members of the Board of Directors already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, for so long as Catterton Partners VI, L.P. (“CP”) and its affiliates collectively own at least 20% of the Common Stock of the Corporation, CP and its affiliates shall have the right to nominate to the Board of Directors two members of the Board of Directors. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, for so long as CP and its affiliates collectively own less than 20% of the Common Stock of the Corporation, but at least 10% of the Common Stock of the Corporation, CP and its affiliates shall have the right to nominate to the Board of Directors one member of the Board of Directors. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, for so long as Argentia Private Investment, Inc. (“Argentia”) and its affiliates collectively own at least 20% of the Common Stock of the Corporation, Argentia and its affiliates shall have the right to nominate to the Board of Directors two members of the Board of Directors. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, for so long as Argentia and its affiliates collectively own less than 20% of the Common Stock of the Corporation, but at least 10% of the Common Stock of the Corporation, Argentia and its affiliates shall have the right to nominate to the Board of Directors one member of the Board of Directors.

(b) Subject to the rights of the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall, unless otherwise provided by law, be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors. Any director so chosen shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. No decrease in the authorized number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

(c) Except for such additional directors, if any, as are elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, (i) for cause only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class or (ii) without cause only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66²/₃% of the voting power of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, no Board of Directors nominee of CP or Argentia may be removed from the Board without the consent of the party that designated such nominee to the Board of Directors unless such nominee (i) is convicted (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony, (ii) materially violates fiduciary duties owed to the Company, as determined by the Board or (iii) commits an act that constitutes intentional misconduct, bad faith or an intentional violation of law in respect of his position as a director.

(d) During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock have the right to elect additional directors as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV hereof,

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then upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues: (i) the then otherwise total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of directors, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to said provisions and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s right to hold such office terminates pursuant to said provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. Except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be reduced accordingly.

Section 5.3 Powers. Except as otherwise expressly provided by the DGCL or this Certificate of Incorporation, the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in its Board of Directors.

Section 5.4 Election.

(a) Ballot Not Required. The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Corporation so provide.

(b) Notice. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

STOCKHOLDER ACTION

For such time as CP and its affiliates and Argentia and its affiliates collectively own greater than 50% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.

ARTICLE VII

SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV of this Certificate of Incorporation relating to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock, a special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called at any time only by the Board of Directors, or by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer with the concurrence of a majority of the Board of Directors. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting.

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ARTICLE VIII

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS WITH INTERESTED

STOCKHOLDERS

The Corporation hereby expressly states that it shall not be bound or governed by, or otherwise subject to, Section 203 of the DGCL.

ARTICLE IX

EXISTENCE

The Corporation shall have perpetual existence.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENT

Section 10.1 Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation. The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware, and all rights conferred herein are granted subject to this reservation; provided, however, that in addition to any requirements of law and any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66⅔% in voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation.

Section 10.2 Amendment of Bylaws. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. In addition to any requirements of law and any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Corporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66⅔% in voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, any Bylaw of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS

Article 11.1 No Personal Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

Article 11.2 Amendment or Repeal. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article XI that adversely affects any right of a director shall be prospective only and shall not limit or eliminate any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.

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ARTICLE XII

FORUM FOR ADJUDICATION OF DISPUTES

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, or (iv) any other action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XII.

ARTICLE XIII

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

The Corporation renounces any interest or expectancy of the Corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any Excluded Opportunity. An “Excluded Opportunity” is any matter, transaction or interest that is presented to, or acquired, created or develop by, or which otherwise comes into the possession of, (a) any director of the Corporation who is not an employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or (b) any holder of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or any partner, member, director, stockholder, employee or agent of any such holder, other than someone who is an employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Covered Person”), unless such matter, transaction or interest is presented to, or acquired, created or developed by, or otherwise comes into the possession of, a Covered Person in such Covered Person’s capacity as a director or stockholder of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XIV

REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

Section 14.1 Reverse Stock Split. Effective upon the filing with the Secretary of State of Delaware of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Effective Time”), without any further action on the part of any stockholders of the Corporation, a reverse stock split of the Corporation’s outstanding Common Stock shall be effected whereby every one share of issued and outstanding Common Stock shall be reconstituted and exchanged for 0.577 shares of Common Stock.

Section 14.2 No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued as a result of the reverse stock split effected pursuant to Section 14.1 above. A holder of Common Stock at the Effective Time who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Common Stock as a result of the reverse stock split effected pursuant to Section 14.1 above shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the fraction to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by the per share fair market value of such Common Stock at the Effective Time, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Section 14.3 Reference to Numbers. All references to dollar amounts and to numbers and amounts of shares of Common Stock set forth in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be deemed to include and reflect the effect of the reverse stock split set forth in Section 14.1 above and shall not be further adjusted as a result thereof.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned does make, file and record this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and does certify that the facts stated herein are true as of this 26th day of June, 2013.

NOODLES & COMPANY

By: /s/ Paul A. Strasen

Paul A. Strasen

Executive Vice President, General Counsel

and Secretary

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EX-3.2

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

of

NOODLES & COMPANY

a Delaware corporation

ARTICLE I

CORPORATE OFFICES

Section 1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation shall be fixed in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.

Section 1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation may also have an office or offices, and keep the books and records of the Corporation, except as may otherwise be required by law, at such other place or places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 2.1 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders, for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, if any, on such date, and at such time as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 2.2 Special Meeting. A special meeting of the stockholders may be called at any time only by the Board of Directors, or by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer with the concurrence of a majority of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.3 Notice of Stockholders’ Meetings.

(a) Notice of the place, if any, date, and time of all meetings of the stockholders, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, shall be given, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date on which the meeting is to be held, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. In the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called also shall be set forth in the notice. Notice may be given personally, by mail or by electronic transmission in accordance with Section 232 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). If mailed, such notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to each stockholder at such stockholder’s address appearing on the books of the Corporation or given by the stockholder for such purpose. Notice by electronic transmission shall be deemed given as provided in Section 232 of the DGCL. An affidavit of the mailing or other means of giving any notice of

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any stockholders’ meeting, executed by the Secretary, Assistant Secretary or any transfer agent of the Corporation giving the notice, shall be prima facie evidence of the giving of such notice or report. Notice shall be deemed to have been given to all stockholders of record who share an address if notice is given in accordance with the “householding” rules set forth in Rule 14a‑3(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 233 of the DGCL.

(b) When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, if any, date and time thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than 30 days after the date for which the meeting was originally called, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting in accordance with Section 7.7(a) of these Bylaws, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date for notice of such adjourned meeting.

(c) Notice of any meeting of stockholders may be waived in writing, either before or after the meeting, and to the extent permitted by law, will be waived by any stockholder by attendance thereat, in person or by proxy, except when the person objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Section 2.4 Organization.

(a) Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or in his or her absence by the Lead Independent Director, if any, unless another person is designated by the Board of Directors. The Secretary, or in his or her absence, an Assistant Secretary, or in the absence of the Secretary and all Assistant Secretaries, a person whom the Chairman of the meeting shall appoint, shall act as Secretary of the meeting and keep a record of the proceedings thereof.

(b) The Board of Directors, and the chairman of any meeting, each shall have the authority to adopt and enforce such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board of Directors, if any, the chairman of the meeting further shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing an agenda or order of business for the meeting, rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present, limitations on participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies and such other persons as such chairman shall permit, restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof, limitations on the time allotted for consideration of each agenda item and for questions and comments by participants and regulation of the opening and closing of the polls for balloting and matters which are to be voted on by ballot.

Section 2.5 List of Stockholders. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger shall prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, provided, however, that if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than 10 days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to

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vote as of the 10th day before the meeting date. Such list shall be arranged in alphabetical order and shall show the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting at least 10 days prior to the meeting (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of meeting or (b) during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be examined by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 2.5 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

Section 2.6 Quorum. At any meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority in voting power of all issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; provided that where a separate vote by a class or series is required, the holders of a majority in voting power of all issued and outstanding stock of such class or series entitled to vote on such matter, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to such matter. If a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of stockholders, then the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time in accordance with Section 2.7, without notice other than announcement at the meeting and except as provided in Section 2.3(b), until a quorum is present or represented. If a quorum initially is present at any meeting of stockholders, the stockholders may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum, but if a quorum is not present at least initially, no business other than adjournment may be transacted.

Section 2.7 Adjourned Meeting. Any annual or special meeting of stockholders, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned for any reason from time to time by either the chairman of the meeting. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum may be present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

Section 2.8 Voting.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, each holder of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of such stock held of record by such holder on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at each meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present, all corporate actions to be taken by vote of the stockholders shall be authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock entitled to vote thereat and with respect to the matter on which a vote is taken, present in person or represented by proxy, and where a separate vote by class or series is required, if a quorum of such class or series is present, such act shall be authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in

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voting power of the stock of such class or series entitled to vote thereat with respect to the matter on which a vote is taken, present in person or represented by proxy.

Section 2.9 Proxies. Every person entitled to vote for directors, or on any other matter, shall have the right to do so either in person or by one or more agents authorized by a written proxy, which may be in the form of a telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission, signed by the person and filed with the Secretary of the Corporation, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be deemed signed if the stockholder’s name is placed on the proxy by the stockholder or the stockholder’s attorney-in-fact. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by filing an instrument in writing revoking the proxy or by filing another duly executed proxy bearing a later date with the Secretary of the Corporation. A proxy is not revoked by the death or incapacity of the maker unless, before the vote is counted, written notice of such death or incapacity is received by the Corporation.

Section 2.10 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.

(a) Annual Meeting.

(i) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business other than nominations to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only (A) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto), (B) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any committee thereof) or (C) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 2.10(a) is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.10(a).

(ii) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (C) of the foregoing paragraph, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation and such business must be a proper subject for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 70 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the date on which public announcement (as defined below) of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

(A)as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director (1) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, (2) such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected and (3) such

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other information as the Corporation may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation;

(B)as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any substantial interest (within the meaning of Item 5 of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act) in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act), if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made;

(C)as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made or the business is proposed:

(1)the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and the name and address of such beneficial owner,

(2)the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner as of the date of the notice, and a representation that the stockholder will notify the Corporation in writing within five business days after the record date for such meeting of the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation owned of record by the stockholder and such beneficial owner as of the record date for the meeting (except as otherwise provided in Section 2.10(a)(iii) below), and

(3)a representation that the stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such nomination or business;

(D)as to the stockholder giving the notice or, if the notice is given on behalf of a beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made or the business is proposed, as to such beneficial owner:

(1)the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned (as defined below) by such stockholder or beneficial owner as of the date of the notice, and a representation that the stockholder will notify the Corporation in writing within five business days after the record date for such meeting of the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation beneficially owned by such stockholder or beneficial owner as of the record date for the meeting (except as otherwise provided in Section 2.10(a)(iii) below),

(2)a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or other business between or among such stockholder or beneficial owner and any other person, including without limitation any agreements that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 5 or Item 6 of Exchange Act Schedule 13D (regardless of whether the requirement to file a Schedule 13D is applicable to the stockholder or beneficial owner) and a

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representation that the stockholder will notify the Corporation in writing within five business days after the record date for such meeting of any such agreement, arrangement or understanding in effect as of the record date for the meeting (except as otherwise provided in Section 2.10(a)(iii) below),

(3)a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the stockholder’s notice by, or on behalf of, such stockholder or beneficial owner, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit from changes in the share price of any class of the Corporation’s capital stock, or maintain, increase or decrease the voting power of the stockholder or beneficial owner with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation, and a representation that the stockholder will notify the Corporation in writing within five business days after the record date for such meeting of any such agreement, arrangement or understanding in effect as of the record date for the meeting (except as otherwise provided in Section 2.10(a)(iii) below),

(iii) The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation, including information relevant to a determination whether such proposed nominee can be considered an independent director. Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.10(a)(ii) above to the contrary, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders is different from the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.10(a) shall set forth a representation that the stockholder will notify the Corporation in writing within five business days after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, or by the opening of business on the date of the meeting (whichever is earlier), of the information required under clauses (a)(ii)(C)(2) and (a)(ii)(D)(1)-(3) of this Section 2.10, and such information when provided to the Corporation shall be current as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting.

(iv) This Section 2.10(a) shall not apply to a proposal proposed to be made by a stockholder if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his or her intention to present the proposal at an annual or special meeting only pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 14a‑8 under the Exchange Act and such proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such meeting.

(b) Special Meeting. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any committee thereof) or (ii) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is a stockholder of record at the time the notice provided for in this Section 2.10(b) is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and upon such election and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.10. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or

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persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the notice required by paragraph (a)(ii) of this Section 2.10 shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of a special meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

(c) General.

(i)Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.10 shall be eligible to be elected at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.10. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Board of Directors shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.10 (including whether the stockholder or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by clause (a)(ii)(D)(4) of this Section 2.10). If any proposed nomination or business was not made or proposed in compliance with this Section 2.10, then except as otherwise provided by law, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to declare that such nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed business shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.10, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder does not provide the information required under clauses (a)(ii)(C)(2) and (a)(ii)(D)(1)-(3) of this Section 2.10 to the Corporation within the times frames specified herein, as the case may be, or if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or proposed business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.10, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder (or a reliable reproduction or electronic transmission of the writing) delivered to the Corporation prior to the making of such nomination or proposal at such meeting by such stockholder stating that such person is authorized to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders.

(ii) For purposes of this Section 2.10, a “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. For purposes of clause (a)(ii)(D)(1) of this Section 2.10, shares shall be treated as “beneficially owned” by a person if the person beneficially owns such shares, directly or indirectly, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and Regulations 13D and 13G thereunder or has or shares pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing): (A) the right to acquire such shares (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time or the fulfillment of a condition or both), (B) the right to vote

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such shares, alone or in concert with others and/or (C) investment power with respect to such shares, including the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such shares.

Section 2.11 Action by Written Consent.

(a)    Unless otherwise provided and subject to the conditions set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, are signed by the holders of issued and outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. To be effective, a written consent must be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the books in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent and no written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within 60 days of the earliest dated consent delivered in the manner required by this Section 2.11 to the Corporation, written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation in accordance with this Section 2.11.

(b)Any electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for purposes of this Section 2.11, provided that any such electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine (i) that the electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder and (ii) the date on which such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized person or persons transmitted such electronic transmission. The date on which such electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which such consent was signed. Except to the extent and in the manner authorized by the Board of Directors, no consent given by electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such consent is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the books in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be made by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

(c)Any copy, facsimile, or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile, or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire writing.

(d)Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation in the manner required by this Section 2.11.

Section 2.12 Inspectors of Election. Before any meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors shall appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment. If any person

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appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, then the chairman of the meeting may, and upon the request of any stockholder or a stockholder’s proxy shall, appoint a person to fill that vacancy. Inspectors need not be stockholders. No director or nominee for the office of director shall be appointed such an inspector.

Such inspectors shall:

(a) determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the number of shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, and the authenticity, validity, and effect of proxies;

(b) receive votes, ballots or consents;

(c) hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in connection with the right to vote;

(d) count and tabulate all votes or consents;

(e) determine when the polls shall close;

(f) determine the result; and

(g) do any other acts that may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders.

The inspectors of election shall perform their duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of their ability and as expeditiously as is practical. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

Section 2.13 Meetings by Remote Communications. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the DGCL. If authorized by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication (a) participate in a meeting of stockholders and (b) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder; (ii) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings; and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.

ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

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Section 3.1 Powers. Subject to the provisions of the DGCL and to any limitations in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws relating to action required to be approved by the stockholders, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed and shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authorities these Bylaws expressly confer upon them, the Board of Directors may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 3.2 Number, Term of Office and Election. The Board of Directors shall consist of not fewer than five nor more than eleven directors, the exact number to be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. With the exception of the first Board of Directors, which shall be designated in the Certificate of Incorporation, and except as provided in Section 3.3, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the stockholders’ annual meeting in each year. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, wherein other qualifications for directors may be prescribed.

Section 3.3 Vacancies. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall, unless otherwise provided by law, be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, and directors so chosen shall be appointed to such class as may be determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation (in the case of any increase in the authorized number of directors) or the class of the director whom he or she has replaced (in the case of directors appointed to fill a vacancy) and shall hold office until the next election of the class for which the director shall have been chosen and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified. No decrease in the authorized number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

Section 3.4 Resignations and Removal.

(a) Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Secretary or another person designated by the Board of Directors. Such resignation shall take effect upon delivery unless the resignation specifies a later effective date or an effective date determined upon the happening of an event or events. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

(b) Except for such additional directors, if any, as are elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock as provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions of Article IV of the Certificate of Incorporation, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, (i) for cause only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class or (ii) without cause only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66²/₃% of the voting power of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Section 3.5 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places, on such date or dates and at such time or times, as shall have been established by the

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Board of Directors and publicized among all directors; provided that no fewer than one regular meeting per year shall be held. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.

Section 3.6 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or a majority of the Board of Directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix the place and time of such meetings. Notice of each such meeting shall be given to each director, if by mail, addressed to such director as his or her residence or usual place of business, at least five days before the day on which such meeting is to be held, or shall be sent to such director at such place by telecopy, telegraph, electronic transmission or other form of recorded communication, or be delivered personally or by telephone, in each case at least 24 hours prior to the time set for such meeting. Notice of any meeting need not be given to any director who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a waiver of such notice or who shall attend such meeting without protesting, prior to or at its commencement, the lack of notice to such director. A notice of special meeting need not state the purpose of such meeting, and, unless indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.

Section 3.7 Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone. Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such Board of Directors or committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3.8 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a majority of the authorized number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, and the vote of a majority of the directors present at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the meeting or a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting to another time and place whether or not a quorum is present. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. If a quorum initially is present at any meeting of directors, the directors may continue to transact business, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough directors to leave less than a quorum, upon resolution of at least a majority of the required quorum for that meeting prior to the loss of such quorum.

Section 3.9 Board of Directors Action by Written Consent Without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, provided that all members of the Board of Directors consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes or proceedings of the Board of Directors. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 3.10 Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at meetings of stockholders and directors and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. If the Chairman of the Board is not present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, another director chosen by the Board of Directors shall preside.

Section 3.11 Rules and Regulations. The Board of Directors shall adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws for

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the conduct of its meetings and management of the affairs of the Corporation as the Board of Directors shall deem proper.

Section 3.12 Fees and Compensation of Directors. Directors and members of committees may receive such compensation, if any, for their services and such reimbursement of expenses as may be fixed or determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. This Section 3.12 shall not be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee or otherwise and receiving compensation for those services.

Section 3.13 Emergency Bylaws. In the event of any emergency, disaster or catastrophe, as referred to in Section 110 of the DGCL, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors or a standing committee of the Board of Directors cannot readily be convened for action, then the director or directors in attendance at the meeting shall constitute a quorum. Such director or directors in attendance may further take action to appoint one or more of themselves or other directors to membership on any standing or temporary committees of the Board of Directors as they shall deem necessary and appropriate.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTEES

Section 4.1 Committees of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, designate one or more committees, each such committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee to replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (a) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (b) adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw of the Corporation. Any such committee shall have the authority to delegate its authority to sub-committees as permitted by the charter of such committee. All committees of the Board of Directors shall keep minutes of their meetings and shall report their proceedings to the Board of Directors when requested or required by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.2 Meetings and Action of Committees. Any committee of the Board of Directors may adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws for the conduct of its meetings as such committee may deem proper.

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ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 5.1 Officers. The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Operating Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Controller and such other officers as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, each of whom shall be elected by the Board of Directors, each to have such authority, functions or duties as set forth in these Bylaws or as determined by the Board of Directors. Each officer shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall hold office for such term as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors and until such person’s successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified, or until such person’s earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal. Any two of such offices may be held by the same person; provided, however, that no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws to be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.

Section 5.2 Compensation. The Board of Directors may establish the salaries of the officers of the Corporation and the manner and time of the payment of such salaries may be fixed and determined by the Board of Directors or the Board of Directors may delegate such authority, in the case of salaries of officers that are not executive officers, to one or more executive officers of the Corporation. The salaries of the officers of the Corporation may be altered by the Board of Directors or such delegees from time to time as it deems appropriate, subject to the rights, if any, of such officers under any contract of employment.

Section 5.3 Removal, Resignation and Vacancies. Any officer of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors, without prejudice to the rights, if any, of such officer under any contract to which it is a party. Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation, without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which such officer is a party. If any vacancy occurs in any office of the Corporation, the Board of Directors may elect a successor to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term and until a successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified.

Section 5.4 Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the Corporation, shall be responsible for corporate policy and strategy, and shall report directly to the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, all other officers of the Corporation shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or as otherwise determined by the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 5.5 President. The President shall exercise general responsibility for the management and control of the operations of the Corporation, in coordination with the other officers of the Corporation. The President shall have the power to affix the signature of the Corporation to all contracts that have been authorized by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. The President shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 5.6 Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer shall exercise general responsibility for the management and control of the operations of the Corporation, in coordination with the other officers of the Corporation. The Chief Operating Officer shall have the power to affix the signature of the Corporation to all contracts that have been authorized by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Operating Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the

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other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 5.7 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall exercise all the powers and perform the duties of the office of the chief financial officer and in general have overall supervision of the financial operations of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 5.8 Vice Presidents. A Vice President shall have such powers and duties as shall be prescribed by his or her superior officer or the Chief Executive Officer. A Vice President shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 5.9 Controller. The Controller shall be the chief accounting officer of the Corporation. The Controller shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 5.10 Secretary. The powers and duties of the Secretary are: (i) to act as Secretary at all meetings of the Board of Directors, of the committees of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders and to record the proceedings of such meetings in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; (ii) to see that all notices required to be given by the Corporation are duly given and served; (iii) to act as custodian of the seal of the Corporation and affix the seal or cause it to be affixed to all certificates of stock of the Corporation and to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws; (iv) to have charge of the books, records and papers of the Corporation and see that the reports, statements and other documents required by law to be kept and filed are properly kept and filed; and (v) to perform all of the duties incident to the office of Secretary. The Secretary shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as such officer may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 5.11 Additional Matters. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation shall have the authority to designate employees of the Corporation to have the title of Vice President, Assistant Vice President or Assistant Secretary. Any employee so designated shall have the powers and duties determined by the officer making such designation. The persons upon whom such titles are conferred shall not be deemed officers of the Corporation unless elected by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.12 Checks; Drafts; Evidences of Indebtedness. From time to time, the Board of Directors shall determine by resolution which person or persons may sign or endorse all checks, drafts, other orders for payment of money, notes, bonds, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness that are issued in the name of or payable by the Corporation, and only the persons so authorized shall sign or endorse such instruments.

Section 5.13 Corporate Contracts and Instruments; How Executed. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such

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authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

Section 5.14 Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations. The Chief Executive Officer or any other officer of the Corporation authorized by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer is authorized to vote, represent, and exercise on behalf of the Corporation all rights incident to any and all shares of any other corporation or corporations standing in the name of the Corporation. The authority herein granted may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by the person having such authority.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

Section 6.1 Right to Indemnification.

(a) Each person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or was or is otherwise involved in, any action, suit, arbitration, alternative dispute mechanism, inquiry, judicial, administrative or legislative hearing, investigation or any other threatened, pending or completed proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Corporation or otherwise, including any and all appeals, whether of a civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, investigative or other nature (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or an officer of the Corporation or while a director or officer of the Corporation is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), or by reason of anything done or not done by him or her in any such capacity, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of the indemnitee) actually and reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law or provided in Section 6.3 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights under this Article VI, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding, or part thereof, initiated by such indemnitee (including claims and counterclaims, whether such counterclaims are asserted by (i) such indemnitee, or (ii) the Corporation in a proceeding initiated by such indemnitee) only if such proceeding, or part thereof, was authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors.

Section 6.2 Right to Advancement of Expenses.

(a) In addition to the right to indemnification conferred in Section 6.1, an indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, also have the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending any proceeding with respect to which indemnification is required under Section 6.1 in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”); provided, however, that an advancement of expenses shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an “undertaking”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision of a court of competent

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jurisdiction from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “final adjudication”) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 6.2 or otherwise.

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 6.2(a), the Corporation shall not make or continue to make advancements of expenses to an indemnitee (except by reason of the fact that the indemnitee is or was a director of the Corporation, in which event this Section 6.2(b) shall not apply) if a determination is reasonably made that the facts known at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that the indemnitee acted in bad faith and in a manner that the Indemnitee did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal proceeding, that the indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Such determination shall be made: (i) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of directors who are not parties to such proceeding, whether or not such majority constitutes a quorum, (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, whether or not such majority constitutes a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to the indemnitee.

Section 6.3 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a request for indemnification under Section 6.1 is not paid in full by the Corporation within 60 days, or if a request for an advancement of expenses under Section 6.2 is not paid in full by the Corporation within 20 days, after a written request has been received by the Corporation, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware seeking an adjudication of entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of expenses. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit to the fullest extent permitted by law. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Further, in any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article VI or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

Section 6.4 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any law, agreement, vote of stockholders or directors, provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws or otherwise.

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Section 6.5 Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

Section 6.6 Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article VI with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.

Section 6.7 Nature of Rights. The rights conferred upon indemnitees in this Article VI shall be contract rights that shall vest at the time an individual becomes a director or officer of the Corporation and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer or trustee and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article VI that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or its successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit or eliminate any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal.

Section 6.8 Settlement of Claims. The Corporation shall not be liable to indemnify any indemnitee under this Article VI for any amounts paid in settlement of any proceeding effected without the Corporation’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, or for any judicial award if the Corporation was not given a reasonable and timely opportunity, at its expense, to participate in the defense of such proceeding.

Section 6.9 Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Article VI, the Corporation shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Corporation effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

Section 6.10 Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Article VI shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article VI (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Article VI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not by themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article VI (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Article VI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent of the parties that the Corporation provide protection to the indemnitee to the fullest enforceable extent.

Section 6.11 Procedures for Submission of Claims. The Board of Directors may establish reasonable procedures for the submission of claims for indemnification pursuant to this Article VI, determination of the entitlement of any person thereto and review of any such determination. Such procedures shall be deemed for all purposes to be a part of these Bylaws.

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ARTICLE VII

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 7.1 Certificates of Stock. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that some or all of any or all classes or series of stock may be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or the President or a Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Corporation certifying the number of shares owned by such holder in the Corporation. Any or all such signatures may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

Section 7.2 Special Designation on Certificates. If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the preferences, and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, if such stock is certificated; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the foregoing requirements there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, the designations, the preferences, and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the Corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to this Section 7.2 or Section 156, 202(a) or 218(a) of the DGCL or with respect to this Section 7.2 a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, the designations, the preferences, and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the rights and obligations of the holders of uncertificated stock and the rights and obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class and series shall be identical.

Section 7.3 Transfers of Stock. Transfers of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation upon authorization by the registered holder thereof or by such holder’s attorney thereunto authorized by a power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary or a transfer agent for such stock, and if such shares are represented by a certificate, upon surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed stock transfer power and the payment of any taxes thereon; provided, however, that the Corporation shall be entitled to recognize and enforce any lawful restriction on transfer.

Section 7.4 Lost Certificates. The Corporation may issue a new share certificate or new certificate for any other security in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or the owner’s legal representative to give the Corporation a bond (or other adequate security) sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it (including any expense or

18

liability) on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate. The Board of Directors may adopt such other provisions and restrictions with reference to lost certificates, not inconsistent with applicable law, as it shall in its discretion deem appropriate.

Section 7.5 Addresses of Stockholders. Each stockholder shall designate to the Secretary an address at which notices of meetings and all other corporate notices may be served or mailed to such stockholder and, if any stockholder shall fail to so designate such an address, corporate notices may be served upon such stockholder by mail directed to the mailing address, if any, as the same appears in the stock ledger of the Corporation or at the last known mailing address of such stockholder.

Section 7.6 Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.

Section 7.7 Record Date for Determining Stockholders.

(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which shall not be more than 60 days prior to such other action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

Section 7.8 Regulations. The Board of Directors may make such additional rules and regulations as it may deem expedient concerning the issue, transfer and registration of shares of stock of the Corporation.

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ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL MATTERS

Section 8.1 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the 52- or 53-week period ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31 of each calendar year, or such other period as the Board of Directors may designate.

Section 8.2 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by an Assistant Secretary.

Section 8.3 Maintenance and Inspection of Records. The Corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board of Directors, keep a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these Bylaws as amended to date, accounting books and other records.

Section 8.4 Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records. Each director and each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person as to matters which such director or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 8.5 Subject to Law and Certificate of Incorporation. All powers, duties and responsibilities provided for in these Bylaws, whether or not explicitly so qualified, are qualified by the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.

ARTICLE IX

FORUM FOR ADJUDICATION OF DISPUTES

Section 9.1 Forum. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, or (iv) any other action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article IX.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

Section 10.1 Amendments. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal these Bylaws. In addition to any requirements of law and any other provision of these Bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation, and notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, the Certificate of

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Incorporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66⅔% in voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, any provision of these Bylaws.

The foregoing Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors on April 10, 2013 and are effective as of July 2, 2013.

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EX-10.16

Exhibit 10.16

NOODLES & COMPANY

COMPENSATION PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

I. PURPOSE

1.1 The purpose of the Noodles & Company Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (this “Plan”) is to provide a comprehensive compensation program to attract and retain qualified individuals who are not employed by Noodles & Company (the “Company”) or its subsidiaries to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. In particular, this Plan aligns the interests of such directors with those of the Company’s shareholders by providing that a significant portion of such directors’ compensation is directly linked to the value of the Company’s common stock.

II. CASH RETAINERS

2.1 Annual Board Retainer. Each non-employee director shall be entitled to receive an annual cash retainer for his or her Board service, in such amount as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time, which shall be payable in quarterly installments.

2.2 Committee Retainer. A non-employee director appointed as a member of a standing committee of the Board of Directors shall receive an annual cash retainer, payable in quarterly installments, in such amount as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. These committee retainers are in addition to the annual retainer set forth in Section 2.1 above.

2.3 Retainer for Committee Chairs. A non-employee director appointed to chair a standing committee of the Board of Directors shall be paid an annual cash retainer, payable in quarterly installments, in such amount as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. These committee chair retainers are in addition to the retainers set forth in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 above.

2.4 Pro-Rata Retainer. A non-employee director who commences service after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders shall be entitled to a pro-rated annual cash retainer as well as pro-rated annual committee and committee chair and retainers, as applicable, and as approved by the incumbent non-employee directors. The amount of the retainer(s) shall be determined based on the number of full months during the year that a new non-employee director is in active service. The pro-rated portion of the annual retainer, if any, shall be payable in quarterly installments.

III. EQUITY AWARDS

3.1 Company’s Stock Incentive Plan. Grants of equity awards made under this Plan shall be made under the Company’s stock incentive plan that is in effect from time to time (“Stock Plan”). The terms “Fair Market Value” and “Stock” used in this Article III shall have the meanings set forth in the Stock Plan.

3.2 Annual Retainer Grants. At the close of business on the date of each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, each non-employee director who then continues as a member of the Board of Directors may be granted stock options in such amounts as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may grant any one or more of the awards set forth under the Stock Plan in such amounts and on such terms as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.

3.3 Vesting Period. Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, a non-employee director’s stock options shall vest on the date of the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders following the date of grant, provided that such non-employee director has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the entirety of his or her annual term. If the non-employee director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors before the expiration of his or her annual term at the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders (except as provided in Section 3.4 below), then the stock options shall be forfeited.

3.4 Earlier Vesting of Options. Notwithstanding anything in this Article III to the contrary, a non-employee director’s stock options shall immediately become vested in the event of, and such non-employee director’s death.

3.5 Pro-Rata Awards. A non-employee director who commences service after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will receive a pro-rated equity award at the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders based upon the Fair Market Value of the equity award granted to the incumbent non-employee directors in the year in which such director was appointed or as otherwise

approved by the incumbent non-employee directors. The amount of the award shall be determined based on the number of full months during the year that a new non-employee director is in active service.

V. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

5.1 No compensation shall be payable under this Plan to directors affiliated with the Company’s Equity Sponsors. For purposes of this Section 5.1, Equity Sponsors shall mean Catterton Partners and Public Service Pension Investment Board and their affiliates.

5.2 This Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors, which shall have the power to interpret this Plan and amend it from time to time as it deems proper. To the fullest extent practicable, however, the terms and conditions of the Stock Plan shall be applicable to equity awards granted under this Plan. The Board of Directors may delegate any of its authority under this Plan to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, in which case any reference in the Plan to the Board of Directors shall include the Compensation Committee to the extent of such delegation.

5.3 This Plan may be suspended or terminated at any time by action of the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding any such suspension or termination, the Company shall remain obligated to pay cash retainer amounts earned but not yet paid and any outstanding equity awards under this Plan will continue to be governed by the terms of this Plan as in effect at the time of such suspension or termination, the Stock Plan or a prior stock plan, as applicable, and any applicable stock incentive award agreements.

5.4 Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, the right to receive any compensation under this Plan, whether under new or outstanding equity awards, may not be transferred, assigned, or subject to attachment or other legal process.

5.5 To the extent any amounts paid under this Plan are subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, this Plan will be interpreted in a manner to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

5.6 Subject to Sections 5.3 and 5.4 above, any outstanding equity awards under this Plan will continue to be governed by the terms of this Plan as in effect at the time such awards were granted.

5.7 This Plan shall be governed by and subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and applicable Federal laws.

EX-10.18

Exhibit 10.18

AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

of

NOODLES & COMPANY

Dated as of July 2, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS			1
	1.1	Certain Definitions	1
	1.2	Terms Generally	5
ARTICLE II GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY			6
	2.1	Board of Directors	6
	2.2	Committees of the Board	7
	2.3	Fees and Expenses	7
	2.4	Approvals	8
	2.5	Certain Actions	9
	2.6	Information/Access	9
	2.7	Corporate Opportunities	10
ARTICLE III TRANSFERS/CERTAIN COVERNANTES			10
	3.1	Transfers of Shares	10
	2.2	Tag-Along Rights	11
	2.3	No Circumvention of Transfer Restrictions	13
	2.4	Legend	13
	2.5	30% Undertaking	14
	2.6	FIRPTA	15
ARTICLE IV MISCELLANEOUS			15
	4.1	Termination	15
	4.2	Effective Time	15
	4.3	Confidentiality	15
	4.4	Agreement Expenses	16
	4.5	Conflicts	16
	4.6	Further Assurances	16
	4.7	No Recourse; No Sponsor Duties	16
	4.8	Amendment; Waivers, etc	16
	4.9	Assignment	17
	4.10	Binding Effect	17
	4.11	No Third Party Beneficiaries	17
	4.12	Notices	17
	4.13	Severability	19
	4.14	Headings	19
	4.15	Entire Agreement	19
	4.16	Governing Law	19
	4.17	Consent to Jurisdiction	19
	4.18	Waiver of Jury Trial	20
	4.19	Enforcement	20
	4.20	Counterparts; Fascimile Signatures	20

i

AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of July 2, 2013, among Noodles & Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and each Sponsor (as defined below) listed on the signature pages hereto, and any other Person that may become a party to this Agreement after the date and pursuant to the terms hereof.

WHEREAS, the Sponsors signatory hereto as of July 2, 2013 are the only parties to a Stockholders Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2010 (the "Original Agreement");

WHEREAS, concurrently with the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Company has consummated an initial Public Offering of its Class A common stock (the "IPO"); and

WHEREAS, the Sponsors party to the Original Agreement, acting pursuant to Section 10 of the Original Agreement, desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement as provided herein to set forth the respective rights and obligations of the parties, and to add the Company as a party, to this Agreement following the IPO.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE IDEFINITIONS

1.1Certain Definitions.

"Act" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a)(i).

"Affiliate," with respect to (a) a Sponsor, means (i) any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Sponsor or (ii) any Person who is a general partner, manager, director or officer (A) of such Sponsor or (B) of any Person described in clause (i) above, (b) the Company, means (1) any Person that, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company or (2) any Person who is a general partner, manager, director or officer (A) of the Company or (B) of any Person described in clause (1) above and (C) any natural person, any member of the Immediate Family of such person. For purposes of this definition, "control" (including with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling", "controlled by" and "under common control with") of a Person shall mean the power, directly or indirectly, (y) to vote fifty percent (50%) or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person whether by ownership of securities, contract, proxy or otherwise, or (z) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by ownership of securities, contract, proxy or otherwise.

"Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"Applicable Law" means all applicable provisions of constitutions, treaties, statutes, laws (including the common law), rules, regulations, ordinances, codes or orders of any Regulatory Entity, any consents or approvals of any Regulatory Entity and any orders, decisions, injunctions, judgments, awards, decrees of or agreements with any Regulatory Entity.

"Board" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i).

"Brokers' Transaction" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b).

"Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in The City of New York or in Montréal, Québec.

"Catterton Investor" means Catterton-Noodles, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, together with any of its Permitted Transferees that as of any applicable time of determination owns Shares.

"Catterton Nominee" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i)(A).

"Class A Shares" has the meaning set forth in this Section 1.1.

"Class B Shares" has the meaning set forth in this Section 1.1.

"Class C Dividend Side Letter" means the Class C Dividend Side Letter, dated December 27, 2010, among the Company, the PSP Investor and Catterton Management Company, L.L.C.

"Class I," "Class II" and "Class III" have the meanings set forth in Section 2.1(b).

"Code" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

"Committee" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

"Common Stock" means the Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Class A Shares"), of the Company and the Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Class B Shares"), of the Company, and any securities issued in respect thereof, or in substitution therefor, in connection with any stock split, dividend or combination, or any reclassification, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, exchange or other similar reorganization.

"Company" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

"Controlled Company Event" means the first date on which the Company ceases to qualify as a "controlled company" under the corporate governance rules for NASDAQ-listed companies as in effect from time to time.

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"Control Securities" means, at any time, (i) shares of any class of securities of the Company entitled to vote generally on matters submitted to the stockholders of the Company for a vote and (ii) the Class B Shares.

"Effective Time" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

"Equity Securities" means any and all shares of Common Stock of the Company, securities of the Company convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, such shares, and options, warrants or other rights to acquire such shares.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

"Fair Market Value" means with respect to any non-cash asset or consideration, the fair market value of such non-cash asset or consideration as determined in good faith by the Board.

"Group" has the meaning assigned to such term in section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

"Hedging Transaction" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

"Immediate Family" means, with respect to any natural person, each of such person's lineal descendants and ancestors, spouse, brothers, and sisters, including adoptive relationships, or any trust or entity formed for estate planning purposes or a private foundation for the benefit of the foregoing Persons.

"Independent Director" means an "independent director" as such term is defined from time to time in the corporate governance rules for NASDAQ-listed companies.

"Information" means all confidential information about the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is or has been furnished to any Sponsor or any of its Representatives by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Representatives (whether written or oral or in electronic or other form), together with all written or electronically stored documentation prepared by such Sponsor or its Representatives based on or reflecting, in whole or in part, any such information; provided that the term "Information" does not include any information that is or becomes generally available to the public through no action or omission by any Sponsor or its Representatives or is or becomes available to such Sponsor on a non-confidential basis from a source, other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective Representatives, that to the best of such Sponsor's knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, is not prohibited from disclosing such portions to such Sponsor by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation.

"IPO" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

"Management Services Agreement" means the Management Services Agreement, dated December 27, 2010, between the Company and Catterton Management Company, L.L.C.

3

"Necessary Action" means, with respect to a specified result, (a) voting, providing written consent or a proxy, in each case, with respect to Control Securities, (b) calling and attending meetings in person or by proxy for purposes of obtaining a quorum and/or (c) not taking any actions to frustrate the intent of this Agreement.

"Original Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

"Permitted Transferee" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, syndicate, person, trust, association, organization or other entity, including any governmental authority, and including any successor, by merger or otherwise, of any of the foregoing.

"PSPIB" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a)(i).

"PSP Investor" means Argentia Private Investments Inc., a corporation incorporated pursuant to the Canada Business Corporations Act, together with any of its Permitted Transferees that as of any applicable time of determination owns Shares.

"Prospective Purchaser" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

"PSP Nominee" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i)(B).

"Public Offering" means an offering of the Class A Shares pursuant to a registration statement filed in accordance with the Securities Act.

"Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2010, among the Company, the Catterton Investor, the PSP Investor and the other stockholders of the Company named on the signature pages thereto.

"Regulations" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a)(i).

"Regulatory Entity" means any federal, state, local or foreign court, legislative, executive or regulatory authority or agency, including (without limitation) any exchange upon which equity securities of the Company are listed.

"Relevant Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a)(i).

"Representatives" means with respect to any Person, any of such Person's, or its Affiliates', directors, officers, employees, general partners, Affiliates, direct or indirect shareholders, members or limited partners, attorneys, accountants, financial and other advisers, and other agents and representatives, including in the case of a Sponsor any Sponsor Nominee designated by it.

"Rule 144" means Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule).

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"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

"Shares" means issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassifications, recapitalizations and similar transactions).

"Sponsor Nominees" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(i)(B).

"Sponsors" means the Catterton Investor and the PSP Investor.

"Subsidiary" means each Person in which a Person owns or controls, directly or indirectly, capital stock or other equity interests representing more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests.

"Tag-Along Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

"Tag-Along Notice Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c).

"Tag-Along Offeree" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

"Tagging Persons" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c).

"Tag-Along Response Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c).

"Tag-Along Sale" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

"Tag-Along Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

"Tag-Along Selling Stockholder" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

"Transfer" means, directly or indirectly, to sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, hypothecate or similarly dispose of, either voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, or to enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or similar disposition of, any Equity Securities owned by a Person or any interest (including but not limited to a beneficial interest) in any Equity Securities owned by a Person.

"Transferee" means any Person to whom any Sponsor or any Transferee thereof Transfers Equity Securities of the Company in accordance with the terms hereof.

"Transfer Restriction Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

"Unaffiliated Person" means, with respect to any Sponsor, any other Person that is not an Affiliate of such Sponsor.

1.2Terms Generally. The words "hereby," "herein," "hereof," "hereunder" and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to the specific section, paragraph or clause in which such word appears. All references herein to the preamble, recitals,

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Articles and Sections shall be deemed references to the preamble, recitals, Articles and Sections of this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require. The words "include," "includes" and "including" shall mean "including without limitation." The definitions given for terms in this Article I and elsewhere in this Agreement shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. References herein to any agreement or letter shall be deemed references to such agreement or letter as it may be amended, restated or otherwise revised from time to time.

ARTICLE IIGOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

2.1Board of Directors.

(a)Board Nominees.

(i)Number of Directors. Subject to Section 2.1(a)(ii) and Section 2.1(a)(iii) and any rights of the holders of shares of any class or series of preferred stock of the Company to elect additional members to the board of directors of the Company (the "Board"), and prior to a Controlled Company Event, the Sponsors and the Company shall take all Necessary Action to cause the Board to be comprised of eight directors (or such other number, not less than five, as the Board may agree; provided, that without the prior written consent of the PSP Investor, the number of members on the Board may not be increased or decreased if as a result of such increase or decrease the PSP Nominees would represent 30% or more of the number of Board members), which shall include:

(A)two designated by Catterton Investor, who shall initially be Scott Dahnke and Andrew Taub (the "Catterton Nominees"); and

(B)two designated by PSP Investor, who shall initially be Stuart Frenkiel and James Pittman (the "PSP Nominees," and collectively with the Catterton Nominees, the "Sponsor Nominees").

(ii)Compliance with Law. If, after giving effect to Section 2.1(a)(iii), the membership of the Board (or Committees) as designated in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(i) would not comply with the requirements of Applicable Law, the Company and the Sponsors will take all Necessary Action to cause the size of the Board to increase to the extent necessary to allow the Company to comply with Applicable Law with respect to the composition of the Board (and Committees), and the directors shall elect Independent Directors to fill each of the vacancies created by such increase.

(iii)Election of Directors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article II, each Sponsor shall have the right, but not the obligation, (A) for so long as such Sponsor owns at least 20% of the Shares, to nominate to the Board two designees, (B) in the event that a Sponsor owns less than 20% but at least 10% of the Shares, to nominate to the Board one designee and (C) the Sponsors shall not be entitled to nominate to the Board any designees

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in the event that it shall own less than 10% of the Shares. In advance of each meeting of its stockholders at which directors are to be elected, the Company shall include any Sponsor Nominees designated for election or reelection at such meeting in its slate of nominees in the proxy materials it distributes to its stockholders, and shall recommend that the Company's stockholders vote in favor of such Sponsor Nominees.

(b)Classified Board. The certificate of incorporation and the bylaws of the Company shall provide that the directors of the Company, subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any class or series of preferred stock of the Company, shall be classified with respect to the time for which they severally hold office into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible. The term of one class ("Class I") will expire at the first annual meeting of the stockholders following the Effective Time, the term of another class ("Class II") will expire at the second annual meeting of the stockholders following the Effective Time and the term of another class ("Class III") will expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Effective Time; provided that the term of each director shall (i) continue until the election and qualification of a successor and (ii) be subject to such director's earlier death, resignation or removal. Thereafter, at each annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, subject to any rights of the holders of shares of any class or series of preferred stock of the Company, the successors of the directors whose term expires at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Unless and until the size of the Board shall have been changed in accordance herewith, Class I and Class II shall contain two directors each, and Class III shall contain three directors. One PSP Nominee shall be allocated to each of Class I and Class II, who shall initially be James Pittman and Stuart Frenkiel, respectively, and one Catterton Nominee shall be allocated to each of Class II and Class III, who shall initially be Andrew Taub and Scott Dahnke, respectively.

(c)Removal and Replacement of Directors. If any Sponsor provides notice to any other Sponsor that it desires to remove one or more of its Sponsor Nominees from the Board, such Sponsor receiving notice shall take all Necessary Action requested to effect such removal. No Sponsor Nominee may be removed from the Board without the consent of the Sponsor that designated such Sponsor Nominee unless such Sponsor Nominee (i) is convicted (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony, (ii) materially violates fiduciary duties owed to the Company, as determined by the Board or (iii) commits an act that constitutes intentional misconduct, bad faith or an intentional violation of law in respect of his position as a director. If a vacancy is created on the Board or a Committee as a result of the death, disability, retirement, resignation or removal of any Sponsor Nominee, except pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(ii) or Section 2.1(a)(iii), then the Sponsor that designated such Sponsor Nominee shall have the right to designate such person's replacement, who shall serve in the same class of directors.

2.2Committees of the Board. The Board may establish any committees of the Board as the Board shall approve (each, a "Committee"), with such authority as the Board shall so determine from time to time. For so long as a Sponsor is entitled under this Article II to designate any Sponsor Nominees, such Sponsor shall have the right to nominate one director to

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serve on each of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or any other committee with comparable responsibilities to the aforementioned committees.

2.3Fees and Expenses.

(a)Director Fees. Until the second anniversary of the Effective Time, no Sponsor Nominee shall be paid any fee for serving as a director or member of any Committee. Thereafter, the Company shall pay to the directors who are Sponsor Nominees an annual fee of $100,000, or such other amount as may be determined by the Board to be payable to non-employee directors, for each of such directors serving on the Board or Committees thereof; provided, that any such fees otherwise payable to the Catterton Nominees shall instead be paid directly to Catterton Management Company, L.L.C. and any such fees otherwise payable to the PSP Nominees shall instead be paid directly to the PSP Investor; provided further that no Sponsor Nominee who is also an employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary shall be paid any fee for serving as a director or member of any Committee.

(b)Management Fee and Class C Dividend. Pursuant to the terms thereof, upon the Effective Time, the Management Services Agreement and Class C Dividend Side Letter shall terminate, and provided that the Effective Time occurs on or prior to July 31, 2013, the amounts otherwise payable pursuant to the Management Services Agreement and Class C Dividend Side Letter on July 1, 2013 with respect to the third quarter of 2013 shall be waived; provided further, that if the Effective Time shall not occur on or prior to such date, the waiver will not be effective and such amounts shall be payable in accordance with the terms thereof. The Company shall pay to the Catterton Investor a transaction fee in the amount of $400,000, and shall pay to the PSP Investor a special dividend on the share of Class C common stock in the amount of $400,000; provided, that such fee payable to the Catterton Investor shall instead be paid directly to Catterton Management Company, L.L.C. In addition, the one share of Class C common stock of the Company held by the PSP Investor shall be redeemed upon the Effective Time in exchange for no consideration.

(c)Expenses. The Company shall cause each non-employee Sponsor Nominee serving on the Board, any Committees or any Company Subsidiary board to be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by him or her in connection with such service, including reasonable travel, lodging and meal expenses, provided that any such expenses reimbursable to the Catterton Nominees shall instead be paid directly to Catterton Management Company, L.L.C. and any such expenses reimbursable to the PSP Nominees shall instead be paid directly to the PSP Investor.

(d)Indemnification. The Company shall offer to enter into (i) with each Sponsor Nominee, an agreement to indemnify such Sponsor Nominee for liabilities in respect of his or her service as a director, in a customary form reasonably acceptable to each of the Sponsors, and (ii) with each Sponsor, an agreement to provide for the prioritization of the Company's indemnification obligation with respect to each Sponsor Nominee.

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2.4Approvals. For so long as the Sponsors collectively own not less than 35% of the Shares as of any applicable time of determination, then, for so long as the (i) Catterton Investor owns not less than 5% of the Shares as of any applicable time of determination, without the prior written consent of the Catterton Investor and (ii) PSP Investor owns not less than 5% of the Shares as of any applicable time of determination, without the prior written consent of the PSP Investor, the Company shall not, and each Sponsor shall take all Necessary Action to cause the Company not to, take any of the following actions:

(a)any merger, recapitalization, issuance of Control Securities or other adjustment in voting rights, in one or any series of related transactions, if following such event, the Sponsors would not together have sufficient voting power or otherwise be entitled to elect a majority of the Board;

(b)any sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company in one or any series of related transactions;

(c)except in accordance with employee benefit programs approved by the Board, any issuance by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of debt securities or Equity Securities for consideration exceeding $50,000,000 in Fair Market Value;

(d)create any new class or series of shares of equity securities having rights, preferences or privileges senior to or on a parity with the Common Stock; or

(e)amend the certificate of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent organization documents of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in a manner that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights of the Catterton Investor or the PSP Investor.

2.5Certain Actions. Each Sponsor shall take all Necessary Action to cause the election, removal and replacement of directors and members of Committees in the manner contemplated in, and otherwise give the fullest effect possible to the provisions of this Article II.

2.6Information/Access.

(a)Information. For so long as a Sponsor is entitled under this Article II to designate any Sponsor Nominees, or until a Sponsor provides written notice requesting not to receive some or all of the following (for a specified time period or until further notice requesting to again receive such information), the Company shall provide such Sponsor with a copy of:

(i)each unaudited monthly management report regarding the Company and/or any Subsidiary of the Company prepared for the Company, including an unaudited consolidated balance sheet and income statement, promptly following the preparation thereof;

(ii)the Company's annual strategic plan and budget;

(iii)all periodic reports required to be provided pursuant to the Company's credit facilities; and

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(iv)such other information and data as may be reasonably requested by such Sponsor; provided, that any such other information shall contemporaneously be provided to the non-requesting Sponsor if at the time of such request it would otherwise be entitled to request such information pursuant to this Section 2.6(a).

(b)Access. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries, officers, directors and employees to, provide to each Sponsor, for so long as such Sponsor is entitled under this Article II to designate any Sponsor Nominees, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice reasonable access at all reasonable times to its officers, employees, auditors, properties, offices, plants and other facilities and to all books and records, and afford such Sponsor the opportunity to consult with its officers from time to time regarding the Company's and its Subsidiaries' affairs, finances and accounts as each such Sponsor may reasonably request upon reasonable notice.

(c)Additional Information. Each of the Sponsors agrees that, from the Effective Time and for so long as it is a party to this Agreement, it will furnish the Company such reasonably necessary information and, at the Company's sole expense, reasonable assistance as the Company may reasonably request in connection with the (i) consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) the preparation and filing of any reports, filings, applications, consents or authorizations with any Regulatory Entity under any Applicable Law. The Company, on the one hand, and a Sponsor, on the other hand, proposing to make a Transfer shall provide each other with any information reasonably requested in order for each of them to determine whether the proposed Transfer would be prohibited by Applicable Law or require any regulatory action.

2.7Corporate Opportunities. Any of the Sponsors, Sponsor Nominees or Affiliates of the foregoing, other than any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries, may engage in or possess any interest (including by holding securities) in other investments, business ventures or Persons of any nature or description, independently or with others, similar or dissimilar to, or that competes with, the investments or business of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, and may provide advice and other assistance to any such investment, business venture or Person. The Company and its stockholders shall have no rights in and to such investments, business ventures or Persons or the income or profits derived therefrom. The pursuit of any such investment or venture, even if competitive with the business of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, shall not be deemed wrongful or improper. No Sponsor, Sponsor Nominee or Affiliate of the foregoing, other than any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries, shall be obligated to present any particular investment or business opportunity to the Company even if such opportunity is of a character that, if presented to the Company, could be pursued by the Company, and any Sponsor, Sponsor Nominee or Affiliate of the foregoing, other than any employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries, shall have the right to pursue for its own account (individually or as a partner or a fiduciary) or to recommend to any other Person any such investment opportunity.

ARTICLE IIITRANSFERS/CERTAIN COVENANTS

3.1Transfers of Shares.

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(a)Until the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the Effective Time and (ii) the time when the Catterton Investor and the PSP Investor no longer collectively own at least 25% of the Shares (the "Transfer Restriction Period"), no Sponsors shall Transfer any of its Shares without the prior written consent of the Catterton Investor and the PSP Investor, except (A) in the case of Transfers to such Sponsor's Affiliate (a "Permitted Transferee"), (B) in connection with a proposed Tag Along Sale, (C) pursuant to such Sponsor's rights under the Registration Rights Agreement or (D) for bona fide hedging purposes not intended to circumvent the restrictions contained in this Section 3 (a "Hedging Transaction").

(b)Any Transferee (including any Permitted Transferee) that after the Effective Time acquires Shares from a Sponsor, other than in connection with a Public Offering, brokers transactions (within the meaning of Section 4(4) of the Securities Act (a "Brokers' Transaction")) or Hedging Transactions, shall, as a condition precedent to the Transfer of such Equity Securities to such Transferee, (i) become a party to this Agreement by completing and executing a signature page hereto (including the address of such party), (ii) represent in writing to the Company that such Transfer was made in accordance with Applicable Law, and execute all such other agreements or documents as may reasonably be requested by the Company (which may include such other representations and warranties made by the Transferee to the Company as shall be reasonably requested by the Company), (iii) ensure with the transferring stockholders that any regulatory authorizations needed in connection with such Transfer are duly obtained, and (iv) deliver such signature page and, if applicable, other agreements and documents to the Company at its address specified in Section 4.12. Such Person shall, upon its satisfaction of such conditions and acquisition of Shares, be a Sponsor for all purposes of this Agreement.

(c)Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of Shares in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall be void, and the Company shall give no effect thereto.

3.2Tag-Along Rights.

(e)During the Transfer Restriction Period, if at any time any Sponsor or any of its Permitted Transferees, if any (a "Tag-Along Selling Stockholder"), proposes to effect a Transfer of any of its Shares to a Person (a "Prospective Purchaser") other than (i) to a Permitted Transferee, (ii) pursuant to such Sponsor's rights under the Registration Rights Agreement or (iii) Hedging Transactions (the shares subject to such proposed Transfer, the "Tag-Along Shares" and such Transfer, a "Tag-Along Sale"), then such Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall promptly give written notice (the "Tag-Along Notice") to each other Sponsor (each, a "Tag-Along Offeree") and to the Company of the terms and conditions of such Tag-Along Sale.

(f)The Tag-Along Notice shall identify (i) the class and number of Tag-Along Shares, (ii) the consideration for which the Tag-Along Sale is proposed to be made, (iii) the name and address of each Prospective Purchaser, (iv) the proposed closing date for such Tag-Along Sale and (v) all other material terms and conditions of the Tag-Along Sale, including the form of the proposed agreement, if any, and a firm offer by each Prospective Purchaser.

(g)The Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall not be permitted to Transfer any Tag-Along Shares unless and until each Tag-Along Offeree shall have been afforded the right,

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exercisable upon written notice (the "Tag-Along Response Notice") to the Company and the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder within ten Business Days after the date of receipt by such Tag-Along Offeree of the Tag-Along Notice (the "Tag-Along Notice Period"), to participate in the sale of its Shares on the same terms and conditions under which the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder will sell its Tag-Along Shares in the Tag-Along Sale. Each such Tag-Along Offeree may sell all or any part of that number of its Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the aggregate number of Tag-Along Shares by (ii) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of Shares at the time owned by such Tag-Along Offeree and the denominator of which is the sum of (x) the total number of Shares then owned by all Tagging Persons and (y) the total number of Shares owned by the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder. The Tag-Along Response Notice shall include wire transfer instructions for payment of the purchase price for Shares of the Tag-Along Offeree to be sold in such Tag-Along Sale. Delivery of the Tag-Along Response Notice shall constitute an irrevocable acceptance of the Tag-Along Offer by the Tag-Along Offerees that exercise their Tag-Along Rights hereunder (the "Tagging Persons"). In order to participate in a Tag-Along Sale, the Tagging Persons must agree to enter into and execute substantially identical agreements and documents as the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder enters into and executes in connection with the Tag-Along Sale, which agreements and documents may include, without limitation, provisions with respect to escrows, holdbacks, representations and warranties, covenants and indemnities, provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Tagging Persons shall not be obligated to agree to any non-competition covenants.

(h)The Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the inclusion in the proposed Tag-Along Sale of the entire number of Shares which each of the Tagging Persons requested to have included in the Tag-Along Sale (as evidenced in the case of the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder by the Tag-Along Notice and in the case of each Tagging Person by such Tagging Person's Tag-Along Response Notice). In the event the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall be unable to obtain the inclusion of such entire number of Shares in the proposed Tag-Along Sale, the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall reduce the number of its Shares included in the Tag-Along Sale by a sufficient number to allow for inclusion therein of the entire number of Shares that each of the Tagging Persons requested to have included in the Tag-Along Sale.

(i)The Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall Transfer, or cause to be Transferred, on behalf of itself and the Tagging Persons, the Shares subject to the Tag-Along Offer and elected by the Tagging Person to be Transferred on the terms and conditions set forth in the Tag-Along Notice within 120 days after the expiration of the Tag-Along Notice Period. If within 120 days after the expiration of the Tag-Along Notice Period, the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder has not completed the Transfer of the entire number of Shares which each of the Tagging Persons requested to have included in the Tag-Along Sale for consideration of the type and having a value not less than that set forth in the Tag-Along Notice and on otherwise substantially comparable terms and conditions as those set forth in the Tag-Along Notice, the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall (i) promptly return or destroy any documents in the possession of the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder executed or delivered by the Tagging Persons in connection with the proposed Tag-Along Sale, and (ii) not conduct any Transfer of any of the

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Tag-Along Shares or any of the Shares that the Tagging Persons requested to have included in the Tag-Along Sale without again complying with this Section 3.2.

(j)Concurrently with the consummation of the Tag-Along Sale, the Tag-Along Selling Stockholder shall (i) notify the Tagging Persons thereof, (ii) remit or cause to be remitted to the Tagging Persons the total consideration to be paid at the closing of the Tag-Along Sale for the Shares of the Tagging Persons Transferred pursuant thereto, with the cash portion of the purchase price paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds in accordance with the wire transfer instructions in the Tag-Along Response Notice, and (iii) promptly after the consummation of such Tag-Along Sale, furnish such other evidence of the completion and the date of completion of such Transfer and the terms thereof as may be reasonably requested by the Tagging Persons.

(k)If at the expiration of the Tag-Along Notice Period, any Tag-Along Offeree has not elected to participate in the Tag-Along Sale, such Tag-Along Offeree shall be deemed to have waived its rights under Section 3.2(a) with respect to, and only with respect to, the Transfer of its Shares pursuant to such Tag-Along Sale.

(l)All costs and expenses incurred by any Sponsor or the Company in connection with any proposed Tag-Along Sale (whether or not consummated), including all attorneys fees and charges, all accounting fees and charges and all finders, brokerage or investment banking fees, charges or commissions, shall be borne by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

3.3No Circumvention of Transfer Restrictions. Each Sponsor agrees that the Transfer restrictions in this Agreement may not be avoided by the holding of Shares directly or indirectly through a Person that was formed solely for purposes of holding Shares, and undertaking a Transfer of equity securities of such Person, the principal purpose of which is to indirectly dispose of an interest in Common Stock free of such restrictions, if such Transfer results in a substantial ownership interest or controlling interest (direct or indirect) in the Company being held other than by such Person, whether directly or indirectly. Any Transfer of any Equity Securities, directly or indirectly, of a Person that was formed solely for purposes of holding shares of Common Stock, the principal purpose of which Transfer was to dispose of (directly or indirectly) the Common Stock held by the Person, that results in a substantial ownership interest or controlling interest (direct or indirect) in the Company being held other than by such Person, whether directly or indirectly, shall be treated as being a Transfer of the Common Stock held by the applicable Sponsor in violation of this Agreement.

3.4Legend.

(a)All certificates and ownership statements representing the Equity Securities held by each Sponsor shall bear a legend substantially in the following form:

"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE/STATEMENT] ARE SUBJECT TO A STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY). NO TRANSFER,

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SALE, ASSIGNMENT, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE/STATEMENT] MAY BE MADE EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT AND (A) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE, BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS [CERTIFICATE/STATEMENT], AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT."

(b)Upon the permitted sale of any Equity Securities pursuant to (i) Section 3.1(a) or (ii) another exemption from registration under the Securities Act or upon the termination of this Agreement, the certificates or ownership statements representing such Equity Securities shall be replaced, at the expense of the Company, with certificates or instruments not bearing the legends required by this Section 3.4; provided that the Company may condition such replacement of certificates or ownership statements under clause (ii) upon the receipt of an opinion of securities counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company; provided further that the legend be retained in the case of Transfers to a Permitted Transferee as defined in Section 3.1.

3.530% Undertaking.

(a)The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that:

(i)the Public Sector Pension Investment Board ("PSPIB"), the direct owner of 100% of the outstanding equity securities of PSP Investor, has to satisfy certain requirements contained in the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act (the “Act”) and the Regulations adopted pursuant to the Act (the "Regulations"). More specifically, the Regulations, subject to certain exceptions, prohibit PSPIB from investing, directly or indirectly, in securities of a corporation to which are attached more than 30% of the votes that may be cast to elect directors (such shares which permit voting to elect directors being herein called "Relevant Shares") and which are not wholly owned subsidiaries; and

(ii)at any time and from time-to-time, PSP Investor intends to be invested in no more than 30% of the Relevant Shares of the Company, in addition to a number of other shares of the Company.

(b)The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees with and covenants to PSPIB and PSP Investor, that in order to assure PSPIB complies in all respects with the Regulations in connection with its indirect holding of Relevant Shares of the Company at any time, the Company shall:

(i)not take any action the effect of which would be to increase PSPIB's indirect percentage interest in the Relevant Shares of the Company without providing PSP Investor and PSPIB at least 30 days prior written notice of the Company’s intention to do so; and

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(ii)promptly, upon becoming aware of any event, circumstance or proposed transaction that may increase the indirect percentage interest of PSPIB in the Relevant Shares of the Company, provide PSP Investor and PSPIB prior written notice of any such event, circumstance or proposed transaction, so that the PSP Investor or any Permitted Transferee thereof shall have sufficient time to elect to convert an appropriate number of Relevant Shares of the Company into shares which are not Relevant Shares, in order to comply with the Act and the Regulations.

3.6FIRPTA. The Company hereby covenants and agrees that within 5 Business Days following a written request by a Sponsor, the Company shall, as required by Treasury Regulation Section 1.897-2(h)(1), deliver to such Sponsor a certificate executed by an officer of the Company, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, certifying as to the status of the Company as a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.

ARTICLE IVMISCELLANEOUS

4.1Termination. Subject to the early termination of any provision as a result of an amendment to this Agreement agreed to by the Company and the Sponsors as provided under Section 4.8:

(a)the provisions of Article II shall, with respect to each Sponsor, terminate as provided in Article II;

(b)the provisions of Article III shall terminate as provided in Article III; and

(c)all other provisions of this Agreement shall survive its termination.

Nothing in this Agreement shall relieve any party from any liability for the breach of any obligations set forth in this Agreement.

4.2Effective Time. This Agreement shall be effective upon the execution hereof by the Sponsors and the consummation of the IPO (the time of such effectiveness, the "Effective Time") provided, that if the IPO is not consummated on or prior to December 31, 2013, this Agreement shall become null and void ab initio, and the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

4.3Confidentiality. Each Sponsor agrees to, and shall cause its Representatives to, keep confidential and not divulge any Information, and to use, and cause its Representatives to use, such Information only in connection with the operation of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided that nothing herein shall prevent any party hereto from disclosing Information (a) upon the order of any court or administrative agency, (b) upon the request or demand of any regulatory agency or authority having jurisdiction over such party, (c) to the extent required by law or stock exchange rule or compelled by legal process or required or requested pursuant to subpoena,

15

interrogatories or other discovery requests, (d) to the extent necessary in connection with the exercise of any remedy hereunder, (e) to such party's Representatives that in the reasonable judgment of such party need to know such Information or (f) to any potential transferee in connection with a proposed Transfer of Equity Securities from such Sponsor as long as such transferee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 4.3 as if a Sponsor, provided further that, in the case of clause (a), (b) or (c), such party shall notify the other parties hereto of the proposed disclosure as far in advance of such disclosure as practicable and use reasonable efforts to ensure that any Information so disclosed is accorded confidential treatment, when and if available.

4.4Agreement Expenses. Each of the Sponsors shall be reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) incurred by such Sponsor in connection with and related to the negotiation and documentation of this Agreement.

4.5Conflicts. Each of the parties covenants and agrees to vote their Control Securities and to take any other action reasonably requested by the Company or any Sponsor to amend the Company's bylaws and/or certificate of incorporation so as to avoid any conflict with the provisions hereof.

4.6Further Assurances. Each party hereto shall do and perform or cause to be done and performed all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such further agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

4.7No Recourse; No Sponsor Duties.

(a)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company and each Sponsor agree and acknowledge that no recourse under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement, shall be had against any current or future director, officer, employee, manager, general or limited partner or member of any Sponsor or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other Applicable Law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any current or future officer, agent or employee of any Sponsor or any current or future member of any Sponsor or any current or future director, officer, employee, partner or member of any Sponsor or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof, as such for any obligation of any Sponsor under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.

(b)The Sponsors agree, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other agreement or at law or in equity, that when any Sponsor takes any action under this Agreement to give or withhold its consent, such Sponsor shall have no duty (fiduciary or other) to consider the interests of the Company or the other Sponsors and may act exclusively in its own interest and

16

shall have no duty to act in good faith; provided that the foregoing shall in no way affect the obligations of the parties hereto to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.

4.8Amendment; Waivers, etc. This Agreement may be amended, and the Company and any Sponsor may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, if and only if any such amendment, action or omission to act, has been approved by the Company, the Catterton Investor and the PSP Investor ; provided that the approval of the Catterton Investor or PSP Investor shall not be so required with respect to and in order to authorize the amendment, action or omission to act with respect to any Section of this Agreement for which such Sponsor's rights or obligations have been terminated pursuant to Section 4.1; provided further that the approval of the Company shall not be so required with respect to and in order to authorize the amendment, action or omission to act if the Company's rights or obligations are not adversely affected thereby; provided further that this Agreement may not be amended in a manner that adversely and disproportionately affects the rights or obligations of any Sponsor relative to the rights or obligations of all similarly situated Sponsors, in each case without the consent of such Sponsor. The failure of any party to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms. Any Sponsor may waive (in writing) the benefit of any provision of this Agreement with respect to itself for any purpose. Any such waiver shall constitute a waiver only with respect to the specific matter described in such writing and shall in no way impair the rights of the Sponsor granting such waiver in any other respect or at any other time.

4.9Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation arising under this Agreement may be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of the other parties, provided that any Sponsor may assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations hereunder to any Person that either is, or becomes a Transferee that holds 30% or more of the Shares as a result of a transfer of Shares from such Sponsor, provided that (i) the transfer is permitted under this Agreement and (ii) is not pursuant to a registered offering or a Hedging Transaction. Any Sponsor assigning its rights pursuant to Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement shall provide prior notice to the Company of such assignment.

4.10Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

4.11No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature under or by reason of this Agreement.

4.12Notices. All notices, requests, demands, waivers and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (w) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (x) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a nationally recognized next-day courier service, (y) on the earlier of confirmed receipt or the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing if

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delivered by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or (z) if sent by facsimile transmission, when transmitted and receipt is confirmed. All notices hereunder shall be delivered to the addresses set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice:

(a)if to the Company:

Noodles & Company

520 Zhang Street, Suite D

Broomfield, CO 80021

Attention: Paul Strasen

Facsimile: (720) 214-1921

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

c/o Catterton Partners
599 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
Attention: Andrew C. Taub

Facsimile: (203) 629-4903

(b)if to the Catterton Investor:

c/o Catterton Partners
599 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
Attention: Andrew C. Taub

David McPherson

Facsimile: (203) 629-4903

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Attention: Steven Shoemate, Esq.

Facsimile: (212) 351-5316

(c)if to the PSP Investor, to:

Argentia Private Investments Inc.
c/o Public Sector Pension Investment Board
1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Suite 900
Montréal, Québec H3B 4W8
Attention: Derek Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Private Equity
Facsimile: (514) 939-5370

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with a copy to:

Public Sector Pension Investment Board
1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Suite 900
Montréal, Québec H3B 4W8
Attention: Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer
Facsimile: (514) 937-0403

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
Attention: Douglas P. Warner, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 310-8007

4.13Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without rendering invalid, illegal or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity, illegality or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated herein are consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

4.14Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

4.15Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including the Original Agreement.

4.16Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles or rules of conflicts of law to the extent such principles or rules are not mandatorily applicable by statute and would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction).

4.17Consent to Jurisdiction. Each of the parties irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any party or its Affiliates against any other party or its Affiliates shall be brought and determined in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; provided, that if jurisdiction is not then available in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, then any such legal action or proceeding may be brought

19

in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or any other Delaware state court. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts for itself and with respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, with regard to any such action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the parties agrees not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in the courts described above in Delaware, other than actions in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce any judgment, decree or award rendered by any such court in Delaware as described herein. Each of the parties further agrees that notice as provided herein shall constitute sufficient service of process and the parties further waive any argument that such service is insufficient. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion or as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Delaware as described herein for any reason, (b) that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (c) that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper or (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.

4.18Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

4.19Enforcement. Each party hereto acknowledges that money damages would not be an adequate remedy in the event that any of the covenants or agreements in this Agreement are not performed in accordance with its terms, and it is therefore agreed that in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, the non-breaching party will have the right to an injunction, temporary restraining order or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction enjoining any such breach and enforcing specifically the terms and provisions hereof. In the event that the Company or one or more Sponsors shall file suit to enforce the covenants contained in this Agreement (or obtain any other remedy in respect of any breach thereof), the prevailing party in the suit shall be entitled to recover, in addition to all other damages to which it may be entitled, the costs incurred by such party in conducting the suit, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and expenses.

4.20Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile signature(s).

[Signature Page Follows.]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement by their authorized representatives as of the date first above written.

NOODLES & COMPANY
By:	/s/ Paul A. Strasen
	Name: Paul A. Strasen
	Title: Executive Vice President and General Counsel
CATTERTON-NOODLES, LLC
By:	CP6 Management, L.L.C.
Its:	Manager
By:	/s/ Scott A. Dahnke
	Name: Scott A. Dahnke
	Title: Authorized Person
ARGENTINA PRIVATE INVESTMENTS INC.
By:	/s/ Derek Murphy
	Name: Derek Murphy
	Title: Vice President
By:	/s/ Jim Pittman
	Name: Jim Pittman
	Title: Vice President

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT]

CATTERTON MANAGEMENT COMPANY, L.L.C.
	(with respect to Section 2.3 only)
By:	/s/ Scott A. Dahnke
	Name: Scott A. Dahnke
	Title: Authorized Person
PUCLIC SECTOR PENSION INVESTMENT BOARD
	(with respect to Section 3.5 only)
By:	/s/ Derek Murphy
	Name: Derek Murphy
	Title: Senior Vice President Private Equity
By:	/s/ Jim Pittman
	Name: Jim Pittman
	Title: Managing Director Private Equity

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT]

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

Subsidiaries of the Registrant	Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Noodles & Company Canada, Inc.	Canada
Noodles & Company China Holdings, LTD	Cayman Islands
Noodles & Company International Holdings, LTD	Cayman Islands
Noodles & Company Finance Corp.	Colorado, United States
Noodles & Company Services Corp.	Colorado, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Colorado, Inc.	Colorado, United States
TNSC, Inc.	Colorado, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Delaware, Inc.	Delaware, United States
Noodles & Company Hong Kong, Limited	Hong Kong
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Illinois, Inc.	Illinois, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Kansas, LLC	Kansas, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Annapolis, LLC	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Baltimore County, LLC	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Charles County, Inc.	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - College Park, LLC	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Frederick County, LLC	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Howard County, Inc.	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Maryland, Inc.	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Montgomery County, Maryland	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - St. Mary’s County, LLC	Maryland, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Minnesota, Inc.	Minnesota, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Virginia, Inc.	Virginia, United States
The Noodle Shop, Co. - Wisconsin, Inc.	Wisconsin, United States

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our report dated March 22, 2013 (except for Note 17, as to which the date is June 26, 2013 and except for Note 1, as to which the date is November 18, 2013) in the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus of Noodles & Company dated November 18, 2013.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Denver, Colorado

November 18, 2013

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Stockholder's Equity

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholder's Equity

Stockholders' Equity

The Company has 36,928,001 shares of stock authorized, consisting of 27,119,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 6,294,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01; 1 share of Class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share and 2,885,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Preferred stock rights will be determined by the Company's Board of Directors in the event that preferred shares are issued. The following summarizes the rights of common stock:

Voting—Shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to one vote per share in all voting matters, with the exception that Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors. Class C common stock is entitled to vote only on amendments to the certificate of incorporation that would adversely affect the rights and preferences of the Class C common stock and reclassification or subdivision matters related to the Class C common stock.

Conversion—Each share of Class A common stock held by one of the Equity Sponsors is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class B common stock. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A common stock.

Dividends—A Class C dividend agreement was entered in connection with the Merger Agreement between one of the Equity Sponsors and the Company, which provides that the new investor will receive, in the form of a dividend, an amount equal to the compensation payable to the other new investor under a Management Services Agreement. See additional information in Note 16, Related-Party Transactions. Class A common stock and Class B common stock share equally if a dividend is declared or paid to either class, but do not have rights to any special dividend.

Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up—Class A common stock and Class B common stock share equally in distributions in liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the corporation.

Registration Rights—After December 27, 2011, the Equity Sponsors have the right to demand registration of 10% or more of the shares of the Company's common stock held by them. Other shareholders have piggyback registration rights, but are not required to exercise these rights.

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Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value of Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total derivatives, fair value	$ 0	$ 0
Temporary equity, fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total derivatives, fair value	98	473
Temporary equity, fair value	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total derivatives, fair value	0	0
Temporary equity, fair value	$ 3,601	$ 2,572

XML

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Revenue:
Restaurant revenue	$ 87,864	$ 76,306	$ 256,744	$ 220,261	$ 297,264	$ 253,467	$ 218,560
Franchising royalties and fees	1,072	793	2,711	2,220	3,146	2,599	2,272
Total revenue	88,936	77,099	259,455	222,481	300,410	256,066	220,832
Restaurant operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Cost of sales	23,127	20,246	67,524	58,423	78,997	66,419	56,869
Labor	26,345	23,065	77,464	66,002	89,435	75,472	64,942
Occupancy	8,870	7,468	25,824	21,669	29,323	25,208	21,650
Other restaurant operating costs	11,315	9,488	32,962	27,449	36,380	32,031	27,403
General and administrative	6,939	7,464	27,808	21,426	29,081	26,463	27,302
Depreciation and amortization	5,238	4,334	15,074	12,165	16,719	14,501	13,932
Pre-opening	1,183	829	2,873	2,000	3,145	2,327	2,088
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	339	201	837	663	1,278	1,629	2,815
Total costs and expenses	83,356	73,095	250,366	209,797	284,358	244,050	217,001
Income from operations	5,580	4,004	9,089	12,684	16,052	12,016	3,831
Debt extinguishment expense	0	2,646	0	2,646	2,646	275	0
Interest expense	132	1,118	2,199	3,894	5,028	6,132	1,819
Income before income taxes	5,448	240	6,890	6,144	8,378	5,609	2,012
Provision for income taxes	2,183	107	2,633	2,540	3,215	1,780	(366)
Net income	$ 3,265	$ 133	$ 4,257	$ 3,604	$ 5,163	$ 3,829	$ 2,378
Earnings per share of Class A and Class B common stock, combined:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 0.11	$ 0.01	$ 0.17	$ 0.16	$ 0.22	$ 0.16	$ 0.10
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 0.11	$ 0.01	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.22	$ 0.16	$ 0.09
Weighted average shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding, combined:
Basic (in shares)	29,399,650	23,238,984	25,382,805	23,238,984	23,238,984	23,237,698	24,386,059
Diluted (in shares)	31,063,213	23,388,729	26,528,004	23,250,745	23,265,542	23,237,698	25,226,989

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Equity Recapitalization

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Equity Recapitalization

Equity Recapitalization

On December 27, 2010, the Company completed an equity recapitalization through a merger with a newly organized Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub"), which was 100% indirectly owned by Catterton and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board ("PSPIB"), a Canadian Crown corporation, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 26, 2010 ("Merger Agreement"). The Company was the surviving entity of the recapitalization. The Company received $181.0 million from Catterton and Argentia and paid $7.0 million in transaction expenses. Total consideration paid for the outstanding shares was $211.7 million, of which $16.7 million was settled in rollover shares and the remainder was paid in cash in 2010 and 2011.

In connection with the Merger, the following equity transactions were completed:

• The Series A preferred stock and Class A common stock was converted on a 3.4 for 1 basis;

• All outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock (5,898,709 shares or 11,797,418 as converted to common on a 2 for 1 basis at the option of the holder) and Class A common stock (12,625,462 outstanding, 11,897,375 held in treasury) were cancelled. Outstanding shares were converted to the right to receive cash consideration of $8.67 or the equivalent equity interest in the surviving entity ("rollover shares");

• Outstanding stock options with an intrinsic value of $17,494,531 were cancelled in exchange for payments in cash or equity in the surviving entity. The intrinsic value was calculated as the fair market value in excess of exercise price at the time of settlement;

• Holders of shares immediately prior to the merger elected to retain $16.7 million in equity interests, or 1,931,058 shares of Class A common stock;

• Certain members of the Company's management team were issued $3.6 million in equity interests, or 418,711 shares of Class A common stock ("rollover shares");

• Catterton was issued 10,501,400 shares of Class A common stock in exchange for $91.0 million in cash, which was used to pay the cash portion of merger consideration to shareholders and holders of outstanding stock options;

• Argentia received 4,093,360 shares of Class A common stock, 6,292,640 shares of Class B common stock, and 1 share of Class C common stock in exchange for $90.0 million, which was also used to pay selling shareholders and holders of outstanding stock options. Class B and Class C common stock is nonvoting.

Catterton and Argentia also made a bridge loan to the Company. See Note 4, Borrowings. Following the equity recapitalization, Catterton and Argentia owned 90% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock, while the management team and other shareholders owned the remaining 10%.

The Company completed the following analysis in connection with the Equity Recapitalization that occurred at the end of fiscal year 2010:

• A transitory entity was used to effect the transaction, and the Company evaluated whether this entity was a substantive entity. The Company concluded that it was not substantive since it did not participate in any significant pre-combination activities and did not survive the transaction (it was subsumed into Noodles & Company). These facts led the Company to conclude that the transitory entity was not an accounting acquirer and the transaction was not deemed to be a business combination under ASC 805;

• The Company then considered whether any investor obtained control of Noodles & Company but concluded that following the transaction it was not substantially wholly owned. Catterton held shares of Class A common stock representing an approximate 45% economic interest in the Company and Argentia held shares of common stock also representing an approximate 45% economic interest in the Company. However, Argentia held shares of both Class A common stock, with voting rights, and nonvoting Class B common stock, so Catterton held shares representing an approximate 62% voting interest while Argentia held shares representing an approximate 24% voting interest. The rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except that the Class B common stock does not vote on the election or removal of directors unless converted on a share-for-share basis into Class A common stock. The Company's articles of incorporation, upon consummation of the transaction, contained 19 specific items that require at least 75% of the voting shares (Class A common stock and Class B common stock voting as one group). These specific items include substantive participating rights, such as: to approve/amend the Company's five year plan, appoint or remove the Company's independent auditors and enter into a merger transaction or initiate an IPO. The Company, therefore, determined that these voting rights prevent control by Catterton. These facts led the Company to conclude that although a change of control had occurred, the Company had not become substantially wholly owned by Catterton and thus business combination accounting treatment under ASC 805 was not required;

• For purposes of assessing whether the guidance on push-down accounting should be applied, the Company evaluated whether the new investors and any rollover investors constitute a collaborative group under the SEC's guidance in ASC 805-50-S99 and concluded that the new investors and management are a collaborative group. The Company determined that Catterton, Argentia, current Company management and one board member would all be considered part of the surviving collaborative group as they came together to mutually promote and subsequently collaborate as one investor and control Noodles & Company. The remaining investors, all of whom were rollover shareholders, were not solicited to participate in the investment, since they were already shareholders. The Company's management, and not the non-management rollover shareholders, negotiated the terms of the merger. Additionally, the remaining investors do not participate in the subsequent collaboration and would not be included in the collaborative group. The Company then determined that this collaborative group acquired more than 80% (by vote and economic value) but less than 95% (vote and economic value) ownership of Noodles & Company, thus the Company is permitted (but not required) to reflect a new basis in Noodles & Company's financial statements. The Company elected not to apply push-down accounting, but to treat the transaction as a recapitalization;

• The Company continually monitors the composition of the collaborative group to substantiate the fact that no changes have occurred with respect to the collaborative group (or the related ownership or voting percentages) since the recapitalization transaction, that would require push-down accounting to be applied.

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Related-Party Transactions

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related-Party Transactions

Related-Party Transactions

In the first three quarters of 2013 and the first three quarters of 2012, the Company paid $375,000 and $625,000, respectively, to Catterton Partners and Argentia Private Investments Inc. or their affiliates ("Equity Sponsors") for management service fees and Class C Dividends pursuant to a management services agreement and an agreement to pay dividends on its Class C common stock. In connection with the IPO, the management services agreement expired and the one share of Class C common stock was redeemed therefore no payments were made in the third quarter of 2013. Management service fees and Class C dividends paid in prior fiscal quarters varies due to the timing of payments.

In connection with the IPO during the second quarter of 2013, the Company paid $1.7 million of transaction bonuses and related payroll taxes to employees of the Company and $0.8 million in transaction payments to the Equity Sponsors.

Related-Party Transactions

During 2012 and 2011, the Company paid $1.1 million to the Equity Sponsors for management service fees and Class C dividends pursuant to a management services agreement and an agreement to pay dividends on its Class C common stock. Management service fees and Class C dividends paid in each fiscal year vary due to the timing of payments.

In February 2011, the Company paid the Equity Sponsors $45.9 million to repay subordinated notes, which included amounts accrued for PIK interest. See Note 4, Borrowings.

As discussed in Note 2, Equity Recapitalization, Catterton and Argentia each own approximately 45% of the Company's common shares; however, the terms of the Company's certificate of incorporation prevent control by Catterton or Argentia.

Stockholders Agreement.    In connection with the 2010 merger, the Company entered into a stockholders agreement with the Equity Sponsors. Under the 2010 Stockholders Agreement, each of Catterton and Argentia have agreed to vote its respective shares of common stock to elect two directors selected by Argentia. Furthermore, if the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act ceases to prohibit PSPIB from investing in securities of a corporation to which are attached more than 30% of the votes that may be cast to elect directors, each of Catterton and Argentia will vote its respective shares of common stock to elect two directors selected by Catterton. Additionally, Catterton will not vote its shares to elect any three of the five directors not designated by Argentia, unless any such director has been approved by Argentia. Catterton and Argentia have further agreed not to vote their shares in favor of any of certain actions without the mutual consent of the other.

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Required employee service term	6 months
Required employee age	21 years
Vesting percentage	100.00%

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Income Taxes (Components of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Current tax provision:
Federal					$ 49	$ 0	$ 47
State					559	260	6
Total current tax provision					608	260	53
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal					16	(425)	(79)
State					2,591	1,945	(340)
Total deferred tax provision (benefit)			366	4	2,607	1,520	(419)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 2,183	$ 107	$ 2,633	$ 2,540	$ 3,215	$ 1,780	$ (366)
Effective tax rate			38.00%	41.30%	38.40%	31.70%	(18.20%)

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Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company's Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated in May of 2013, authorizes the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and incentive bonuses to employees, officers, non-employee directors and other service providers. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan on or after the closing of the IPO shall not exceed 3,750,500.

The following table presents information related to the Stock Incentive Plan (in thousands, except for share and per share amounts):

	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Outstanding, beginning of period	3,474,398		2,789,212		2,973,168		2,621,017
Granted(1)	—		8,655		538,273		176,850
Exercised	—		—		—		—
Canceled	1,961		129,949		39,004		129,949
Outstanding, end of period	3,472,437		2,667,918		3,472,437		2,667,918
Weighted average fair market value on option grant date	N/A		$	1.25	$	5.81	$	1.21
Stock based compensation expense(2)	$	131	$	315	$	4,065	$	921
Capitalized stock based compensation expense	$	15	$	21	$	56	$	57

______________________

(1) The stock options granted in the first three quarters of 2013 included 403,900 awards to two executive officers of which 50% vested at IPO and the remaining vest annually over four years on the anniversary of the grant in equal installments.

(2) Stock-based compensation expense includes $45,000 related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2013 and is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total stock-based compensation recognized in the first three quarters of 2013, $2.0 million related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options at the IPO and $1.2 million related to stock options granted at the IPO to 2 executive officers of which 50% were vested at the time of grant.

On October 1, 2013, 23,289 warrants previously issued to a consultant were exercised for Class B common stock at an exercise price of $8.67 per share. Of the original warrants issued, 57,700 remain outstanding as of October 1, 2013.    

During the third quarter of 2013, the Company commenced sales of common stock under it's Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") and has reserved 750,100 shares of common stock for issuance. Eligible employees may purchase common stock at 85% of the beginning or ending closing price, whichever is lower, for each quarterly purchase period. During the first three quarters of 2013, the Company issued 14,425 shares of common stock under the ESPP. As of October 1, 2013, the Company has 735,675 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP.

Stock-Based Compensation

In connection with the Merger Agreement, the Company adopted the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), under which the Company's Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options to directors, officers and employees of the Company. Option awards may be issued under the Plan for up to 3,168,705 shares. Stock options are granted at fair market value of the stock at the date the option is granted, and in no event less than the fair market value of the shares. The fair market value of shares for the purposes of the Plan is determined by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, or the Board of Directors using historical or current transactions, comparable public company valuations, historical transactions, third-party valuations and other factors. Stock options generally have a 10-year term and vest equally over 4 years from the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the options. In 2012, 2011 and 2010, non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $5.6 million, respectively, is included in general and administrative expense. Stock-based compensation of $81,000, $75,000 and $83,000 is included in capitalized internal costs in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company recognized $3.7 million of stock-based compensation expense in 2010 related to acceleration of unvested options in connection with the Merger Agreement. A total of 4,939,389 outstanding stock options were settled for the right to receive cash consideration of $8.67 per share, net of exercise price and income taxes withheld, or equity interest in the surviving entity. The Merger Agreement called for acceleration of unvested options immediately prior to the transaction. Accordingly, options to purchase 2,393,725 shares were accelerated.

Options granted prior to December 27, 2010 were granted under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended, or the 2010 Stock Option Plan, both of which were terminated with the Merger Agreement. The 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended, authorized option grants to purchase up to 8,969,350 shares of common stock, while the 2010 Stock Option Plan authorized up to 480,641 option grants to purchase shares of common stock. Both of these plans allowed for the Company's Board of Directors to grant incentive stock options or nonstatutory stock options to employees, directors and consultants. In February 2010, the Company's Board of Directors also adopted a new stock incentive plan, under which the Company may grant incentive stock options, nonstatutory options, or other stock incentives, including restricted stock, covering up to 1,471,350 shares of Class A common stock, to employees, directors and consultants. No options were granted under the new stock incentive plan, and the plan was terminated in conjunction with the Merger Agreement.

At January 1, 2013, options available for future share grants totaled 193,711. The intrinsic value associated with options exercised was $16,000 and $147,000 for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010, respectively. There were no options exercised in 2012.

The estimated fair value of each option granted is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical Company volatility, as well as volatilities from publicly traded companies operating in the Company's industry. The Company uses historical data to estimate expected employee forfeiture of stock options. The expected life of options granted is management's best estimate using recent and expected transactions. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The weighted-average assumptions used in the model were as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest	0.4		%	1.1		%	1.9		%
Expected life (years)	3.4			3.7			4.5
Expected dividend yield	—			—			—
Volatility	32.7		%	26.2		%	29.5		%
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value per share at date of grant	$	2.84		$	1.89		$	1.72

The tables below summarize the option activity under the Plan:

	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding—December 29, 2009	4,348,407		$	4.96
Granted	736,734		5.86
Forfeited	(85,762	)	5.04
Exercised	(59,990	)	2.46
Cash settled	(4,939,389	)	5.13
Outstanding at Merger	—		—
Granted	2,420,861		8.67
Forfeited	—		—
Exercised	—		—
Outstanding—December 28, 2010	2,420,861		8.67
Granted	283,307		8.67
Forfeited	(81,330	)	8.67
Exercised	(1,815	)	8.67
Outstanding—January 3, 2012	2,621,023		8.67
Granted	516,473		11.27
Forfeited	(164,329	)	8.68
Exercised	—		—
Outstanding—January 1, 2013	2,973,167		$	9.12

	Shares	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1) (in thousands)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2013	2,973,167	$	9.12	8.10	$	8,971
Vested and expected to vest	2,823,099	9.06		8.05	8,656
Exercisable as of January 1, 2013	1,229,341	8.67		7.48	4,261

______________________________

(1) Aggregate intrinsic value represents the amount by which estimated fair value of the Company's stock ($12.13 as of January 1, 2013) exceeds the exercise price of the option as of January 1, 2013.

Since our common stock is not publicly traded, the Company estimated the fair value of each stock option grant at or near the date of grant by performing its own contemporaneous valuation, which is approved by the Board of Directors. The Company uses the market approach including but not limited to recent arm's length sales of the Company's common stock in privately negotiated transactions, current and projected financial performance, as well as a discount factor for the stock option's lack of marketability. The table below reflects disclosure as recommended by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation for stock option grants in the twelve month period preceding the latest consolidated balance sheet presented:

Grant Date	Number of Options Granted	Exercise Price	Common Stock Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date
April 10, 2012	15,868	9.53	9.53
May 14, 2012	152,328	9.53	9.53
September 20, 2012	8,655	10.40	10.40
December 6, 2012	339,622	12.13	12.13

As of January 1, 2013, there was $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan, which is expected to be recognized over two years. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013:

	Outstanding				Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	Number of Options	Weighted- Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Options	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$8.67-$12.13	2,973,167	8.10	$	9.12	1,229,341	$	8.67

On March 10, 2011, the Company issued warrants to a consultant to purchase 86,550 shares of Class B common stock at $8.67 per share, which are classified as equity awards. The warrants vest based on specified performance criteria and are considered stock-based compensation to nonemployees. Stock-based compensation expense related to the awards is recognized when the performance criteria are met, using the estimated fair value at the measurement date. During 2012, the Company did not recognize stock-based compensation expense related to the warrants as no performance criteria were met in 2012. No warrants have been exercised by the consultant.

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Borrowings (Bridge Financing) (Details) (Catterton and Argentia [Member], Bridge Loan [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Dec. 28, 2010
Catterton and Argentia [Member] | Bridge Loan [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Bridge financing, amount		$ 45.0
PIK interest paid	$ 0.9
Bridge financing, interest rate	12.00%

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Income Taxes (Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income expense at federal rate					$ 2,848	$ 1,907	$ 684
State income tax, net of related federal income tax benefit					420	257	8
Permanent items—primarily incentive stock options and cash settlement of options					83	(10)	(626)
Foreign rate differential					106	0	0
Change in blended state rate					0	(25)	0
Other items, net					(242)	(349)	(432)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 2,183	$ 107	$ 2,633	$ 2,540	$ 3,215	$ 1,780	$ (366)
Effective income tax rate			38.00%	41.30%	38.40%	31.70%	(18.20%)

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property & Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 5,238,000	$ 4,334,000	$ 15,074,000	$ 12,165,000	$ 16,719,000	$ 14,501,000	$ 13,932,000
Internal payroll costs capitalized					2,300,000	1,800,000	1,600,000
Interest costs capitalized					300,000	300,000	100,000
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life					20 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life					5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life					3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life					7 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life					3 years
Asset Disposals, Closure Costs and Restaurant Impairments [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment charges on long-lived assets					$ 100,000	$ 700,000	$ 2,300,000

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Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Prepaid occupancy related costs	$	3,029	$	2,700
Other prepaid expenses	1,912		1,191
Other current assets	58		79
	$	4,999	$	3,970

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Prepaid occupancy related costs	$	2,700	$	2,179
Other prepaid expenses	1,191		1,097
Other current assets	79		56
	$	3,970	$	3,332

Schedule of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			January 1, 2013
Leasehold improvements	$	164,498		$	139,907
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	89,270			77,202
Construction in progress	5,865			7,878
	259,633			224,987
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(101,220		)	(88,700		)
	$	158,413		$	136,287

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following:

	2012			2011
Leasehold improvements	$	139,907		$	113,313
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	77,202			62,472
Construction in progress	7,878			3,227
	224,987			179,012
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(88,700		)	(75,181		)
	$	136,287		$	103,831

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities

Accrued payroll and benefits consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	5,196	$	2,537
Accrued bonus	2,303		1,981
Insurance liabilities	1,372		827
	$	8,871	$	5,345

Accrued expense and other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Gift card liability	$	1,633	$	2,182
Occupancy related	1,302		1,264
Utilities	1,319		1,002
Other accrued expenses	3,360		2,801
	$	7,614	$	7,249

Accrued payroll and benefits consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	2,537	$	2,094
Accrued bonus	1,981		3,511
Insurance liabilities	827		593
	$	5,345	$	6,198

Accrued expense and other liabilities consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Gift card liability	$	2,182	$	1,875
Occupancy related	1,264		1,188
Utilities	1,002		870
Accrued interest	484		337
Other accrued expenses	2,317		1,576
	$	7,249	$	5,846

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noodles & Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noodles & Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2013, which ends on December 31, 2013 and fiscal year 2012, which ended on January 1, 2013, each contain 52 weeks. Fiscal quarters each contain thirteen weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53 week fiscal year, which contains fourteen weeks.

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal years 2012 and 2010, which ended on January 1, 2013 and December 28, 2010, respectively, each contained 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on January 3, 2012, contained 53 weeks.

Estimates

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

In the third quarter of 2013, the Company changed the manner in which it reports marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements in all periods presented. In the first two quarters of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2012, $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, have been reclassified from restaurant operating costs to general and administrative expense. The change has no impact on income from operations.

Reclassifications

During 2013, the Company changed the manner in which it reports marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements in all periods presented.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investment instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are converted to cash shortly after the related sales transaction and considered to be cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature. Amounts receivable from credit card processors and considered cash equivalents as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 were $2.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and were offset on the consolidated balance sheets by payments processed by the Company, but not yet redeemed by the payee. Book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of cash and cash equivalents, are recorded with accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and within operating activities in the accompanying statements of cash flows.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist primarily of tenant improvement receivables and vendor rebates receivable, as well as amounts due from franchisees and other miscellaneous receivables.

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories consist of food, beverages, supplies, and smallwares, and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Smallwares inventory, which consist of the plates, silverware, and cooking utensils used in the restaurants, are frequently replaced and are considered current assets. Replacement costs of smallwares inventory are recorded as other restaurant operating costs and are expensed as incurred.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while expenditures for minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the accounts are relieved of cost and accumulated depreciation and the related gain or loss is reflected in earnings. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term, which generally includes option periods that are reasonably assured to be exercised. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, was $16.7 million in 2012, $14.5 million in 2011 and $13.9 million in 2010.

The estimated useful lives for property and equipment are:

Property and Equipment	Estimated Useful Lives
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life, not to exceed 20 years
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 15 years
Equipment	3 to 7 years

The Company capitalizes internal payroll and payroll related costs directly related to the successful acquisition, development, design and construction of its new restaurants. Capitalized internal costs were $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest incurred on funds used to construct company-owned restaurants is capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related assets.

Other Assets

Other Assets

Other assets consist primarily of unamortized debt issuance costs, long term deposits, trademark rights and transferable liquor licenses. Direct costs incurred for the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the term of the debt. During 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred debt issuance costs related to an amendment of its credit facility in 2012 and its financing in 2011. See Note 4, Borrowings.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Identifiable cash flows are measured at the lowest level for which they are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities, generally at the restaurant level. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, which is based on discounted future cash flows. Estimates of future cash flows are based on the Company's experience and knowledge of local operations. The Company recorded impairment charges of certain long-lived assets of $0.1 million, $0.7 million and $2.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which are included in asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments in the consolidated statements of income. Fair value of the restaurants was determined using Level 3 inputs (as described in Note 6, Fair Value Measures) based on a discounted cash flows method at a market level through the estimated date of closure.

Self Insurance Programs

Self-Insurance Programs

The Company self-insures for health, workers' compensation, general liability and property damage. Predetermined loss limits have been arranged with insurance companies to limit the Company's per occurrence cash outlay. Estimated costs to settle reported claims and incurred but unreported claims for health and workers' compensation self-insured plans are recorded in accrued payroll and benefits and for general liability and property damage in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company's cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. Credit card transactions at the Company's restaurants are processed by one service provider. Concentration of credit risk related to accounts receivable are limited, as the Company's receivables are primarily amounts due from landlords for the reimbursement of tenant improvements and the Company generally has the right to offset rent due for tenant improvement receivables.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue consists of sales from restaurant operations and franchise royalties and fees. Revenue from the operation of company-owned restaurants are recognized when sales occur. The Company reports revenue net of sales and use taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental taxing authorities.

The Company sells gift cards which do not have an expiration date, and it does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer or the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote ("gift card breakage"). The determination of the gift card breakage rate is based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns. The Company has determined that approximately 6% of gift cards will not be redeemed, which is recognized ratably over the estimated redemption period of the gift card, approximately 18 months. The Company recognized gift card breakage of $0.2 million in 2012 and $0.1 million in 2011 and 2010, in restaurant revenue.

Royalties from franchise restaurants are based on a percentage of restaurant revenues and are recognized in the period the related franchised restaurants' sales occur. Development fees and franchise fees, portions of which are collected in advance, are nonrefundable and are recognized in income when all material services or conditions relating to the sale of the franchise have been substantially performed or satisfied by the Company. Both franchise fees and development fees will generally be recognized upon the opening of a franchise restaurant or upon termination of the agreement(s) between the Company and the franchisee.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs, including rent, wages, benefits and travel for the training and opening teams, food, beverage, and other restaurant operating costs, are expensed as incurred prior to a restaurant opening for business.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and aggregated $2.8 million, $2.3 million and $2.1 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These costs are included in restaurant operating costs, general and administrative expenses and pre-opening costs based on the nature of the advertising and marketing costs incurred.

Rent

Rent

Rent expense for the Company's leases, which generally have escalating rentals over the term of the lease, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term includes renewal options which are reasonably assured of being exercised and begins when the Company has control and possession of the leased property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the lease. The difference between the rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent in the consolidated balance sheets. Rent expense for the period prior to the restaurant opening is reported in pre-opening costs in the consolidated statements of income. Tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recorded in deferred rent and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. Certain leases contain rental provisions based on the sales of the underlying restaurants; the Company has determined that the amount of these provisions is immaterial.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Provision (benefit) for income taxes is accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those deferred amounts are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company's policy is to recognize interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes in interest expense and any related statutory penalties in provision (benefit) for income taxes in the consolidated statement of income.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of the net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting stockholders' equity that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income (loss), presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for 2012 and 2011, consists of the unrealized income (loss), net of tax, on the Company's cash flow hedges. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments.

Stock Compensation Expense

Stock Compensation Expense

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation using fair value measurement guidance for all share-based payments, including stock options and warrants. For option awards, expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards on the date of grant determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Warrants are valued using the fair value of the common stock as of the measurement date. See Note 10, Stock-Based Compensation.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") are calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying stock options and restricted stock. Diluted EPS considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. Convertible preferred stock is considered converted to common. See Note 11, Earnings Per Share.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-2, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which revises disclosure requirements related to components of other comprehensive income. The Company adopted ASU 2013-2 effective January 2, 2013. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," which revises the manner in which companies present comprehensive income. Under ASU 2011-05, companies may present comprehensive income, which is net income adjusted for components of other comprehensive income, either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-05 during 2012 and elected to present comprehensive income in the statements of comprehensive income. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")." This pronouncement was issued to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between US GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. This pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 on January 4, 2012 increased the Company's fair value disclosure requirements but did not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

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Supplemental Financial Information (Accrued Expense and Other Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Gift card liability	$ 1,633	$ 2,182	$ 1,875
Occupancy related	1,302	1,264	1,188
Utilities	1,319	1,002	870
Accrued interest		484	337
Other accrued expenses		2,317	1,576
Other accrued expenses	3,360	2,801
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 7,614	$ 7,249	$ 5,846

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Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures

The following table presents the supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows for the first three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)	$	2,748		$	4,744
Income taxes paid	400			273
(Payments for) purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable	(1,363		)	2,025

The following table presents the supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands) for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010:

	2012		2011		2010
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)	$	4,400	$	5,177	$	1,551
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)	509		43		870
Purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable	2,648		1,170		1,354
Settlement of stock options in shares of Class A common stock	—		—		3,628
Non-cash settlement of outstanding equity(1)	—		—		189,388

______________________________

(1) Represents the liability for payments due to shareholders that was paid in 2011.

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Franchising) (Details) (Franchise [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013 restaurant	Jan. 03, 2012 restaurant	Dec. 28, 2010 restaurant	Oct. 01, 2013 restaurant
Franchise [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	51	45	43	58
Number of restaurants opened during period	6	2	0

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Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2011	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010	Jan. 01, 2013 Swap Agreements 2008 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 Swap Agreements 2008 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 Swap Agreements 2008 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Swap Agreements 2008 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Feb. 28, 2011 Swap Agreements 2008 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Dec. 30, 2008 Swap Agreements 2008 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] agreement	Apr. 04, 2011 Swap Agreements 2011 [Member] agreement	Jan. 01, 2013 Swap Agreements 2011 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Apr. 04, 2011 Swap Agreements 2011 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Apr. 04, 2011 Swap Agreement One 2011 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Apr. 04, 2011 Swap Agreement Two 2011 [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of derivative agreements														2	2
Notional amount of derivative												$ 14,000,000	$ 15,000,000	$ 29,000,000			$ 17,500,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 17,500,000
Basis spread on variable rate (higher of this rate or one-month LIBOR)																		1.25%	1.25%
Fixed interest rate																		1.59%	3.06%
Gain on interest rate cash flow hedge ineffectiveness									200,000	27,000	10,000					174,000
Fair value of derivative												500,000						0	500,000
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, before tax		0	104,000	39,000	126,000	196,000	225,000	194,000
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, net of tax						28,000
Realized loss (pretax) recognized in interest expense	$ 202,000	$ 0	$ 104,000	$ 39,000	$ 312,000	$ 382,000	$ 434,000	$ 754,000

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Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation Assumptions

The weighted-average assumptions used in the model were as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
Risk-free interest	0.4		%	1.1		%	1.9		%
Expected life (years)	3.4			3.7			4.5
Expected dividend yield	—			—			—
Volatility	32.7		%	26.2		%	29.5		%
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value per share at date of grant	$	2.84		$	1.89		$	1.72

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity

The following table presents information related to the Stock Incentive Plan (in thousands, except for share and per share amounts):

	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Outstanding, beginning of period	3,474,398		2,789,212		2,973,168		2,621,017
Granted(1)	—		8,655		538,273		176,850
Exercised	—		—		—		—
Canceled	1,961		129,949		39,004		129,949
Outstanding, end of period	3,472,437		2,667,918		3,472,437		2,667,918
Weighted average fair market value on option grant date	N/A		$	1.25	$	5.81	$	1.21
Stock based compensation expense(2)	$	131	$	315	$	4,065	$	921
Capitalized stock based compensation expense	$	15	$	21	$	56	$	57

______________________

(1) The stock options granted in the first three quarters of 2013 included 403,900 awards to two executive officers of which 50% vested at IPO and the remaining vest annually over four years on the anniversary of the grant in equal installments.

(2) Stock-based compensation expense includes $45,000 related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2013 and is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total stock-based compensation recognized in the first three quarters of 2013, $2.0 million related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options at the IPO and $1.2 million related to stock options granted at the IPO to 2 executive officers of which 50% were vested at the time of grant.

The tables below summarize the option activity under the Plan:

	Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding—December 29, 2009	4,348,407		$	4.96
Granted	736,734		5.86
Forfeited	(85,762	)	5.04
Exercised	(59,990	)	2.46
Cash settled	(4,939,389	)	5.13
Outstanding at Merger	—		—
Granted	2,420,861		8.67
Forfeited	—		—
Exercised	—		—
Outstanding—December 28, 2010	2,420,861		8.67
Granted	283,307		8.67
Forfeited	(81,330	)	8.67
Exercised	(1,815	)	8.67
Outstanding—January 3, 2012	2,621,023		8.67
Granted	516,473		11.27
Forfeited	(164,329	)	8.68
Exercised	—		—
Outstanding—January 1, 2013	2,973,167		$	9.12

	Shares	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1) (in thousands)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2013	2,973,167	$	9.12	8.10	$	8,971
Vested and expected to vest	2,823,099	9.06		8.05	8,656
Exercisable as of January 1, 2013	1,229,341	8.67		7.48	4,261

______________________________

(1) Aggregate intrinsic value represents the amount by which estimated fair value of the Company's stock ($12.13 as of January 1, 2013) exceeds the exercise price of the option as of January 1, 2013.

Schedule of Grants in Period

The table below reflects disclosure as recommended by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation for stock option grants in the twelve month period preceding the latest consolidated balance sheet presented:

Grant Date	Number of Options Granted	Exercise Price	Common Stock Fair Value Per Share at Grant Date
April 10, 2012	15,868	9.53	9.53
May 14, 2012	152,328	9.53	9.53
September 20, 2012	8,655	10.40	10.40
December 6, 2012	339,622	12.13	12.13

Schedule of Exercise Price Range

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013:

	Outstanding				Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	Number of Options	Weighted- Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number of Options	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$8.67-$12.13	2,973,167	8.10	$	9.12	1,229,341	$	8.67

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Stock-Based Compensation (Options Granted) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010	Dec. 28, 2010 Stock Option [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 02, 2012 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 02, 2012 Stock Option [Member]		Jan. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 Stock Option [Member]	Dec. 27, 2010 Stock Option [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 April 10, 2012 [Member] Stock Option [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 May 14, 2012 [Member] Stock Option [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 September 20, 2012 [Member] Stock Option [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 December 6, 2012 [Member] Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted				2,420,861	0	[1]	8,655	[1]	538,273	[1]	176,850	[1]	516,473	283,307	736,734	15,868	152,328	8,655	339,622
Exercise price (USD per share)				$ 8.67									$ 11.27	$ 8.67	$ 5.86	$ 9.53	$ 9.53	$ 10.40	$ 12.13
Weighted average fair market value on option grant date (USD per share)	$ 2.84	$ 1.89	$ 1.72				$ 1.25		$ 5.81		$ 1.21					$ 9.53	$ 9.53	$ 10.40	$ 12.13

[1] The stock options granted in the first three quarters of 2013 included 403,900 awards to two executive officers of which 50% vested at IPO and the remaining vest annually over four years on the anniversary of the grant in equal installments.

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Related-Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2010 director	Dec. 27, 2010 Equity Sponsors [Member]	Dec. 27, 2010 Catterton [Member] director	Dec. 27, 2010 Argentia [Member] director	Oct. 01, 2013 Management Services Fees [Member] Equity Sponsors [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Management Services Fees [Member] Equity Sponsors [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 Management Services Fees [Member] Equity Sponsors [Member]	Oct. 02, 2012 Dividend Paid [Member] Class C Common Stock [Member] Equity Sponsors [Member]	Feb. 28, 2011 Repayment of Long Term Debt [Member] Equity Sponsors [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 IPO [Member] Bonuses and Payroll Taxes [Member] Equity Sponsors [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 IPO [Member] Bonuses and Payroll Taxes [Member] Employees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount paid to related party					$ 375	$ 1,100	$ 1,100	$ 625	$ 45,900	$ 800	$ 1,700
Collaborative group, ownership percentage	90.00%	90.00%	45.00%	45.00%
Number of directors to be selected by related party				2
Regulatory prohibition against investment if percentage of voting interest is over threshold	30.00%
Number of directors to be selected by related party upon qualifying regulatory change			2
Number of directors not designated by related party, ineligible for election unless approved by related party	3
Number of directors not designated by related party	5

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Stock-Based Compensation (Fair Value Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Risk-free interest	0.40%	1.10%	1.90%
Expected life (years)	3 years 4 months 24 days	3 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 6 months
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Volatility	32.70%	26.20%	29.50%
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value per share at date of grant	$ 2.84	$ 1.89	$ 1.72

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Supplemental Financial Information (Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Prepaid occupancy related costs	$ 3,029	$ 2,700	$ 2,179
Other prepaid expenses	1,912	1,191	1,097
Other current assets	58	79	56
Prepaid expenses and other assets	$ 4,999	$ 3,970	$ 3,332

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Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating leases, lease term	10 years
Operating leases, rent expense	$ 24,600,000	$ 20,900,000
Operating leases, future minimum sublease rentals	$ 45,000
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating leases, extension term	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating leases, extension term	15 years

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Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events and found there to be no events requiring recognition or disclosure through the date of issuance of this report.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events through June 26, 2013 in connection with Amendment No. 5 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Reverse Stock Split

On June 25, 2013, the Company effected a 1-for-0.577 reverse stock split of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Concurrent with the reverse stock split, we adjusted the number of shares subject to and the exercise price of our outstanding stock option awards under the Plan such that the holders of the options are in the same economic position both before and after the reverse stock split.

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Consolidated Statements of Equity Statement (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified		Total USD ($)	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class C [Member]	Common Stock [Member] USD ($)		Treasury Stock [Member] USD ($)	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] USD ($)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] USD ($)	Retained Earnings [Member] USD ($)	Series A Preferred Stock [Member] USD ($)
Temporary equity, beginning balance at Dec. 29, 2009		$ 0
Beginning balance at Dec. 29, 2009		28,550				0	[1]	(67,513)	104,184	(394)	(7,727)	0
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2009						24,462,846	[1]	11,897,375				5,898,709
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options		147				0	[1]		147
Exercise of stock options, shares	[1]					59,990
Stock-based compensation expenses		1,987							1,987
Equity recapitalization—Preferred shares converted to common		0				0	[1]
Equity recapitalization—Preferred shares converted to common, shares						11,797,418	[1]					5,898,709
Cancellation of outstanding treasury stock		0				0	[1]	67,513	67,513
Cancellation of outstanding treasury stock, shares						(11,897,375)	[1]	(11,897,375)
Conversion of outstanding common stock into the right to receive cash, net of rollover equity		(194,830)				(19)	[1]		(194,849)
Conversion of outstanding common stock into the right to receive cash, net of rollover equity, shares	[1]					(22,491,822)
Accelerated vesting of unvested outstanding stock options		3,706							3,706
Cash settlement of outstanding options, net of rollover equity		(16,441)				(4)	[1]		(16,445)
Cash settlement of outstanding options, net of rollover equity, shares	[1]					418,711
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses		173,889				209	[1],[2]		173,680
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares				6,292,640	1	20,887,401	[1]
Net income		2,378									2,378
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, net of tax		120								120
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash settlement of outstanding options, net of rollover equity		2,572
Temporary equity, ending balance at Dec. 28, 2010		2,572
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2010		(494)				232	[1],[3]	0	4,897	(274)	(5,349)	0
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2010				6,292,640	1	23,237,169	[1]	0				0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options		16				0	[1]		16
Exercise of stock options, shares	[1]					1,815
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options		109							109
Stock-based compensation expenses		1,402							1,402
2010 Merger-transaction expenses		(133)							(133)
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares				6,292,640	1
Net income		3,829									3,829
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, net of tax		222								222
Temporary equity, ending balance at Jan. 03, 2012		2,572
Ending balance at Jan. 03, 2012		4,951				232	[1],[3]	0	6,291	(52)	(1,520)	0
Ending balance, shares at Jan. 03, 2012				6,292,640	1	23,238,984	[1]	0				0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options		27							27
Stock-based compensation expenses		1,315							1,315
2010 Merger-transaction expenses		(48)							(48)
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares				6,292,640	1
Temporary equity related to put options		(1,029)									(1,029)
Net income		5,163									5,163
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges, net of tax		28								28
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Temporary equity related to put options		1,029
Temporary equity, ending balance at Jan. 01, 2013		3,601
Ending balance at Jan. 01, 2013		$ 10,407				$ 232	[1],[3]	$ 0	$ 7,585	$ (24)	$ 2,614	$ 0
Ending balance, shares at Jan. 01, 2013				6,292,640	1	23,238,984	[1]	0				0

[1] Unless otherwise noted, activity relates to Class A common stock

[2] Represents issuance of 14,594,760 shares of Class A common stock, 6,292,640 shares of Class B common stock and one share of Class C common stock

[3] Includes 6,292,640 shares of Class B common stock and one share of Class C common stock

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Operating activities
Net income	$ 4,257	$ 3,604	$ 5,163	$ 3,829	$ 2,378
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15,074	12,165	16,719	14,501	13,932
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	366	4	2,607	1,520	(419)
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation			(27)	(109)	0
Asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments	837	663	1,278	1,629	2,815
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt extinguishment expense	82	3,170	3,227	1,013	155
Stock-based compensation	4,065	921	1,234	1,327	5,610
Other noncash	(205)	(209)	(341)	892	(250)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and income tax receivable	(1,276)	536	(1,104)	274	(2,384)
Inventories	(1,040)	(1,025)	(1,447)	(680)	(572)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,050)	(575)	(644)	(63)	(743)
Accounts payable	787	(805)	(155)	80	270
Deferred rent	4,583	2,534	4,369	2,290	2,973
Income taxes	1,904	1,016
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,078	3,378	1,190	1,419	840
Net cash provided by operating activities	32,462	25,377	32,069	27,922	24,605
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(39,788)	(30,525)	(47,384)	(30,047)	(26,933)
Net cash used in investing activities	(39,788)	(30,525)	(47,384)	(30,047)	(26,933)
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuances of notes payable	101,731	60,128	105,697	111,771	57,624
Payments on notes payable	(194,498)	(54,094)	(89,549)	(65,498)	(59,462)
(Payments on) proceeds from bridge financing			0	(45,977)	45,000
Debt issuance costs	0	(752)	(754)	(4,226)	0
Change in restricted cash related to equity recapitalization			0	189,388	(189,388)
Change in shareholder escrow-equity recapitalization			0	(189,502)	(5,484)
Cash settlement of outstanding options, net			0	0	(7,264)
Payment of payroll taxes associated with equity recapitalization			0	(6,602)	0
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses	100,101	(48)	(48)	(133)	174,042
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			0	16	147
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation			27	109	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	7,334	5,234	15,373	(10,654)	15,215
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8	86	58	(12,779)	12,887
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year	581	523	523	13,302	415
End of year	$ 589		$ 581	$ 523	$ 13,302

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Supplemental Financial Information

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Financial Information

2. Supplemental Financial Information

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Prepaid occupancy related costs	$	3,029	$	2,700
Other prepaid expenses	1,912		1,191
Other current assets	58		79
	$	4,999	$	3,970

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			January 1, 2013
Leasehold improvements	$	164,498		$	139,907
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	89,270			77,202
Construction in progress	5,865			7,878
	259,633			224,987
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(101,220		)	(88,700		)
	$	158,413		$	136,287

Accrued payroll and benefits consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	5,196	$	2,537
Accrued bonus	2,303		1,981
Insurance liabilities	1,372		827
	$	8,871	$	5,345

Accrued expense and other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013		January 1, 2013
Gift card liability	$	1,633	$	2,182
Occupancy related	1,302		1,264
Utilities	1,319		1,002
Other accrued expenses	3,360		2,801
	$	7,614	$	7,249

Supplemental Financial Information (in thousands)

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Prepaid occupancy related costs	$	2,700	$	2,179
Other prepaid expenses	1,191		1,097
Other current assets	79		56
	$	3,970	$	3,332

Property and equipment, net, consist of the following:

	2012			2011
Leasehold improvements	$	139,907		$	113,313
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	77,202			62,472
Construction in progress	7,878			3,227
	224,987			179,012
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(88,700		)	(75,181		)
	$	136,287		$	103,831

Accrued payroll and benefits consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	2,537	$	2,094
Accrued bonus	1,981		3,511
Insurance liabilities	827		593
	$	5,345	$	6,198

Accrued expense and other liabilities consist of the following:

	2012		2011
Gift card liability	$	2,182	$	1,875
Occupancy related	1,264		1,188
Utilities	1,002		870
Accrued interest	484		337
Other accrued expenses	2,317		1,576
	$	7,249	$	5,846

XML

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member])	0 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2013
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Reverse stock split (1-for-0.577 reverse stock split)	0.577
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Reverse stock split (1-for-0.577 reverse stock split)	0.577

XML

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Business and Summary and Basis of Presentation

Business and Summary and Basis of Presentation

Business

Noodles & Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Noodles & Company"), develops and operates fast casual restaurants that serve globally inspired noodle dishes and pasta dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches. As of October 1, 2013, there were 310 company-owned restaurants and 58 franchise restaurants in 29 states and the District of Columbia. The Company operates its business as one operating and reportable segment.

On July 2, 2013, the Company completed an initial public offering ("IPO") of shares of Class A common stock at $18.00 per share. The Company issued 6,160,714 shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, including 803,571 shares sold to the underwriters in the IPO pursuant to their over-allotment option. After underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, the Company received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $100.2 million. These proceeds were used to repay all but $0.2 million of outstanding debt under the Company's credit facility.

The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes for the year ended January 1, 2013 included in the Company'sfinal prospectus filed June 28, 2013.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noodles & Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2013, which ends on December 31, 2013 and fiscal year 2012, which ended on January 1, 2013, each contain 52 weeks. Fiscal quarters each contain thirteen weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53 week fiscal year, which contains fourteen weeks.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-2, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which revises disclosure requirements related to components of other comprehensive income. The Company adopted ASU 2013-2 effective January 2, 2013. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Reclassifications

In the third quarter of 2013, the Company changed the manner in which it reports marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements in all periods presented. In the first two quarters of 2013 and the first two quarters of 2012, $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, have been reclassified from restaurant operating costs to general and administrative expense. The change has no impact on income from operations.

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Noodles & Company (the "Company" or "Noodles & Company"), a Delaware corporation, develops and operates fast casual restaurants that serve globally inspired noodle and pasta dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches. As of January 1, 2013, there were 276 company-owned restaurants and 51 franchise restaurants in 25 states and the District of Columbia. The Company operates its business as one operating and reportable segment.

In December 2010, Catterton Partners ("Catterton") and Argentia Private Investments Inc. ("Argentia") completed an equity recapitalization to purchase approximately 90% of the Company's equity interests. See Note 2, Equity Recapitalization.

All share and per share data, including options, have been retroactively adjusted in the accompanying financial statements to reflect a reverse stock split. See Note 17, Subsequent Events.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noodles & Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31. Fiscal years 2012 and 2010, which ended on January 1, 2013 and December 28, 2010, respectively, each contained 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on January 3, 2012, contained 53 weeks.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Error Correction

The Company's consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 included in its previously issued consolidated financial statements excluded temporary equity of $3.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The related consolidated statements of equity overstated additional paid in capital by $2.6 million in each of the years presented and overstated retained earnings by $1.0 million for the year ended January 1, 2013. Accordingly the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 and the consolidated statements of equity for the years ended January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012 and December 28, 2010 have been revised to correct this error. Temporary equity represents the fair market value of 296,828 outstanding shares subject to put options that can be exercised in circumstances outside the Company's control. See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies.

Reclassifications

During 2013, the Company changed the manner in which it reports marketing expenses between general and administrative expenses and other restaurant operating costs to more appropriately reflect only those costs directly related to restaurant-level marketing in other restaurant operating costs.  Marketing costs previously reported as restaurant operating costs, that were not directly related to restaurant-level marketing, have been reclassified to general and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements in all periods presented. In the accompanying consolidated statements of income for 2012, 2011 and 2010, $2.9 million, $2.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively, have been reclassified from restaurant operating costs to general and administrative expense. The change has no impact on income from operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investment instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are converted to cash shortly after the related sales transaction and considered to be cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature. Amounts receivable from credit card processors and considered cash equivalents as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 were $2.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and were offset on the consolidated balance sheets by payments processed by the Company, but not yet redeemed by the payee. Book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of cash and cash equivalents, are recorded with accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and within operating activities in the accompanying statements of cash flows.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist primarily of tenant improvement receivables and vendor rebates receivable, as well as amounts due from franchisees and other miscellaneous receivables. The Company believes all amounts to be collectible. Accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded as of January 1, 2013 or January 3, 2012.

Inventories

Inventories consist of food, beverages, supplies, and smallwares, and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Smallwares inventory, which consist of the plates, silverware, and cooking utensils used in the restaurants, are frequently replaced and are considered current assets. Replacement costs of smallwares inventory are recorded as other restaurant operating costs and are expensed as incurred. As of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, smallwares inventory of $3.8 million and $3.0 million was included on the consolidated balance sheets.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while expenditures for minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the accounts are relieved of cost and accumulated depreciation and the related gain or loss is reflected in earnings. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term, which generally includes option periods that are reasonably assured to be exercised. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, was $16.7 million in 2012, $14.5 million in 2011 and $13.9 million in 2010.

The estimated useful lives for property and equipment are:

Property and Equipment	Estimated Useful Lives
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life, not to exceed 20 years
Furniture and fixtures	3 to 15 years
Equipment	3 to 7 years

The Company capitalizes internal payroll and payroll related costs directly related to the successful acquisition, development, design and construction of its new restaurants. Capitalized internal costs were $2.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest incurred on funds used to construct company-owned restaurants is capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Capitalized interest totaled $0.3 million in 2012 and 2011 and $0.1 million in 2010.

Other Assets

Other assets consist primarily of unamortized debt issuance costs, long term deposits, trademark rights and transferable liquor licenses. Direct costs incurred for the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the term of the debt. During 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred debt issuance costs related to an amendment of its credit facility in 2012 and its financing in 2011. See Note 4, Borrowings.

Net debt issuance costs of $1.0 million and $3.5 million are recorded in other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, respectively. In conjunction with the 2012 amendment of its credit facility, the Company wrote off $2.6 million of debt issuance costs, net of $0.8 million of accumulated amortization. The Company wrote off $0.3 million of debt issuance costs in 2011, net of $0.9 million of accumulated amortization, related to the new credit facility entered into during 2011. Trademark rights are amortized over their estimated useful life of 20 years. Transferable liquor licenses are carried at the lower of fair value or cost. The estimated aggregate future amortization expense of intangible assets as of January 1, 2013 is $8,000 in each of the next five years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Identifiable cash flows are measured at the lowest level for which they are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities, generally at the restaurant level. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value, which is based on discounted future cash flows. Estimates of future cash flows are based on the Company's experience and knowledge of local operations. The Company recorded impairment charges of certain long-lived assets of $0.1 million, $0.7 million and $2.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which are included in asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments in the consolidated statements of income. Fair value of the restaurants was determined using Level 3 inputs (as described in Note 6, Fair Value Measures) based on a discounted cash flows method at a market level through the estimated date of closure.

Self-Insurance Programs

The Company self-insures for health, workers' compensation, general liability and property damage. Predetermined loss limits have been arranged with insurance companies to limit the Company's per occurrence cash outlay. Estimated costs to settle reported claims and incurred but unreported claims for health and workers' compensation self-insured plans are recorded in accrued payroll and benefits and for general liability and property damage in accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company's cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. Credit card transactions at the Company's restaurants are processed by one service provider. Concentration of credit risk related to accounts receivable are limited, as the Company's receivables are primarily amounts due from landlords for the reimbursement of tenant improvements and the Company generally has the right to offset rent due for tenant improvement receivables.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue consists of sales from restaurant operations and franchise royalties and fees. Revenue from the operation of company-owned restaurants are recognized when sales occur. The Company reports revenue net of sales and use taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental taxing authorities.

The Company sells gift cards which do not have an expiration date, and it does not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer or the Company determines the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote ("gift card breakage"). The determination of the gift card breakage rate is based upon Company-specific historical redemption patterns. The Company has determined that approximately 6% of gift cards will not be redeemed, which is recognized ratably over the estimated redemption period of the gift card, approximately 18 months. The Company recognized gift card breakage of $0.2 million in 2012 and $0.1 million in 2011 and 2010, in restaurant revenue.

Royalties from franchise restaurants are based on a percentage of restaurant revenues and are recognized in the period the related franchised restaurants' sales occur. Development fees and franchise fees, portions of which are collected in advance, are nonrefundable and are recognized in income when all material services or conditions relating to the sale of the franchise have been substantially performed or satisfied by the Company. Both franchise fees and development fees will generally be recognized upon the opening of a franchise restaurant or upon termination of the agreement(s) between the Company and the franchisee.

As of January 1, 2013, January 3, 2012, and December 28, 2010, there were 51, 45, and 43 franchise restaurants in operation. Franchisees opened six, two and no restaurants in 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs, including rent, wages, benefits and travel for the training and opening teams, food, beverage, and other restaurant operating costs, are expensed as incurred prior to a restaurant opening for business.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and aggregated $2.8 million, $2.3 million and $2.1 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These costs are included in restaurant operating costs, general and administrative expenses and pre-opening costs based on the nature of the advertising and marketing costs incurred.

Rent

Rent expense for the Company's leases, which generally have escalating rentals over the term of the lease, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term includes renewal options which are reasonably assured of being exercised and begins when the Company has control and possession of the leased property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the lease. The difference between the rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent in the consolidated balance sheets. Rent expense for the period prior to the restaurant opening is reported in pre-opening costs in the consolidated statements of income. Tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recorded in deferred rent and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. Certain leases contain rental provisions based on the sales of the underlying restaurants; the Company has determined that the amount of these provisions is immaterial.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Provision (benefit) for income taxes is accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those deferred amounts are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company's policy is to recognize interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes in interest expense and any related statutory penalties in provision (benefit) for income taxes in the consolidated statement of income.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of the net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting stockholders' equity that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income (loss), presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for 2012 and 2011, consists of the unrealized income (loss), net of tax, on the Company's cash flow hedges. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments.

Stock Compensation Expense

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation using fair value measurement guidance for all share-based payments, including stock options and warrants. For option awards, expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period in an amount equal to the fair value of the stock-based awards on the date of grant determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Warrants are valued using the fair value of the common stock as of the measurement date. See Note 10, Stock-Based Compensation.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") are calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying stock options and restricted stock. Diluted EPS considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. Convertible preferred stock is considered converted to common. See Note 11, Earnings Per Share.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," which revises the manner in which companies present comprehensive income. Under ASU 2011-05, companies may present comprehensive income, which is net income adjusted for components of other comprehensive income, either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-05 during 2012 and elected to present comprehensive income in the statements of comprehensive income. The adoption concerns presentation and disclosure only and did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")." This pronouncement was issued to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between US GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. This pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 on January 4, 2012 increased the Company's fair value disclosure requirements but did not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

XML

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Advertising and marketing costs	$ 2.8	$ 2.3	$ 2.1
Percent of gift cards expected to be unredeemed (percent)	6.00%
Gift card estimated redemption period	18 months
Gift cards breakage	$ 0.2	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring

The following table presents the Company's liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Total derivatives—Level 1	$	—	$	—
Total derivatives—Level 2	98		473
Total derivatives—Level 3	—		—

The following table represents the temporary equity measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 and the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the measurements fall (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Level 1	$	—	$	—
Level 2	—		—
Level 3	3,601		2,572

XML

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and dilutive earnings per share:

	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Net income (in thousands):	$	3,265	$	133	$	4,257	$	3,604
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	29,399,650		23,238,984		25,382,805		23,238,984
Dilutive stock options and warrants	1,663,563		149,745		1,145,199		11,761
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding	31,063,213		23,388,729		26,528,004		23,250,745
Earnings per share:
Basic EPS	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.17	$	0.16
Diluted EPS	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.16	$	0.16

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and dilutive earnings per share:

	2012		2011		2010
Net income (in thousands)	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	23,238,984		23,237,698		24,386,059
Dilutive stock options and warrants	26,558		—		840,930
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding	23,265,542		23,237,698		25,226,989
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.10
Diluted	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.09

XML

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Executives [Member])	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013 officer	Jan. 01, 2013 officer
Executives [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Employment agreement, number of executives	2	2
Employment agreement, initial term	3 years	3 years
Employment agreement, cancelation notice period	18 months	90 days
Employment agreement, severance pay, number of equivalent months	18 months	18 months
Employment agreement, period for equal installments	18 months
Employment agreement, number of shares available for purchase		296,828

XML

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Inventories) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 7,082	$ 6,042	$ 4,595
Smallwares Inventory [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventories		$ 3,800	$ 3,000

XML

Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013		Jan. 03, 2012		Dec. 28, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)	$ 2,748	$ 4,744	$ 4,400		$ 5,177		$ 1,551
Income taxes paid	400	273	509		43		870
(Payments for) purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable	(1,363)	2,025	2,648		1,170		1,354
Settlement of stock options in shares of Class A common stock			0		0		3,628
Non-cash settlement of outstanding equity(1)			$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[1]	$ 189,388	[1]

[1] Represents the liability for payments due to shareholders that was paid in 2011.

XML

Closed Restaurant Reserve (Narrative) (Details) (Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve, current portion	$ 0.3	$ 0.2

XML

Derivative Instruments (Fair Value and Presentation of Derivatives as Hedges) (Details) (Deferred Revenue and Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member], USD $)	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Deferred Revenue and Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate cash flow hedge derivative at fair value	$ 98,000	$ 473,000

XML

Supplemental Financial Information (Accrued Payroll and Benefits) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$ 5,196	$ 2,537	$ 2,094
Accrued bonus	2,303	1,981	3,511
Insurance liabilities	1,372	827	593
Accrued payroll and benefits	$ 8,871	$ 5,345	$ 6,198

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Common stock subject to put options	0	296,828	296,828
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	2,885,000	2,885,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	180,000,000	34,043,001	34,043,001
Common stock, shares, issued	29,399,650	23,238,984	23,238,984
Common stock, shares, outstanding	29,399,650	23,238,984	23,238,984

XML

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying amounts of borrowings approximate fair value as interest rates on the the line of credit borrowings vary with market interest rates and negotiated terms and conditions are consistent with current market rates.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

The Company’s deferred compensation plan, under which compensation deferrals began during the third quarter of 2013, is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan which allows highly compensated employees to defer a portion of their base salary and variable compensation each plan year. To offset its obligation, the Company purchases Company-owned whole-life insurance contracts on certain team members. As of October 1, 2013, $460,000 and $480,000 were included in other assets, net and other-long term liabilities, respectively, which represent the carrying value of both the liability for deferred compensation plan and associated life insurance policy equal to fair value.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying amounts of borrowings approximate fair value as the line of credit and term borrowings vary with market interest rates and negotiated terms and conditions are consistent with current market rates. Asset impairment charges are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Fair Value of Derivatives

All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value as either assets or liabilities. The fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The Company reports its derivative assets or liabilities in other assets, other liabilities, other current assets or accrued expenses as applicable. The accounting for the change in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument depends on its intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation.

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3—Prices or valuation techniques which require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

The Company's cash flow hedges are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including an adjustment for the Company's credit risk. Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of January 1, 2013, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents the Company's liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Total derivatives—Level 1	$	—	$	—
Total derivatives—Level 2	98		473
Total derivatives—Level 3	—		—

The Company's temporary equity is measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its stock, which directly impacts the valuation of temporary equity, fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 10, Stock Based Compensation, for further discussion of the significant inputs into the share price valuation.

Fair Value of Temporary Equity

The following table represents the temporary equity measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 and the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the measurements fall (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Level 1	$	—	$	—
Level 2	—		—
Level 3	3,601		2,572

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Net income	$ 3,265	$ 133	$ 4,257	$ 3,604	$ 5,163	$ 3,829	$ 2,378
Cash flow hedges:
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	(186)	(186)	(209)	(560)
Reclassification of loss to net income	0	104	39	312	382	434	754
Unrealized income on cash flow hedges	0	104	39	126	196	225	194
Provision for income tax on cash flow hedges	0	(42)	(15)	(104)	(168)	(3)	(74)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	62	24	22	28	222	120
Comprehensive income	$ 3,265	$ 195	$ 4,281	$ 3,626	$ 5,191	$ 4,051	$ 2,498

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Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Pre-tax net income	$ 5,448,000	$ 240,000	$ 6,890,000	$ 6,144,000	$ 8,378,000	$ 5,609,000	$ 2,012,000
Foreign income (loss)					(300,000)
Tax benefits on options					27,000	109,000
True up adjustments					242,000	349,000	432,000
Estimated effective tax rate	39.20%		39.20%
Effective tax rate			38.00%	41.30%	38.40%	31.70%	(18.20%)
Increase in equity if realized					3,300,000
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards					$ 15,600,000	$ 18,100,000

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 589	$ 581	$ 523
Accounts receivable	5,842	4,566	3,413
Inventories	7,082	6,042	4,595
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,999	3,970	3,332
Income tax receivable	0	995	1,016
Total current assets	18,512	16,154	12,879
Property and equipment, net	158,413	136,287	103,831
Deferred tax assets, net	2,753	2,791	5,496
Other assets, net	2,132	1,763	4,119
Total long-term assets	163,298	140,841	113,446
Total assets	181,810	156,995	126,325
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	8,817	9,393	6,900
Accrued payroll and benefits	8,871	5,345	6,198
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	7,614	7,249	5,846
Income tax payable	909	0
Current deferred tax liabilities	1,351	1,023	863
Current portion of long-term debt	0	750	750
Total current liabilities	27,562	23,760	20,557
Long-term debt	1,714	93,731	77,523
Deferred rent	27,596	23,013	18,644
Other long-term liabilities	2,426	2,483	2,078
Total liabilities	59,298	142,987	118,802
Temporary equity:
Common stock subject to put options	0	3,601	2,572
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0	0
Common stock	294	232	232
Additional paid-in capital	114,318	7,585	6,291
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	(24)	(52)
Retained earnings	7,900	2,614	(1,520)
Total stockholders' equity	122,512	10,407	4,951
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 181,810	$ 156,995	$ 126,325

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Derivative Instruments (Effect of Derivatives on Income Statement) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2011	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss on swap in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax)		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 186	$ 186	$ 209	$ 560
Realized loss (pretax) recognized in interest expense	$ 202	$ 0	$ 104	$ 39	$ 312	$ 382	$ 434	$ 754

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Closed Restaurant Reserve (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Liabilities for Closed Properties

Following is a summary of the changes in the liability for closed properties as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 (in thousands).

	2012			2011
Closed restaurant reserves, beginning of period	$	515		$	577
Additions—store closing costs incurred, accretion	483			140
Decreases—payments	(210		)	(202		)
Closed restaurant reserves, end of period	$	788		$	515

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Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits, and claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Consequently, the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of October 1, 2013. These matters could affect the operating results of any one financial reporting period when resolved in future periods. Management believes that an unfavorable outcome with respect to these matters is remote or a potential range of loss is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Significant increases in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims that result in greater liabilities than the Company currently anticipates, could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company entered into employment agreements with two of its executives in connection with the IPO superseding the previous employment agreements with these executives. The agreements have an initial term of three years and automatically renew annually unless earlier terminated. Under each of the employment agreements, if the executive's employment is terminated by the Company without "cause" or by the executive with "good reason," (as such terms are defined in the applicable employment agreement) the executive is entitled to receive compensation equal to18months of the executive's then-current base salary, payable in equal installments over18 months, a pro rata bonus for the year of termination and reimbursement of "COBRA" premiums for up to18 monthsfor the executive and his dependents. The severance payments are conditioned upon the executive entering into a mutual release of claims with the Company.

The prior employment agreements with such executives, which were superseded by the agreements entered into in connection with the IPO, included a call option in favor of the Company and a put option in favor of the executive, for the Company to purchase certain shares at fair market value if the employment agreement was terminated prior to a qualified initial public offering. The put option did not result in the executive avoiding the risks and rewards of owning the shares. The fair value of the shares of common stock subject to such put options was presented as temporary equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements. In connection with the IPO, the put options were terminated and amounts previously presented in temporary equity were reclassified to permanent stockholders' equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and claims. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Consequently, the Company is unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of January 1, 2013. These matters could affect the operating results of any one financial reporting period when resolved in future periods. Management believes that an unfavorable outcome with respect to these matters is remote or a potential range of loss is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Significant increases in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims that result in greater liabilities than the Company currently anticipates, could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company entered into employment agreements with two of its executives in connection with the Merger Agreement, superseding the previous employment agreements with these executives. The agreements have an initial term of three years and automatically renew annually unless cancelled by either party within 90 days of the end of the initial term or anniversaries thereof. In the event of termination for good reason by the executive or termination without cause by the Company, the executive is entitled to receive severance pay equal to 18 months of his then current salary, payment of accrued bonus from prior years, severance bonus equal to the pro rata portion of the executive's target annual bonus for the year in which termination occurs and reimbursement for COBRA benefits coverage. The agreements also include a call option in favor of the Company and a put option in favor of the executive, for the Company to purchase 296,828 rollover shares at fair market value if the employment agreement is terminated prior to a qualified initial public offering. The put option does not result in the executive avoiding the risks and rewards of owning the rollover shares. The fair value of the shares of common stock subject to put options has been presented as temporary equity in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company records changes in the fair value of the common stock subject to put options by adjusting temporary equity with the offset to retained earnings. The fair value per share is determined using the most recent valuation performed by the board of directors. See Note 10, Stock Based Compensation.

The Company entered into a Management Services Agreement with one of the Equity Sponsors, and a Class C dividend agreement with the other Equity Sponsor, which provide for certain management fee and dividend payments by the Company to the Equity Sponsors. See additional discussion in Note 16, Related-Party Transactions.

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Supplemental Financial Information (Property and Equipment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 259,633	$ 224,987	$ 179,012
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(101,220)	(88,700)	(75,181)
Property and equipment, net	158,413	136,287	103,831
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	164,498	139,907	113,313
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	89,270	77,202	62,472
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 5,865	$ 7,878	$ 3,227

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Closed Restaurant Reserve (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Closed restaurant reserves, beginning of period	$ 515	$ 577
Additions—store closing costs incurred, accretion	483	140
Decreases—payments	(210)	(202)
Closed restaurant reserves, end of period	$ 788	$ 515

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Stock-Based Compensation (Exercise Price Range) (Details) ($8.67-$12.13 [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013
$8.67-$12.13 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$ 8.67
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$ 12.13
Number of options, outstanding	2,973,167
Weighted- average remaining years of contractual life, outstanding	8 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted- average exercise price, outstanding	$ 9.12
Number of options, exercisable	1,229,341
Weighted- average exercise price, exercisable	$ 8.67

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013 Trademarks [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 August 2012 Credit Facility Amendment [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 2011 Credit Facility [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$ 1,000,000	$ 3,500,000
Accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs	500,000	700,000		800,000	900,000
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost				2,600,000	300,000
Estimated useful life of trademark rights			20 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2013	8,000
2014	8,000
2015	8,000
2016	8,000
2017	$ 8,000

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Organization) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended								9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013 segment state	Jan. 01, 2013 segment state	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010	Dec. 27, 2010	Dec. 29, 2009	Jan. 01, 2013 Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Retained Earnings [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Company-Owned [Member] restaurant	Jan. 01, 2013 Company-Owned [Member] restaurant	Oct. 01, 2013 Franchise [Member] restaurant	Jan. 01, 2013 Franchise [Member] restaurant	Jan. 03, 2012 Franchise [Member] restaurant	Dec. 28, 2010 Franchise [Member] restaurant	Oct. 01, 2013 IPO [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Over-Allotment Option [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Class A Common Stock [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 Class A Common Stock [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 Class A Common Stock [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Class A Common Stock [Member] IPO [Member]	Jul. 02, 2013 Restatement Adjustment [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Jul. 03, 2012 Restatement Adjustment [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Restatement Adjustment [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 Restatement Adjustment [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 Restatement Adjustment [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Organization [Line Items]
Number of restaurants												310	276	58	51	45	43
Number of states in which Noodles & Company operates	29	25
Number of operating segments	1	1
Number of reportable segments	1	1
Collaborative group, ownership percentage					90.00%
Share price (USD per share)		$ 12.13																					$ 18.00
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares																			803,571	14,594,760	14,594,760	14,594,760	6,160,714
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01																	$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses																		$ 100,200,000
Repayments of long term debt	200,000
Number of weeks in fiscal year	364 days	364 days	371 days	364 days						364 days	371 days
Temporary equity	0	3,601,000	2,572,000	2,572,000		0
Misstatements in prior years							2,600,000	2,600,000	1,000,000
Temporary equity, shares outstanding (shares)		296,828
Reclassification of operating costs to general and administrative expense																								$ 1,000,000	$ 1,300,000	$ 2,900,000	$ 2,600,000	$ 2,400,000

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Cash and Cash Equivalents) (Details) (Credit Card Receivable [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Credit Card Receivable [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 2.5	$ 1.0

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Derivative Instruments

9 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes only, including derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The Company uses interest rate-related derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. By using these instruments, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. The Company minimizes the credit risk by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties whose credit rating is evaluated on a quarterly basis. Management has evaluated credit and nonperformance risks as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 and considers the risk of counterparty default to be improbable. Market risk, as it relates to the Company's interest-rate derivatives, is the adverse effect on the value of a financial instrument that results from changes in interest rates. The Company minimizes market risk by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be taken.

During 2008, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements, with a combined notional amount of $29.0 million. In February 2011, the Company's interest rate swap with a notional amount of $15.0 million matured. The swap had been designated as a cash flow hedge in October 2008 and gains of $0.2 million, $27,000 and $10,000 were recorded in earnings during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, due to ineffectiveness as a result of the fair value of the swap not equaling zero at the date of hedge designation. A second interest rate swap on a notional amount of $14.0 million was terminated by the Company in March 2011. The fair value of the interest rate swap on the date of termination was $0.5 million and will be settled in payments on a new interest rate swap with an effective date of April 4, 2011 and a notional amount of $17.5 million. The deferred loss accumulated in other comprehensive income as of the date of termination was amortized over the life of the terminated swap through November 2012, the original term of the terminated swap.

As required by the new credit facility and to mitigate exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with embedded floors matching that of the hedged portion of its borrowings under the credit facility. The new interest rate swaps became effective on April 4, 2011 and mature April 4, 2013. The swaps were designated as cash flow hedges at inception and were expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk during their respective terms. In August 2012, the Company ceased the application of hedge designation on both interest rate swaps as a result of the interest rate floor being removed from the hedged credit facility. Under the terms of the swap agreements, the Company is required to make payments based on a fixed rate of 1.59% calculated on a notional amount of $20.0 million and 3.06% calculated on a notional amount of $17.5 million. The fair value of the $20.0 million swap was zero at designation, while the fair value of the $17.5 million swap was a liability of $0.5 million at designation, which is reflective of the fair value of the previously terminated swap. In exchange, the Company will receive interest on $20.0 million of notional amount at a variable rate based on the greater of 1.25% or one-month LIBOR and will receive interest on a notional amount of $17.5 million at a variable rate based on the greater of 1.25% or one-month LIBOR.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of designated cash flow hedges were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Following termination of hedge designation in August 2012, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps were recorded directly to interest expense. During 2011 and 2012, these derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with the Company's applicable credit facilities. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives was calculated using the hypothetical derivative method and recognized directly in earnings. During 2012, the Company recorded $174,000 of hedge ineffectiveness in earnings attributable to the fair value at inception on the $17.5 million notional interest rate swap.

The following table summarizes the fair value and presentation of the interest rate swaps as hedging instruments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

	2012 Fair Value		2011 Fair Value
Deferred revenue and other noncurrent liabilities	$	98	$	473

The following table summarizes the effect of the interest rate swap on the consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011		2010
Loss on swap in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax)	$	186	$	209	$	560
Realized loss (pretax) recognized in interest expense	382		434		754

The interest rate swaps are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. As of January 1, 2013, the fair market value of the interest rate swaps is recorded in other noncurrent liabilities. As a result of this activity, accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased by $196,000, or $28,000 net of tax, for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2013. Additionally, the Company reclassified to earnings $202,000 of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the interest rate swap terminated and embedded in a new instrument in April 2011. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to the interest rate swaps will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company's variable-rate debt.

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Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Incentive Plan) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010	Oct. 01, 2013 Executive Officer [Member] officer	Oct. 01, 2013 IPO [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Accelerated Vesting of Outstanding Stock Options [Member] IPO [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Stock Options Granted [Member] IPO [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 Stock Option [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 02, 2012 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 02, 2012 Stock Option [Member]		Jan. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]		Jan. 03, 2012 Stock Option [Member]	Dec. 27, 2010 Stock Option [Member]	Oct. 01, 2012 Stock Option [Member]	Dec. 26, 2010 Stock Option [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 General and Administrative Expense [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Options, Outstanding
Outstanding, beginning of period										3,474,398		2,789,212		2,973,167		2,621,023		2,621,023		2,420,861	4,348,407	2,667,918	0
Granted					403,900				2,420,861	0	[1]	8,655	[1]	538,273	[1]	176,850	[1]	516,473		283,307	736,734
Forfeited									0									(164,329)		(81,330)	(85,762)
Exercised									0	0		0		0		0		0		(1,815)	(59,990)
Cash settled																					(4,939,389)
Canceled										1,961		129,949		39,004		129,949
Outstanding, end of period									2,420,861	3,472,437				3,472,437				2,973,167		2,621,023		2,667,918	0
Vested and expected to vest																		2,823,099
Exercisable																		1,229,341
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted- average exercise price, beginning balance (USD per share)														$ 9.12		$ 8.67		$ 8.67		$ 8.67	$ 4.96		$ 0.00
Granted (USD per share)									$ 8.67									$ 11.27		$ 8.67	$ 5.86
Forfeited (USD per share)									$ 0.00									$ 8.68		$ 8.67	$ 5.04
Exercised (USD per share)									$ 0.00									$ 0.00		$ 8.67	$ 2.46
Cash settled (USD per share)																					$ 5.13
Weighted- average exercise price, ending balance (USD per share)									$ 8.67									$ 9.12		$ 8.67			$ 0.00
Vested and expected to vest (USD per share)																		$ 9.06
Exercisable (USD per share)																		$ 8.67
Weighted- Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life
Outstanding																		8 years 1 month 6 days
Vested and expected to vest																		8 years 0 months 18 days
Exercisable																		7 years 5 months 23 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding																		$ 8,971	[2]
Vested and expected to vest																		8,656	[2]
Exercisable																		4,261	[2]
Share price (USD per share)		$ 12.13
Weighted average fair market value on option grant date (USD per share)		$ 2.84	$ 1.89	$ 1.72								$ 1.25		$ 5.81		$ 1.21
Stock based compensation expense							2,000	1,200		131	[3]	315	[3]	4,065	[3]	921	[3]							1,200	1,300	5,600	45
Capitalized stock based compensation expense										$ 15		$ 21		$ 56		$ 57
Number of officers granted awards					2
Vesting percentage					50.00%	50.00%
Vesting period	4 years

[1] The stock options granted in the first three quarters of 2013 included 403,900 awards to two executive officers of which 50% vested at IPO and the remaining vest annually over four years on the anniversary of the grant in equal installments.

[2] Aggregate intrinsic value represents the amount by which estimated fair value of the Company's stock ($12.13 as of January 1, 2013) exceeds the exercise price of the option as of January 1, 2013.

[3] Stock-based compensation expense includes $45,000 related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2013 and is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total stock-based compensation recognized in the first three quarters of 2013, $2.0 million related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options at the IPO and $1.2 million related to stock options granted at the IPO to 2 executive officers of which 50% were vested at the time of grant.

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Income Taxes (Tables)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes

The following table presents the Company's provision for income taxes for the three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Provision for income taxes	$	2,633		$	2,540
Effective tax rate	38.0		%	41.3		%

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011			2010
Current tax provision:
Federal	$	49	$	—		$	47
State	559		260			6
	608		260			53
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal	2,591		1,945			(340		)
State	16		(425		)	(79		)
	2,607		1,520			(419		)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,215	$	1,780		$	(366	)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

The reconciliation of income tax provision (benefit) that would result from applying the federal statutory rate to pre-tax income as shown in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012			2011			2010
Federal income expense at federal rate	$	2,848		$	1,907		$	684
State income tax, net of related federal income tax benefit	420			257			8
Permanent items—primarily incentive stock options and cash settlement of options	83			(10		)	(626		)
Foreign rate differential	106			—			—
Change in blended state rate	—			(25		)	—
Other items, net	(242		)	(349		)	(432		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,215		$	1,780		$	(366	)
Effective income tax rate	38.4		%	31.7		%	(18.2		)%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred income taxes arise because of the differences in the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax liabilities and assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	2,012			2,011
Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Loss carry forwards	$	2,445		$	3,275
Deferred rent and franchise revenue	9,622			7,696
Property, equipment and intangible assets	(11,061		)	(6,628		)
Stock-based compensation	994			514
Alternative minimum tax credits	256			205
Interest rate swap	38			183
Other	497			251
Total noncurrent net deferred tax assets	2,791			5,496
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Inventory smallwares	(1,459		)	(1,146		)
Other	436			283
Total current deferred tax liabilities	(1,023		)	(863		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,768		$	4,633

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Equity Recapitalization (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2010		Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Cash received from equity recapitalization	$ 181,000,000
Transaction expenses	7,000,000
Total consideration paid	211,700,000
Consideration paid in rollover shares, value	16,700,000
Outstanding stock convertible to cash, amount per share	$ 8.67
Outstanding stock options cancelled, intrinsic value	17,494,531
Collaborative group, ownership percentage	90.00%
Number of items comprising substantive participation rights	19
Substantive participation rights, minimum voting interest percentage	75.00%
Catterton and Argentia [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Collaborative group, ownership percentage	90.00%
Catterton [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Cash received from equity recapitalization	91,000,000
Collaborative group, ownership percentage	45.00%
Collaborative group, ownership percentage of voting interest	62.00%
Argentia [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Cash received from equity recapitalization	90,000,000
Collaborative group, ownership percentage	45.00%
Collaborative group, ownership percentage of voting interest	24.00%
Management and Other Shareholders [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Collaborative group, ownership percentage	10.00%
Series A Preferred Stock and Common Class A [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Conversion ratio	3.4
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Stock converted	5,898,709
Preferred stock, share conversion ratio	2
Common Stock [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Stock converted	11,797,418
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Consideration paid in rollover shares, value	16,700,000
Conversion of outstanding common stock into the right to receive cash, net of rollover equity, shares	12,625,462
Common stock held in treasury, cancelled	11,897,375	[1]
Shares converted into rollover shares	1,931,058
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares			14,594,760	14,594,760	14,594,760
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Catterton [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares	10,501,400
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Argentia [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares	4,093,360
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Management [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Consideration paid in rollover shares, value	$ 3,600,000
Shares issued to management, shares	418,711
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares			6,292,640	6,292,640	6,292,640
Class B Common Stock [Member] | Argentia [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares	6,292,640
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares			1	1	1
Class C Common Stock [Member] | Argentia [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares	1
Catterton and PSPIB [Member]
Equity Recapitalization [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of merger partner by third parties	100.00%

[1] Unless otherwise noted, activity relates to Class A common stock

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The following table presents the Company's provision for income taxes for the three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (dollars in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Provision for income taxes	$	2,633		$	2,540
Effective tax rate	38.0		%	41.3		%

The 2013 estimated annual effective tax rate is expected to be 39.2% compared to 38.4% for the full year 2012. The effective tax rate for the first three quarters of 2013 includes the discrete adjustment for certain transaction costs related to the IPO.

Income Taxes

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011			2010
Current tax provision:
Federal	$	49	$	—		$	47
State	559		260			6
	608		260			53
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal	2,591		1,945			(340		)
State	16		(425		)	(79		)
	2,607		1,520			(419		)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,215	$	1,780		$	(366	)

The reconciliation of income tax provision (benefit) that would result from applying the federal statutory rate to pre-tax income as shown in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012			2011			2010
Federal income expense at federal rate	$	2,848		$	1,907		$	684
State income tax, net of related federal income tax benefit	420			257			8
Permanent items—primarily incentive stock options and cash settlement of options	83			(10		)	(626		)
Foreign rate differential	106			—			—
Change in blended state rate	—			(25		)	—
Other items, net	(242		)	(349		)	(432		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,215		$	1,780		$	(366	)
Effective income tax rate	38.4		%	31.7		%	(18.2		)%

Pre-tax net income in 2012 totaled $8.4 million and included a foreign loss of $0.3 million in 2012.

In 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized tax benefits on option exercises at fair value in excess of those utilized to record stock-based compensation for book purposes, totaling $27,000 and $109,000, respectively, as a credit to additional paid-in capital. The largest portion of the permanent items in 2010 relate to the stock-based compensation expense for incentive stock options that was previously added back for tax purposes and deductible due to the Merger.

In 2012, other items represents changes made between the provision for income taxes and the filed tax return and the impact of the prior year interest rate swap designation to interest expense. Other items in 2011 represents the reconciliation of the beginning deferred tax asset for state asset depreciation, while the true up adjustment in 2010 represents the reconciliation of the deferred tax asset for nonqualified stock options following the Merger. The tax-effected true up adjustments represent $242,000, $349,000 and $432,000 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Deferred income taxes arise because of the differences in the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax liabilities and assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	2,012			2,011
Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Loss carry forwards	$	2,445		$	3,275
Deferred rent and franchise revenue	9,622			7,696
Property, equipment and intangible assets	(11,061		)	(6,628		)
Stock-based compensation	994			514
Alternative minimum tax credits	256			205
Interest rate swap	38			183
Other	497			251
Total noncurrent net deferred tax assets	2,791			5,496
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Inventory smallwares	(1,459		)	(1,146		)
Other	436			283
Total current deferred tax liabilities	(1,023		)	(863		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,768		$	4,633

At January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $15.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, were available to offset future taxable income through the year 2032 and 2031, respectively. The net operating loss carry forwards are primarily composed of excess tax deductions for equity compensation. Utilization of the net operating losses is subject to an annual limitation resulting from a change in control in 2007 and a change of control in 2010, pursuant to the change in ownership provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar provisions of state law. As a result of certain realization requirements of ASC 718, the deferred tax assets shown above include only realized tax deductions related to equity compensation equal to the compensation recognized for financial reporting during the years ended January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012. Equity will be increased by up to $3.3 million if and when the net operating loss is ultimately realized.

Uncertain tax positions are recognized if it is more likely than not that the Company will be able to sustain the tax position taken, and the measurement of the benefit is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon resolution of the benefit. The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. There were no uncertain tax positions for the years ended January 1, 2013 or January 3, 2012. The only periods subject to examination for the Company's federal and state returns are 2009 through 2012.

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Borrowings

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Borrowings

Borrowings

The Company has a credit facility with a borrowing capacity of $45.0 million in the form of a revolving line of credit, expiring in July 2017. Prior to the IPO, the Company had a credit facility with a borrowing capacity of 120.0 million, consisting of a $75.0 million senior term loan and a $45.0 million revolving line of credit. In connection with the IPO, the Company repaid in full its outstanding $75.0 million senior term loan and the majority of the revolving line of credit. The Company will continue to have access to the funds and the ability to borrow under the revolving line of credit; however, the amounts repaid on the senior term loan cannot be re-borrowed. As of October 1, 2013, the Company had $1.7 million outstanding and $41.3 million available for borrowing under the credit facility. Outstanding letters of credit aggregating $2.0 million reduce the amount of borrowings available under the agreement. The credit facility bore interest at rates ranging from 4.25% to 5.50% and 3.5% to 5.5% for the third quarter of 2013 and the first three quarters of 2013, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of October 1, 2013.

Borrowings

Credit Facility

In February 2011, the Company entered into a credit facility to increase its borrowing capacity to $120.0 million, consisting of a $75.0 million senior term loan and a $45.0 million revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit includes a swing line loan of $5.0 million, used to fund the Company's everyday working capital requirements. In August 2012, the credit facility was amended to provide more favorable borrowing rates and extend borrowing capacity through July 2017. The Company had $94.5 million outstanding and $23.1 million available for borrowing under the credit facility as of January 1, 2013.

Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 2.00% to 4.25%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) at the highest of the following rates plus 1.00% to 3.25%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%. Prior to the August 2012 amendment, borrowings under the credit facility bore interest, at the Company's option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 4.00% to 5.00%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) at the highest of the following rates plus 3.00% to 4.00%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The August 2012 amendment eliminated a 1.25% LIBOR floor on all borrowings. The facility includes a commitment fee of 0.50% per year on any unused portion of the facility. The term loan commitment requires quarterly principal payments of $0.2 million through December 2015. The Company also maintains outstanding letters of credit to secure its obligations under its workers' compensation program and certain lease obligations. The letters of credit and quarterly principal payments reduce the amount of future borrowings available under the agreement as amounts borrowed and repaid on the term debt may not be reborrowed and aggregated $1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2013. As of January 1, 2013, the credit facility bore interest from 3.6% to 5.5% per year.

Availability of borrowings under the credit facility is conditioned on the Company's compliance with specified covenants, including a maximum lease-adjusted leverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company is subject to a number of other customary covenants, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, dividend payments and lease commitments. As of January 1, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

The credit facility is secured by a pledge of stock of substantially all subsidiaries of the Company and a lien on substantially all personal property assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.

As required by the Company's amended facility, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements covering a portion of its borrowings under the senior term loan. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments.

Bridge Financing

In connection with the 2010 Equity Recapitalization the Company obtained bridge financing from Catterton and Argentia in the amount of $45.0 million. Such amount was repaid, along with $0.9 million of PIK interest at 12%, in conjunction with the February 2011 debt refinancing.

Borrowings

Credit Facility

In February 2011, the Company entered into a credit facility to increase its borrowing capacity to $120.0 million, consisting of a $75.0 million senior term loan and a $45.0 million revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit includes a swing line loan of $5.0 million, used to fund the Company's everyday working capital requirements. In August 2012, the credit facility was amended to provide more favorable borrowing rates and extend borrowing capacity through July 2017. The Company had $94.5 million outstanding and $23.1 million available for borrowing under the credit facility as of January 1, 2013.

Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 2.00% to 4.25%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) at the highest of the following rates plus 1.00% to 3.25%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%. Prior to the August 2012 amendment, borrowings under the credit facility bore interest, at the Company's option, at either (i) LIBOR plus 4.00% to 5.00%, based on the lease-adjusted leverage ratio or (ii) at the highest of the following rates plus 3.00% to 4.00%: (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%; (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The August 2012 amendment eliminated a 1.25% LIBOR floor on all borrowings. The facility includes a commitment fee of 0.50% per year on any unused portion of the facility. The term loan commitment requires quarterly principal payments of $0.2 million through December 2015. The Company also maintains outstanding letters of credit to secure its obligations under its workers' compensation program and certain lease obligations. The letters of credit and quarterly principal payments reduce the amount of future borrowings available under the agreement as amounts borrowed and repaid on the term debt may not be reborrowed and aggregated $1.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2013. As of January 1, 2013, the credit facility bore interest from 3.6% to 5.5% per year.

Availability of borrowings under the credit facility is conditioned on the Company's compliance with specified covenants, including a maximum lease-adjusted leverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company is subject to a number of other customary covenants, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, dividend payments and lease commitments. As of January 1, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

The credit facility is secured by a pledge of stock of substantially all subsidiaries of the Company and a lien on substantially all personal property assets of the Company and its subsidiaries.

As required by the Company's amended facility, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements covering a portion of its borrowings under the senior term loan. See Note 5, Derivative Instruments.

Bridge Financing

In connection with the 2010 Equity Recapitalization the Company obtained bridge financing from Catterton and Argentia in the amount of $45.0 million. Such amount was repaid, along with $0.9 million of PIK interest at 12%, in conjunction with the February 2011 debt refinancing.

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Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares	14,594,760	14,594,760	14,594,760
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares	6,292,640	6,292,640	6,292,640
Shares outstanding	6,292,640	6,292,640	6,292,640
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Issuance of common stock, net of transaction expenses, shares	1	1	1
Shares outstanding	1	1	1

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013
Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan	$ 460
Other Long Term Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan	$ 480

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Borrowings (Credit Facility) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013	Feb. 28, 2011	Oct. 01, 2013 Revolving Line of Credit [Member]	Feb. 28, 2011 Revolving Line of Credit [Member]	Feb. 28, 2011 Swing Line Loan [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Senior Term Loan [Member]	Feb. 28, 2011 Senior Term Loan [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Senior Term Loan [Member] IPO [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Secondary Rates [Member] Minimum [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 Secondary Rates [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Secondary Rates [Member] Maximum [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 Secondary Rates [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Minimum [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Minimum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Maximum [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Maximum [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Federal Funds Rate [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 120,000,000.0	$ 120,000,000.0	$ 45,000,000.0	$ 45,000,000.0	$ 5,000,000.0			$ 75,000,000.0
Amount outstanding	94,500,000	1,700,000						75,000,000.0
Remaining borrowing capacity	23,100,000	41,300,000
Basis spread on variable rate																1.00%	3.00%	3.25%	4.00%	1.00%	1.00%	2.00%	4.00%	4.25%	5.00%	0.50%	0.50%
LIBOR floor on all borrowings																					1.25%
Commitment fee on unused portion of facility	0.50%
Quarterly payment due on term loan through December 2015							200,000
Letters of credit outstanding	1,700,000	2,000,000
Annual principal paid	$ 800,000
Interest rate										4.25%	3.50%	3.60%	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%

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Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Required under Existing Leases

Future minimum lease payments required under existing leases as of January 1, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	29,528
2014	28,981
2015	27,139
2016	25,575
2017	22,786
Thereafter	70,394
	$	204,403

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Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 28, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,265	$ 133	$ 4,257	$ 3,604	$ 5,163	$ 3,829	$ 2,378
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	29,399,650	23,238,984	25,382,805	23,238,984	23,238,984	23,237,698	24,386,059
Dilutive stock options and warrants (in shares)	1,663,563	149,745	1,145,199	11,761	26,558	0	840,930
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	31,063,213	23,388,729	26,528,004	23,250,745	23,265,542	23,237,698	25,226,989
Earnings per share:
Basic EPS (USD per share)	$ 0.11	$ 0.01	$ 0.17	$ 0.16	$ 0.22	$ 0.16	$ 0.10
Diluted EPS (USD per share)	$ 0.11	$ 0.01	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.22	$ 0.16	$ 0.09
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	0	172,831	488,018	2,552,951	590,617	2,621,023	736,734

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Income Taxes (Deferred Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012
Noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Loss carry forwards	$ 2,445	$ 3,275
Deferred rent and franchise revenue	9,622	7,696
Property, equipment and intangible assets	(11,061)	(6,628)
Stock-based compensation	994	514
Alternative minimum tax credits	256	205
Interest rate swap	38	183
Other	497	251
Total noncurrent net deferred tax assets	2,791	5,496
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Inventory smallwares	(1,459)	(1,146)
Other	436	283
Total current deferred tax liabilities	(1,023)	(863)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 1,768	$ 4,633

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Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share ("diluted EPS") is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying stock options and warrants. The following table sets forth the computations of basic and dilutive earnings per share:

	Fiscal Quarter Ended				Three Fiscal Quarters Ended
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Net income (in thousands):	$	3,265	$	133	$	4,257	$	3,604
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	29,399,650		23,238,984		25,382,805		23,238,984
Dilutive stock options and warrants	1,663,563		149,745		1,145,199		11,761
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding	31,063,213		23,388,729		26,528,004		23,250,745
Earnings per share:
Basic EPS	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.17	$	0.16
Diluted EPS	$	0.11	$	0.01	$	0.16	$	0.16

In the third quarter of 2013 and 2012 and in the first three quarters of 2013 and 2012, zero and 172,831, and 488,018 and 2,552,951 outstanding options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would be antidilutive. All outstanding warrants are dilutive and were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

Earnings Per Share

EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share ("diluted EPS") is calculated using income available to common shareholders divided by diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of common stock underlying stock options and restricted common stock. Diluted EPS considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect. The following table sets forth the computations of basic and dilutive earnings per share:

	2012		2011		2010
Net income (in thousands)	$	5,163	$	3,829	$	2,378
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	23,238,984		23,237,698		24,386,059
Dilutive stock options and warrants	26,558		—		840,930
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding	23,265,542		23,237,698		25,226,989
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.10
Diluted	$	0.22	$	0.16	$	0.09

The Company excluded 590,617, 2,621,023 and 736,734 outstanding options from the diluted earnings per share calculation for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, as the options were out of the money and to include them would have been antidilutive. All outstanding warrants were dilutive in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

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Closed Restaurant Reserve

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Closed Restaurant Reserve

Closed Restaurant Reserve

The Company provides for closed property operating lease liabilities using a discount rate to calculate the present value of the remaining non-cancelable lease payments after the closing date, net of estimated subtenant income. Following is a summary of the changes in the liability for closed properties as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012 (in thousands).

	2012			2011
Closed restaurant reserves, beginning of period	$	515		$	577
Additions—store closing costs incurred, accretion	483			140
Decreases—payments	(210		)	(202		)
Closed restaurant reserves, end of period	$	788		$	515

The current portion of the liability, $0.3 million and $0.2 million as of January 1, 2013 and January 3, 2012, respectively, is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and the long-term portion is reported in other noncurrent liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

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Leases (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
2013	$ 29,528
2014	28,981
2015	27,139
2016	25,575
2017	22,786
Thereafter	70,394
Total future minimum lease payments due	$ 204,403

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Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Jan. 01, 2013

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents the supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows for the first three quarters ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (in thousands):

	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)	$	2,748		$	4,744
Income taxes paid	400			273
(Payments for) purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable	(1,363		)	2,025

Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

The following table presents the supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands) for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010:

	2012		2011		2010
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)	$	4,400	$	5,177	$	1,551
Income taxes paid (net of refunds)	509		43		870
Purchases of property and equipment accrued in accounts payable	2,648		1,170		1,354
Settlement of stock options in shares of Class A common stock	—		—		3,628
Non-cash settlement of outstanding equity(1)	—		—		189,388

______________________________

(1) Represents the liability for payments due to shareholders that was paid in 2011.

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Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

In October 2003, the Company adopted a defined contribution plan, The Noodles & Company 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Company employees with six months of service, aged 21 or older, are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. Under the provisions of the plan, the Company may, at its discretion, make contributions to the 401(k) Plan. Participants are 100% vested in their own contributions. The Company made no contributions during 2012, 2011 or 2010. The employee benefit plans remained in effect following the Merger Agreement.

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Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NOODLES & Co
Entity Central Index Key	0001275158
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	S-1
Document Period End Date	Oct. 01, 2013
Amendment Flag	false

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Leases (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 01, 2013

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Leases

The Company leases restaurant facilities, office space and certain equipment under operating leases that expire on various dates through December 2028. Lease terms for traditional shopping centers generally include a base term of 10 years, with options to extend these leases for additional periods of 5 to 15 years. Typically, the lease includes rent escalations, which are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between rent expense and cash paid for rent is recognized as deferred rent. Rent expense for 2012 and 2011 was approximately $24.6 million and $20.9 million, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments required under existing leases as of January 1, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	29,528
2014	28,981
2015	27,139
2016	25,575
2017	22,786
Thereafter	70,394
	$	204,403

Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $45,000 due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.

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Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Dec. 27, 2010	Dec. 28, 2010	May 31, 2013 IPO [Member]	Mar. 10, 2011 Class B Common Stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 General and Administrative Expense [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 2010 Stock Incentive Plan Post-Merger [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 2010 Stock Incentive Plan Pre-Merger [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 2010 Stock Incentive Plan Pre-Merger [Member] Class A Common Stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 1998 Stock Option Plan [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Capitalized Internal Costs [Member]	Jan. 03, 2012 Capitalized Internal Costs [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 Capitalized Internal Costs [Member]	Oct. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 02, 2012 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 01, 2013 Stock Option [Member]		Oct. 02, 2012 Stock Option [Member]		Dec. 27, 2010 Stock Option [Member]	Dec. 28, 2010 Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock option term	4 years											10 years
Vesting period												4 years
Stock based compensation expense									$ 1,200,000	$ 1,300,000	$ 5,600,000					$ 81,000	$ 75,000	$ 83,000	$ 131,000	[1]	$ 315,000	[1]	$ 4,065,000	[1]	$ 921,000	[1]
2010 Merger-transaction expenses																												3,700,000
Cash settled in period																											4,939,389
Cash consideration																											$ 8.67
Accelerated shares					2,393,725
Number of shares authorized	750,100	750,100					3,750,500					3,168,705	480,641	1,471,350	8,969,350
Number of shares available for grant			193,711
Exercises in period, intrinsic value				16,000		147,000
Unrecognized compensation cost			$ 3,400,000
Period for recognition			2 years
Number of warrants issued								86,550
Exercise price	8.67	8.67						8.67
Number of securities exercised	23,289	23,289
Warrants outstanding	57,700	57,700
Discount from market place	85.00%	85.00%
ESPP, shares issued		14,425
Shares reserved for future issuance	735,675	735,675

[1] Stock-based compensation expense includes $45,000 related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in the third quarter and first three quarters of 2013 and is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. Of the total stock-based compensation recognized in the first three quarters of 2013, $2.0 million related to accelerated vesting of outstanding stock options at the IPO and $1.2 million related to stock options granted at the IPO to 2 executive officers of which 50% were vested at the time of grant.

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Stockholder's Equity (Details) (USD $)								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Jan. 03, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013 Class A Common Stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Class B Common Stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Class C Common Stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Preferred Stock [Member]	Jan. 01, 2013 Equity Sponsors [Member] Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares authorized		36,928,001
Common stock, shares authorized	180,000,000	34,043,001	34,043,001	27,119,000	6,294,000	1
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	2,885,000	2,885,000				2,885,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01				$ 0.01
Registration rights, percentage of common stock shares								10.00%