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 December 29, 2015, we had 422 company-owned restaurants and 70 franchise restaurants in 35 states, the District of Columbia and one Canadian province. 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.

On December 5, 2013, the Company completed a follow-on offering of 4,500,000 shares of Class A common stock at a price of $39.50 per share. All of the shares in the offering were offered by selling stockholders, except for 108,267 shares offered by the Company, the proceeds of which were used to repurchase the same number of shares from certain officers at the same net price per share. The Company did not receive any net proceeds from the offering. The selling stockholders paid all of the underwriting discounts and commissions associated with the sale of the shares; however, the Company incurred approximately $696,000 in costs and expenses related to this offering.

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 2015, 2014 and 2013, which ended on December 29, 2015, December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, each contained 52 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.

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 are considered to be cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are considered cash equivalents, and as of December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 were $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and were offset on the consolidated balance sheets by outstanding checks. Book overdrafts, which are outstanding checks in excess of cash and cash equivalents, are recorded within accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and within operating activities in the accompanying statements of cash flows.

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

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 December 29, 2015 or December 30, 2014.

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 December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014, smallwares inventory of $6.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively, were 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 and 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 $27.8 million in 2015, $24.8 million in 2014 and $20.6 million in 2013.

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 $3.0 million, $2.9 million and $2.6 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 $0.4 million in both 2015 and 2014 and $0.3 million in 2013.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and is not subject to amortization. The Company evaluates goodwill annually, on the first day of the Company's fourth fiscal quarter, to determine if there have been any events or circumstances that would trigger a more-likely-than-not reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. The Company performed step one of the impairment test on the first day of the Company's fourth fiscal quarter in 2015. Step one of the impairment test is based upon a comparison of the carrying value of net assets, including goodwill balances, to the fair value of net assets. Fair value is measured using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach consists of utilizing the discounted cash flow method that incorporates the Company's estimates of future revenues and costs, discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. The Company's estimates used in the income approach are consistent with the plans and estimates used to manage operations. The market approach utilizes multiples of profit measures to estimate the fair value of the assets. The company evaluates all methods to ensure reasonably consistent results. Additionally, the Company evaluates the key input factors in the model used to determine whether a moderate change in any input factor or combination of factors would significantly change the results of the tests. Based on the completion of the step one test, it was determined that goodwill was not impaired as of September 30, 2015. However, an impairment charge may be triggered in the future if the value of the Company's stock declines, sales in the

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

Company's restaurants decline significantly, or if there are significant adverse changes in the operating environment of the restaurant industry. There was no goodwill impairment recorded during fiscal years 2015 and 2014.

Intangibles, net

Intangible, net consist primarily of reacquired franchise rights, favorable lease agreements, trademarks and transferable liquor licenses. The Company amortizes the fair value of reacquired franchise rights over the remaining contractual terms of the reacquired franchise area development agreements at the time of acquisition, which ranged from approximately 10 years to 18 years as of December 29, 2015. The Company amortizes the fair value of favorable lease agreements over the remaining related lease terms at the time of the acquisition, which ranged from approximately four years to 13 years as of December 29, 2015. Trademark rights are considered indefinite lived intangibles, the carrying value of which is analyzed for impairment at least annually. Transferable liquor licenses are carried at the lower of fair value or cost and are reviewed annually for impairment or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

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. Estimates of future cash flows are based on the Company's experience and knowledge of local operations. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded impairment charges of certain long-lived assets which are included in restaurant impairments, closure costs and asset disposals in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 7-Impairment and Closed Restaurant Reserve. Fair value of the restaurants was determined using Level 3 inputs (as described in Note 6-Fair Value Measurements) based on a discounted cash flows method through the estimated date of closure.

Long-term Debt

Effective December 29, 2015, we adopted ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The ASU requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. The effects of this standard were applied retrospectively.

Debt issuance costs include fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing. These costs are amortized to Interest Expense over the term of the related loan. Debt issuance costs of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, net of accumulated amortization of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, as of December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014, respectively. In 2013, the Company amended and restated its credit facility. The Company wrote off $0.6 million of debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $0.3 million in 2013.

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.

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

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 in restaurant revenue of $0.3 million in 2015 and $0.2 million in both 2014 and 2013.

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 December 29, 2015, December 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were 70, 53 and 62 franchise restaurants in operation, respectively. Franchisees opened 19, 10 and 11 restaurants in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company purchased from franchisees 19 restaurants in 2014 (see Note 2-Business Combinations) and one in 2015.

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 $8.0 million, $4.4 million and $3.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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.

(Benefit) Provision 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. Valuation allowances are recorded for deferred tax assets that more likely than not will not be realized. 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 (Loss) Income

Comprehensive (loss) income consists of the net (loss) income and other gains and losses affecting stockholders' equity that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net (loss) income. Other comprehensive (loss) income, presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for 2015 consisted of the foreign currency translation adjustment.

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

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. See Note 10-Stock-Based Compensation.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Canadian dollar is the functional currency for our Canadian restaurant operations. Assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are translated using the average exchange rates prevailing throughout the period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss). Gain or loss from foreign currency transactions is recognized in our consolidated statements of income.

(Loss) Earnings Per Share

Basic (loss) 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 (loss) 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. See Note 11-(Loss) Earnings Per Share.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported net (loss) income.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." The pronouncement was issued to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard and disclosure requirements for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The pronouncement is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. This pronouncement permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." This update requires management of the Company to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect this standard to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement." The pronouncement was issued to provide guidance concerning accounting for fees in a cloud computing arrangement. The update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330)." The pronouncement was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory and changes the measurement from lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value. This pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-06, "Leases." The pronouncement amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. The pronouncement will be effective beginning in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted. The initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new leases standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-50): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." This pronouncement requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The pronouncement is effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company adopted this standard effective December 29, 2015. As a result, the Company has presented debt issuance costs related to long-term debt liabilities as a direct deduction from its related liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The effects of the standard were applied retrospectively to all prior interim and annual periods within this annual report. The effect of the change in accounting principle was a reduction of other assets, net and long-term debt by approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014, respectively.

In November 2015, The FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes." The pronouncement requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Prior to the issuance of the standard, deferred tax liabilities and assets were required to be separately classified into a current amount and a noncurrent in the balance sheet. The new accounting guidance represents a change in accounting principle and the standard is required to be adopted in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted and the Company elected to early adopt this guidance as of December 29, 2015 and to apply the guidance prospectively. As such, prior year balances were not adjusted retrospectively. Because the application of this guidance affects classification only, such reclassifications did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.