Cover - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2021	Apr. 26, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-35987
Entity Registrant Name	NOODLES & COMPANY
Entity Central Index Key	0001275158
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	84-1303469
Entity Address, Address Line One	520 Zang Street, Suite D
Entity Address, City or Town	Broomfield
Entity Address, State or Province	CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	80021
City Area Code	720
Local Phone Number	214-1900
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	NDLS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,466,617