Noodles & Company has announced a new development agreement with franchise group Prairie Pasta Company Inc., an affiliate of Border States Management Inc. based in Willmar, Minn. The new franchise partner is slated to open its first of eight Noodles & Company locations in Fargo, N.D., in 2011, plus seven additional locations in North and South Dakota over the next five years. Areas of future development will include Grand Forks, Fargo/Moorhead, Bismarck, Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
“With its proven track record of managing successful restaurant franchises, Prairie Pasta Company was clearly the right choice as we looked for a partner to introduce our globally inspired concept in more neighborhoods in the northern U.S.” said Kevin Reddy, CEO and chairman of Noodles & Company. “In addition, the team is very passionate about Noodles and will be excellent stewards of the brand.”
This year, Noodles & Company was ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing chains by Technomic Inc., and named one of Parents magazine’s “10 Best Restaurant Chains.” The company anticipates double-digit unit growth (both company-owned and franchise-operated) in 2011.
