Noodles & Company Invites Guests to "Bowl Boldly" with the Return of Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen

Rhea-AI Summary

Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) reintroduces Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen as limited-time items starting March 18, 2026, expanding its Asian Noodle Collection.

The Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté is reformulated as the menu's spiciest dish, and Chili Garlic Ramen returns after a prior high-performing limited-time run. Both are available nationwide, in restaurants, online, via catering, and through Noodles Rewards.

News Market Reaction – NDLS

+0.60%

+0.60% Session close to close

In the Mar 18 session, NDLS gained 0.60%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights the return of Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen as...

Analysis

This announcement highlights the return of Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen as part of Noodles’ Asian Noodle Collection, reinforcing a 30‑year focus on globally inspired bowls. In recent months, investors have also digested preliminary Q4 2025 sales growth, activist involvement, and a 1‑for‑8 reverse split. Observers may watch future sales updates, guest traffic trends, and the impact of rewards promotions tied to $10+ purchases to gauge business momentum.

Key Figures

Brand history: 30 years Rewards threshold: $10 or more

2 metrics

Brand history 30 years Duration Noodles has been building its global noodle brand

Rewards threshold $10 or more Minimum first purchase for new Noodles Rewards members to earn a free entrée

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 25 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Feb 25	Earnings call timing	Neutral	+2.1%	Announcement of date and access details for Q4 and full‑year 2025 results.
Feb 04	Reverse stock split	Negative	-14.7%	1-for-8 reverse split to regain Nasdaq minimum bid price compliance.
Jan 14	Menu item return	Positive	+3.6%	Limited-time comeback of Steak Stroganoff tied to fan engagement campaign.
Jan 12	Prelim sales update	Positive	+14.6%	Preliminary Q4 2025 results showing higher system-wide and company-owned comps.
Dec 03	Activist stake	Positive	+18.4%	Galloway Capital’s 6.01% position and proposals to enhance shareholder value.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows NDLS often reacting positively to operational and strategic updates, while structurally negative actions like the reverse split saw a sharp decline.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Noodles & Company has combined operational updates with financial and governance actions. Preliminary Q4 2025 revenue data showing 6.6% system-wide comparable sales growth triggered a 14.6% gain, and an activist’s 6.01% stake drove an 18.44% rise. Marketing-led menu returns, like Steak Stroganoff in January, also coincided with a gain. In contrast, the 1-for-8 reverse split announcement aligned with a double‑digit decline. Today’s Asian Noodle Collection LTO fits within the marketing/menu news pattern.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Noodles continues to elevate its Asian Noodle Collection with bold flavor, craveable comfort, and unmatched variety

BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) is inviting guests to Bowl Boldly with the continued evolution of its Asian Noodle Collection, welcoming back Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté alongside the return of fan-favorite Chili Garlic Ramen.

For 30 years, Noodles has built its brand on mastering noodles from around the world, bringing globally inspired flavors to communities nationwide. From Japanese Pan Noodles and Pad Thai to heat-forward favorites, Noodles' Asian lineup reflects decades of culinary craft and a commitment to pushing what a bowl of noodles can be.

Now, Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté returns to the menu for a limited time, reintroduced with today's culinary standards and guest expectations in mind. The dish features tender rice noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce layered with crisp vegetables and crunchy peanuts, topped with grilled chicken, fresh cilantro, and a bright squeeze of lime. Refined and rebalanced for even bolder flavor, it now stands as the spiciest dish on the menu, delivering the depth and heat guests crave.

Rather than simply revisiting the past, the dish represents Noodles' ongoing commitment to elevating the noodle experience, taking inspiration from global cuisines and interpreting them through Noodles' own bold, approachable lens.

Joining it is the return of Chili Garlic Ramen, one of the strongest limited-time offers in company history. During its initial run, the ramen quickly became one of the highest-performing LTOs the brand has introduced. With its rich, savory sauce and layered chili garlic heat, it delivers a bold yet comforting bowl that keeps guests coming back.

Together, the two dishes round out an Asian Noodle Collection that offers something for every craving. Whether guests are reaching for the savory comfort of Japanese Pan Noodles or exploring vibrant heat with Chili Garlic Ramen and Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté, each bowl reflects the same commitment to craveable flavor and noodle mastery.

"For 30 years, we have built our brand around nourishing the communities we serve with globally inspired bowls of noodles," said Stacy Moss, Vice President of Marketing at Noodles & Company. "Our Asian Noodle Collection is a clear expression of that commitment, balancing craveable classics to heat-forward innovation. Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen reflect how we're intentionally evolving and strengthening that lineup."

Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen are available nationwide for a limited time. Guests can order in restaurant or online at noodles.com.

Join Noodles Rewards for Perks and Points

New Noodles Rewards members receive a free regular entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more. Joining is free and easy on the Noodles app or at noodles.com/rewards. Members earn points on every order to redeem for free favorites and gain early access to new and returning dishes, as well as exclusive offers and birthday rewards.

Noodles Catering

The bold flavors do not stop at individual bowls. Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté, Chili Garlic Ramen, and the entire Asian Noodle Collection are also available through Noodles catering, making it easy to bring globally inspired favorites to any gathering. From office lunches to family celebrations, guests can mix and match a range of comforting classics and heat-forward dishes to satisfy every craving at the table. With customizable options and crowd-pleasing variety, Noodles catering delivers a fresh, flavorful alternative that goes beyond the expected. Visit Noodles.com/catering to learn more. 

About Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company has known noodles since 1995. For 30 years, the brand has brought people together over craveable classics and globally inspired flavors, from indulgent Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to bold Japanese Pan Noodles. With more than 445 restaurants and a team of passionate noodle lovers, Noodles is built on flavor, comfort, and a people-first culture. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Favorite Restaurants and Best Loyalty Programs and honored by Forbes and QSR as a top employer, Noodles continues to define what it means to be a fast-casual favorite.

Media Contact:

Danielle Moore
press@noodles.com

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SOURCE Noodles & Company

FAQ

When did Noodles & Company (NDLS) relaunch Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen?

They relaunched on March 18, 2026 as limited-time menu items. According to the company, both dishes return nationwide for a limited time and are available in restaurants, online, and via catering.

What are the key features of the Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté on NDLS's menu?

The dish features rice noodles, creamy spicy peanut sauce, crisp vegetables, grilled chicken, cilantro, lime, and crunchy peanuts. According to the company, it was refined for bolder flavor and is now the spiciest item on the menu.

How did Chili Garlic Ramen perform previously for Noodles & Company (NDLS)?

Chili Garlic Ramen was one of the brand's highest-performing limited-time offers previously. According to the company, its rich savory sauce and layered chili-garlic heat drove strong guest repeat visits.

Are Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen available through Noodles catering (NDLS)?

Yes, both dishes are available in Noodles catering for events and gatherings. According to the company, customers can mix and match the Asian Noodle Collection for office lunches and celebrations via Noodles.com/catering.

What Noodles Rewards benefits relate to the March 18, 2026 menu returns from NDLS?

New members receive a free regular entrée after a first $10+ purchase and earn points on every order. According to the company, rewards members get early access to new and returning dishes plus exclusive offers.