Noodles & Company Names Joe Christina as President and Chief Operating Officer
Rhea-AI Summary
Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) has appointed Joe Christina as President and Chief Operating Officer. Christina brings over three decades of restaurant leadership experience and will oversee operations and human resources. He succeeds Brad West, who announced retirement in 2024 after eight years as COO.
Christina's extensive background includes leadership roles at Burger King, where he spent 29 years in various positions from Restaurant Manager to SVP of Franchise Operations. He later served as CEO of Church's Chicken, leading significant year-over-year growth, and most recently as CEO of Tijuana Flats.
The appointment comes as Noodles & Company prepares for a comprehensive new menu introduction in the first half of the year. West will remain with the company as Chief of Staff through June 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.
Positive
- Appointment of experienced executive with proven track record of driving growth
- Strategic timing with upcoming comprehensive menu revamp
- Structured transition period with former COO remaining until June 2025
Negative
- Management turnover with departure of 8-year COO Brad West
News Market Reaction – NDLS
In the trading session that priced this news, NDLS gained 0.62%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Accomplished Restaurant Leader Joins Noodles & Company to Drive Operational Excellence
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) today announced the appointment of Joe Christina as its President and Chief Operating Officer. A seasoned restaurant executive with more than three decades of leadership experience, Christina will oversee operations and human resources and help further elevate the Noodles & Company experience for both guests and team members.
“Joe is a highly accomplished leader with deep operational expertise and a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the restaurant industry,” said Drew Madsen, Chief Executive Officer at Noodles & Company. “His experience as both a CEO and operations leader makes him uniquely positioned to further elevate our foundation of operations excellence, strengthen our team culture, and unlock the significant growth opportunities ahead. Joe will also help ensure the successful execution of our comprehensive new menu introduction in the first half of this year.”
Christina has an extensive background in QSR and fast-casual restaurant leadership, with expertise spanning operations, financial management, market development, marketing, human resources, and franchise leadership. He has a proven track record of driving revenue and EBITDA growth in competitive markets through focused strategic planning and disciplined execution.
“I’m thrilled to join Noodles & Company at such an exciting time for the brand,” said Christina. “Noodles is a standout concept with a strong foundation, a highly differentiated menu, and significant growth potential. Their people-first culture deeply resonates with me. By focusing on operations excellence, menu innovation, and expanding catering, we will unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable, long-term success."
Christina’s career began at Burger King, where he was promoted through a series of key positions over 29 years including Restaurant Manager, Franchise Owner, VP of Global Operations and Training to SVP of Franchise Operations for the West Division.
In 2013, he joined Church’s Chicken as EVP of U.S. Operations, before being promoted to CEO, President, and Board Member. During his six-year tenure, he led the brand to significant year-over-year growth. Most recently, Christina served as CEO of Tijuana Flats, where he revitalized the brand and spearheaded its expansion.
Christina succeeds Brad West, who announced his retirement in 2024 after eight years as COO. West will remain with the company as Chief of Staff through June 2025 to ensure a seamless transition.
About Noodles & Company
Since 1995, Noodles & Company has been serving guests Uncommon Goodness, offering globally inspired flavors and classic comfort dishes. From indulgent Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to craveable Japanese Pan Noodles, Noodles & Company delivers a world of flavor in every bowl. With over 460 restaurants and 7,000 passionate team members, the brand is committed to nourishing and inspiring every guest who walks through its doors.
To learn more or find a location near you, visit www.noodles.com.
Media Contact
Danielle Moore
(720) 214-1971
press@noodles.com
