By Josh Spreiter
Apr 9, 2021 4:22 AM
MADISON, Wis. – The Noodles & Company located at the corner of State Street and West Johnson is celebrating 25 years. It was the second location that Noodles and Company opened and is now the oldest restaurant in the company.
You might be surprised to learn that particular location opened to some tough reviews in 1996. The Wisconsin State Journal published a review saying, “Noodles and company was a killer idea”, but criticized nearly every dish on the menu.
Aaron Kennedy, Noodles’ founder, knew they had to change and redefined and refined every aspect of the business. They did a complete overhaul of the menu, prices, décor, and kitchen equipment, which ended up paying off in the long run. Since then, Noodles has been a staple for the college community and downtown business district in Madison.