Former Burger King exec named to top role.
By Andrew Carlo
Noodles & Company has promoted Joseph Christina to the role of president and chief operating officer.
Christina has also been named to the fast casual brand’s board of directors. The move is effective Aug. 31. The executive had previously served as president and chief operating officer of the company.
The new CEO succeeds Drew Madsen who is stepping down due to medical reasons. Noodles & Company said Madsen will continue to serve on its board of directors.
“On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Drew for his steady leadership and service,” said Jeff Jones, Noodles & Company chairman. “We’re pleased he will continue to provide guidance as a board director, given his vast industry experience and leadership as we have undertaken our brand revitalization work to date, and he has our full support.”
Jones added, “We’re excited to elevate Joe Christina to president and CEO. Joe’s experience as a CEO at multiple restaurant concepts, combined with his leadership style and passion for operations excellence, will set Noodles up well for future success.”
Christina began his career at Burger King, where he advanced over 29 years from restaurant manager to senior vice president of U.S. franchise operations for the West Division. He later served as executive vice president of U.S. operations at Church’s Chicken before becoming its CEO, president, and Board Member. Most recently, he served as CEO of Tijuana Flats.
The executive was named president and COO of Noodles & Company in February and succeeded Brad West, who announced his retirement in 2024 after eight years as COO.
“I’m honored to lead Noodles & Company at such a pivotal moment,” said Christina. “This is a standout brand with a unique, revitalized menu, strong culture, and tremendous runway for growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to have joined the Company under Drew’s leadership and look forward to leading a laser-focus on operational excellence as well as enhancing our menu offerings, to unlock long-term value for our guests, team members, franchisees and shareholders.”
The appointment follows the latest financial release from Noodles & Company, including total revenue for the second quarter of 2025 decreasing 0.7% to $126.4 million from $127.4 million in the second quarter of 2024. Comparable restaurant sales increased 1.5% system-wide, comprised of a 1.5% increase at company-owned restaurants and a 1.6% increase at franchise restaurants. The Broomfield, Colorado-based company also posted a net loss of $17.6 million for the period compared to net loss of $13.6 million, or $0.30 loss per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024.
Overall, Noodles & Company has nearly 450 company-owned and franchised locations.
