As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 2026.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
_____________________________________________________________

NOODLES & COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________________________
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
84-1303469
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
_____________________________________________________________

520 Zang Street, Suite D
Broomfield, CO 80021
(720) 214-1900

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

Cheryl Lucente
Vice President, Legal
Noodles & Company
520 Zang Street, Suite D
Broomfield, Colorado 80021
(720) 214-1900

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:
Janet Spreen, Esq.
John Harrington, Esq.
Baker & Hostetler LLP
127 Public Square, Suite 2000
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216) 621-0200

From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement
(Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public)

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ¨
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  x
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer  x
Smaller reporting company x
Emerging growth company  ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.   ¨
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.



The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities or accept an offer to buy these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where such offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 21, 2026

PROSPECTUS

noodleslogo06.jpg
Noodles & Company
$100,000,000

Class A Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Units

From time to time, we may offer and sell up to an aggregate amount of $100.0 million of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in combination, at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may offer shares of our Class A common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants to purchase any of such securities, and units comprised of any such securities. We may also offer Class A common stock upon conversion of preferred stock, Class A common stock or preferred stock upon conversion of debt securities, and Class A common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to an offering of our securities. We will provide the specific terms of these offerings and securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as any documents incorporated by reference, before buying any of the securities being offered.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the trading symbol “NDLS.” On August 20, 2026, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $15.05 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, on Nasdaq or any securities market or other exchange of the securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement.

These securities may be sold directly by us, through dealers or agents designated from time to time, to or through underwriters, dealers, or through a combination of these methods on a continuous or delayed basis. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such agents or underwriters and any applicable fees, commissions, discounts or over-allotment options will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from any such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the section titled “Risk Factors” on page 4 of this prospectus and any similar section contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, and under similar headings in the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is , 2026.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page





ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Under this shelf registration statement, we may, from time to time, offer and sell in one or more offerings Class A common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants to purchase any of such securities, and units comprised of any such securities, either individually or in combination with other securities, in one or more offerings, up to a total dollar amount of $100 million of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.

Each time we sell any type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, will include all material information relating to the applicable offering. We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, together with the information incorporated herein, or therein by reference as described under the heading “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference,” before buying any of the securities being offered.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, along with the information contained in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. No action is being taken in any jurisdiction outside the United States to permit a public offering of our securities or possession or distribution of this prospectus in that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus applicable to that jurisdiction.

The information appearing in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, or the date of any sale of securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

This prospectus contains and incorporates by reference market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe that these sources are reliable, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and we have not independently verified this information. Although we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the market and industry data presented in this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference, these estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the section titled “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.

This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the section titled “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Noodles,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” in this prospectus refer to Noodles & Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and does not contain all of the information that you need to consider in making your investment decision. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, including the risks of investing in our securities discussed under the sections titled “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar sections in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should also carefully read the other information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our consolidated and condensed consolidated financial statements, and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Overview

Noodles & Company is a restaurant concept offering lunch and dinner within the fast-casual segment of the restaurant industry. Our core offerings include noodle and pasta dishes, staples of many different cuisines, with the goal of delivering fresh ingredients and flavors from around the world under one roof. Today, our globally-inspired menu includes a wide variety of high quality, cooked-to-order dishes, including noodles and pasta, salads, soups and appetizers. As of June 30, 2026, we had 396 restaurants system-wide in 30 states, comprised of 318 company-owned restaurants and 78 franchise restaurants.

Corporate Information

Noodles & Company is a Delaware corporation that was organized in 2002. Our principal executive offices are located at 520 Zang Street, Suite D, Broomfield, Colorado 80021. Our telephone number is (720) 214-1900. Our website address is www.noodles.com. Information contained on our website or connected thereto does not constitute part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.

The Securities We May Offer

We may offer shares of our Class A common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants to purchase any of such securities, and units comprised of any such securities, either individually or in combination with other securities, up to a total dollar amount of $100 million, from time to time under this prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of any offering. We may also offer Class A common stock upon conversion of preferred stock, Class A common stock or preferred stock upon conversion of debt securities, and Class A common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type of security or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

·designation or classification;
·aggregate principal amount or aggregate offering price;
·maturity date, if applicable;
·original issue discount, if any;
·rates and times of payment of interest or dividends, if any;
·redemption, conversion, exercise, exchange or sinking fund terms, if any;
·ranking;
·restrictive covenants, if any;
·voting or other rights, if any;
·conversion or exchange prices or rates, if any, and, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the conversion or exchange prices or rates and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion or exchange; and
·material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations, if any.

The applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents we have incorporated by reference.

THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OF SECURITIES UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

We may sell the securities directly to investors or to or through agents, underwriters or dealers. We and our agents or underwriters, reserve the right to accept or reject all or part of any proposed purchase of securities. If we do offer securities to or through agents or underwriters, we will include in the applicable prospectus supplement:
·the names of those agents or underwriters;
1

·applicable fees, discounts and commissions to be paid to them;
·details regarding overallotment options, if any; and
·the estimated net proceeds to us.

Class A Common Stock

We may issue shares of our Class A common stock from time to time. The holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, the holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if and when declared by our board of directors, out of funds legally available therefor. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our stockholders will be entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of liabilities and after provision is made for each class of stock, if any, having preference over the Class A common stock. No shares of our Class A common stock are subject to redemption or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the Class A common stock under the heading “Description of Capital Stock—Class A Common Stock.” We urge you, however, to read the applicable prospectus supplement (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) related to any Class A common stock being offered.


Preferred Stock

We may issue shares of our preferred stock from time to time, in one or more series. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that our board of directors has the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the terms, limitations, voting rights, relative rights and preferences and variations of each series. Convertible preferred stock will be convertible into our Class A common stock or exchangeable for other securities. Conversion may be mandatory or at the holder’s option and would be at prescribed conversion rates.

If we sell any series of preferred stock under this prospectus, we will fix the designations, voting powers, preferences and rights of the preferred stock of each series we issue under this prospectus, as well as the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, in the certificate of designation relating to that series. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of any certificate of designation that contains the terms of the series of preferred stock we are offering. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the preferred stock under the heading “Description of Capital Stock—Preferred Stock.” We urge you, however, to read the applicable prospectus supplement (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) related to the series of preferred stock being offered, as well as the complete certificate of designation that contains the terms of the applicable series of preferred stock.

Debt Securities

We may issue debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as either senior or subordinated debt or as senior or subordinated convertible debt. The senior debt securities will rank equally with any other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner described in the instrument governing the debt, to all of our senior indebtedness. Convertible or exchangeable debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for our Class A common stock or our other securities. Conversion or exchange may be mandatory or optional (at our option or the holders’ option) and would be at prescribed conversion or exchange prices.

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture that we will enter into with a national banking association or other eligible party, as trustee. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the debt securities under the heading “Description of Debt Securities.” We urge you, however, to read the applicable prospectus supplement (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) related to the series of debt securities being offered, as well as the complete indenture and any supplemental indentures that contain the terms of the debt securities. We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from reports that we file with the SEC.

Warrants

We may issue warrants for the purchase of Class A common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or in combination with Class A common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the warrants under the heading “Description of Warrants.” We urge you, however, to read the applicable prospectus supplement (and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you) related to the particular series of warrants being offered, as well as the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the warrants. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of such warrants.

Warrants may be issued under a warrant agreement that we enter into with a warrant agent. We will indicate the name and address of the warrant agent, if any, in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants.


Units

We may issue, in one more series, units comprised of shares of our Class A common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, and/or warrants, in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of such unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in such unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

Use of Proceeds

Except as described in any applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us hereunder, if any, for working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus.

Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company

2

We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined in the Exchange Act. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.

Nasdaq Global Select Market Listing

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “NDLS.” The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, on the Nasdaq Global Select Market or any other securities market or other exchange of the securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement




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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2026, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each as updated or superseded by the risks and uncertainties described under similar headings in other documents that are filed after the date hereof and incorporated by reference into this prospectus together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus and incorporated by reference herein, and any prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, these risks and uncertainties are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. In these circumstances, the market price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents incorporated by reference and any prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering. See the section titled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”









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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025 (the “2025 Form 10-K”), any subsequent Annual Report, any Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or any Current Report on Form 8-K of Noodles & Company (along with any exhibits and amendments to such reports), as well as our news releases or any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf, may include, directly or by incorporation by reference, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided for under these sections that reflect our current view (as of the date the forward-looking statement is first made) about future events, prospects, projections or financial performance. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied in or by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

•uncertainties as to the availability, suitability, structure, terms, and timing of any strategic transaction resulting from the strategic review and whether any such transaction will be completed, the impact of any such strategic transaction on Noodles & Company, and whether the strategic benefits of any such strategic transaction can be achieved;

•current performance trends and our expectations for future performance;

•our ability to repay, refinance or obtain new financing on acceptable terms, if at all, and comply with our covenants under our credit agreement, which matures on July 27, 2027;

•our ability to sustain our overall growth, including, our digital sales growth;

•our ability to effectively optimize our restaurant portfolio including closures;

•our ability to achieve and maintain increases in comparable restaurant sales and to successfully execute our business strategy, including operational strategies to improve the performance of our restaurant portfolio;

•the success of our brand strategy and marketing efforts, including our ability to successfully introduce new menu items, including limited time offerings and the success of our promotions;

•our pricing strategies; economic conditions, including inflation, an economic recession, an elevated interest rate environment, tariffs and trade restrictions and any impact of government shutdowns on overall economic conditions and consumer spending;

•price and availability of commodities and other supply chain challenges;

•our ability to adequately staff our restaurants;

•changes in labor costs;

•our ability to maintain compliance with requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market; and

•other conditions beyond our control such as domestic or global conflicts, wars, terrorist activity, weather, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics impacting our customers or food supplies.

This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. The risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk Factors” and incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement discuss certain of these matters more fully. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain other factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition, and results of operations, in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

As and when made, we believe that our forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, as a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “continue,” “likely,” and similar expressions generally identify “forward-looking statements,” which speak only as of the date the statements were made, and also include statements reflecting future results or guidance, statements of outlook and expense accruals. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated, to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the statements are made, except to the extent required by applicable law.




USE OF PROCEEDS

We will retain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby. Except as described in any applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.





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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following summary description of our capital stock is based on the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. This information is qualified entirely by reference to the applicable provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended (our “certificate of incorporation”) and second amended and restated bylaws (our “bylaws”). For information on how to obtain copies of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, see the sections titled “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” in this prospectus.

General

The following description summarizes some of the terms of our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, and of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For a complete description, you should refer to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is part.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 150,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, which we refer to in this prospectus as Class A common stock, 30,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, which we refer to in this prospectus as Class B common stock, and 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, which we refer to in this prospectus as preferred stock.

Class A Common Stock

As of June 30, 2026, there were 5,852,349 shares of Class A common stock outstanding held by 25 stockholders of record.

There are 150,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock authorized for issuance. Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, holders of our Class A stock are entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Class A common stock, as such, are not entitled to vote on any amendment to our certificate of incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to our certificate of incorporation. Holders of Class A common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Shares of our Class A common stock are convertible on a share-for-share basis into shares of our Class B common stock at the election of the holder. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, holders of our Class A common stock will be entitled to receive dividends out of any of our funds legally available when, as and if declared by the board of directors. Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the company, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of our preferred stock, the holders of our Class A common stock shall be entitled to receive the assets of the company available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them. Holders of Class A common stock do not have preemptive rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our Class A common stock.

Class B Common Stock

As of June 30, 2026, there were no shares of Class B common stock outstanding.

There are 30,000,000 shares of our Class B common stock authorized for issuance. Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, our Class B common stock has the same rights as our Class A common stock except that holders of our Class B common stock, in their capacity as such, are not entitled to vote in the election or removal of directors unless such Class B common stock is converted into Class A common stock. Shares of our Class B common stock are convertible on a share-for-share basis into shares of our Class A common stock at the election of the holder. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, holders of our Class B common stock will be entitled to receive dividends out of any of our funds legally available when, as and if declared by our board of directors. Upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of our preferred stock, the holders of shares of our common stock will be entitled to receive the assets of the company available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them. Holders of Class B common stock do not have preemptive rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our Class B common stock.

Preferred Stock

As of June 30, 2026, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

Our board of directors is authorized to issue not more than an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our board of directors is authorized to establish, from time to time, the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock and to fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the shares of each series of preferred stock and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions. Our board of directors also is able to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series of preferred stock then outstanding, without any further vote or action by the stockholders. In the future, our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock, or that could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of our preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other consequences, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control and might harm the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock.

Warrants

As of June 30, 2026, there were no warrants outstanding.


Registration Rights

See the section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025 entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”

Voting Rights

Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Class A common stock, as such, are not entitled to vote on any amendment to our certificate of incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to our certificate of incorporation. Holders of Class A common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.

Classification of Board of Directors

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Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each serving staggered three-year terms. As a result, only a portion of our board of directors is elected each year.

Dividends

Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, holders of our Class A common stock will be entitled to receive dividends out of any of our funds legally available when, as and if declared by the board of directors.

Preemptive Rights; Subscription Rights

Holders of Class A common stock do not have preemptive rights or other subscription rights.

Redemption Rights; Sinking Fund Provisions

There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our Class A common stock.

Other Rights

Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the company, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of our preferred stock, the holders of our common stock shall be entitled to receive the assets of the company available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them. The outstanding shares of our Class A common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law, Our Certificate of Incorporation and Our Bylaws.

Certain provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make an acquisition of us more difficult. These provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate with our board of directors.

•Stockholder meetings. Under our certificate of incorporation, only the board of directors, or the chairman of the board of directors or the Chief Executive Officer with the concurrence of a majority of the board of directors may call special meetings of stockholders.
•Requirements for advance notification of stockholder nominations and proposals. Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors.
•Elimination of stockholder action by written consent. Our certificate of incorporation eliminates the right of stockholders to act by written consent without a meeting. This provision will, in certain situations make it more difficult for stockholders to take action opposed by the board of directors.
•Election and removal of directors. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each serving staggered three-year terms. As a result, only a portion of our board of directors is elected each year. The board of directors has the exclusive right to increase or decrease the size of the board and to fill vacancies on the board. This system of electing directors may discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, because it generally makes replacing a majority of directors more difficult for stockholders. Additionally, directors may be removed for cause only with the approval of the holders of a majority of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding Class A common stock and any series of preferred stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Directors may be removed without cause only with the approval of two-thirds of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding Class A common stock and any series of preferred stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
•Undesignated preferred stock. The authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to obtain control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of the company.
•Amendment of provisions in the certificate of incorporation. Our certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding Class A common stock and any series of preferred stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors in order to amend any provision of our certificate of incorporation.
•Amendment of provisions in the bylaws. Our bylaws require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the aggregate voting power of our outstanding Class A common stock and any series of preferred stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors in order to amend any provision of our bylaws.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute

We are not governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Equiniti Trust Company is the transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock.

Listing

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “NDLS”.










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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We may issue debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as either senior or subordinated debt or as senior or subordinated convertible debt. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Unless the context requires otherwise, whenever we refer to the indenture, we also are referring to any supplemental indentures that specify the terms of a particular series of debt securities.

We will issue the debt securities under the indenture that we will enter into with the trustee named in the indenture. The indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from reports that we file with the SEC.

The following summary of material provisions of the debt securities and the indenture is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements and any related free writing prospectuses related to the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as the complete indenture that contains the terms of the debt securities.

General

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. It provides that we may issue debt securities up to the principal amount that we may authorize and may be in any currency or currency unit that we may designate. Except for the limitations on consolidation, merger and sale of all or substantially all of our assets contained in the indenture, the terms of the indenture do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to give holders of any debt securities protection against changes in our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us.

We may issue the debt securities issued under the indenture as “discount securities,” which means they may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. These debt securities, as well as other debt securities that are not issued at a discount, may be issued with “original issue discount” (“OID”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of interest payment and other characteristics or terms of the debt securities. Material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued with OID will be described in more detail in any applicable prospectus supplement.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of debt securities being offered, including:
·the title of the series of debt securities;
·any limit upon the aggregate principal amount that may be issued;
·the maturity date or dates;
·the form of the debt securities of the series;
·the applicability of any guarantees;
·whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt;
·whether the debt securities rank as senior debt, senior subordinated debt, subordinated debt or any combination thereof, and the terms of any subordination;
·if the price (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which such debt securities will be issued is a price other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, or if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of such debt securities that is convertible into another security or the method by which any such portion shall be determined;
·the interest rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, or the method for determining the rate and the date interest will begin to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular record dates for interest payment dates or the method for determining such dates;
·our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of any such deferral period;
·if applicable, the date or dates after which, or the period or periods during which, and the price or prices at which, we may, at our option, redeem the series of debt securities pursuant to any optional or provisional redemption provisions and the terms of those redemption provisions;
·the date or dates, if any, on which, and the price or prices at which we are obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem, or at the holder’s option to purchase, the series of debt securities and the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities are payable;
·the denominations in which we will issue the series of debt securities, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;
·any and all terms, if applicable, relating to any auction or remarketing of the debt securities of that series and any security for our obligations with respect to such debt securities and any other terms which may be advisable in connection with the marketing of debt securities of that series;
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·whether the debt securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a global security or securities;
·the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such global security or securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual securities; and the depositary for such global security or securities;
·if applicable, the provisions relating to conversion or exchange of any debt securities of the series and the terms and conditions upon which such debt securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, including the conversion or exchange price, as applicable, or how it will be calculated and may be adjusted, any mandatory or optional (at our option or the holders’ option) conversion or exchange features, the applicable conversion or exchange period and the manner of settlement for any conversion or exchange;
·if other than the full principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;
·additions to or changes in the covenants applicable to the particular debt securities being issued, including, among others, the consolidation, merger or sale covenant;
·additions to or changes in the events of default with respect to the securities and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, with respect to such securities to be due and payable;
·additions to or changes in or deletions of the provisions relating to covenant defeasance and legal defeasance;
·additions to or changes in the provisions relating to satisfaction and discharge of the indenture;
·additions to or changes in the provisions relating to the modification of the indenture both with and without the consent of holders of debt securities issued under the indenture;
·the currency of payment of debt securities if other than U.S. dollars and the manner of determining the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars;
·whether interest will be payable in cash or additional debt securities at our or the holders’ option and the terms and conditions upon which the election may be made;
·the terms and conditions, if any, upon which we will pay amounts in addition to the stated interest, premium, if any and principal amounts of the debt securities of the series to any holder that is not a “United States person” for federal tax purposes;
·any restrictions on transfer, sale or assignment of the debt securities of the series; and
·any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities, any other additions or changes in the provisions of the indenture, and any terms that may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our Class A common stock or our other securities. We will include provisions as to settlement upon conversion or exchange and whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our Class A common stock or our other securities that the holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.

Consolidation, Merger, or Sale

Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the indenture will not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of our assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety. However, any successor to or acquirer of such assets (other than a subsidiary of ours) must assume all of our obligations under the indenture or the debt securities, as appropriate.

Events of Default under the Indenture

Unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, the following are events of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:
·if we fail to pay any installment of interest on any series of debt securities, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 90 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment period by us in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental thereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose;
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·if we fail to pay the principal of, or premium, if any, on any series of debt securities as and when the same shall become due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to such series; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of such debt securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental thereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any;
·if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant or agreement contained in the debt securities or the indenture, other than a covenant specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and our failure continues for 90 days after we receive written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such is a notice of default thereunder, from the trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; and
·if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.

If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default specified in the last bullet point above, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by notice to us in writing, and to the trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above occurs with respect to us, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, of each issue of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture. Any waiver shall cure the default or event of default.

Subject to the terms of the indenture, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:
·the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture; and
·subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.

A holder of the debt securities of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding under the indenture or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies only if:
·the holder has given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to that series;
·the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request;
·such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred by the trustee in compliance with the request; and
·the trustee does not institute the proceeding, and does not receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other conflicting directions within 90 days after the notice, request and offer.

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indenture.

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

We and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters:
·to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture or in the debt securities of any series;
·to comply with the provisions described above under “Description of Debt Securities—Consolidation, Merger, or Sale”
·to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;
·to add to our covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities, to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in the indenture;
·to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of debt securities, as set forth in the indenture;
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·to make any change that does not adversely affect the interests of any holder of debt securities of any series in any material respect;
·to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series as provided above under “Description of Debt Securities—General” to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the indenture or any series of debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities;
·to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under any indenture by a successor trustee; or
·to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with the qualification of any indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

In addition, under the indenture, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, unless we provide otherwise in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series of debt securities, we and the trustee may make the following changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:
·extending the fixed maturity of any debt securities of any series;
·reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest, or reducing any premium payable upon the redemption of any series of any debt securities; or
·reducing the percentage of debt securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any amendment, supplement, modification or waiver.

Discharge

Each indenture provides that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for specified obligations, including obligations to:
·provide for payment;
·register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series;
·replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of the series;
·pay principal of and premium and interest on any debt securities of the series;
·maintain paying agencies;
·hold monies for payment in trust;
·recover excess money held by the trustee;
·compensate and indemnify the trustee; and
·appoint any successor trustee.

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

Form, Exchange and Transfer

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indenture provides that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, or another depositary named by us and identified in the applicable prospectus supplement with respect to that series. To the extent the debt securities of a series are issued in global form and as book-entry, a description of terms relating to any book-entry securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

Subject to the terms of the indenture and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that
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the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will impose no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:
·issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of that series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing; or
·register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt securities we are redeeming in part.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees or Securityholders

None of our past, present or future directors, officers, employees or securityholders, as such, will have any liability for any of our obligations under the debt securities or the indenture or for any claim based on, or in respect or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a debt security, each holder waives and releases all such liability. This waiver and release is part of the consideration for the issue of the debt securities. However, this waiver and release may not be effective to waive liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Information Concerning the Trustee

The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indenture at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

Payment and Paying Agents

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make interest payments by check that we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the trustee as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

All money we pay to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.







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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, which may consist of warrants to purchase Class A common stock, preferred stock or debt securities and may be issued in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or in combination with Class A common stock, preferred stock or debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description of warrants will apply to the warrants offered by this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of warrants may specify different or additional terms.

We will file forms of the warrant agreements and forms of warrant certificates containing the terms of the warrants that may be offered as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of such warrants. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the warrants are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to the particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as any related free writing prospectus, and the complete form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, and any supplemental agreements, that contain the terms of the warrants.

General

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants being offered, including:
·the title of such securities;
·the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;
·the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;
·if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;
·if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
·if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;
·in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the price at, and currency in which, this principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon such exercise;
·in the case of warrants to purchase Class A common stock or preferred stock, the number of shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;
·the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreements and the warrants;
·the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;
·the terms of any rights to force the exercise of the warrants;
·any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;
·the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;
·the manner in which the warrant agreements and warrants may be modified;
·a discussion of any material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations of holding or exercising the warrants;
·the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; and
·any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants.

Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including:
·in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to receive payments of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or
·in the case of warrants to purchase Class A common stock or preferred stock, the right to receive dividends, if any, or, payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise voting rights, if any.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

Upon receipt of payment and the warrant or warrant certificate, as applicable, properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent, if any, or any other office, including ours, indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants (or the warrants represented by such warrant certificate) are exercised, a new warrant or a new warrant certificate, as applicable, will be issued for the remaining warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.
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Governing Law

Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, the warrants and any warrant agreements will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Warrants

Each warrant agent, if any, will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its warrants.





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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

The following description summarizes the general provisions of units that we may offer from time to time pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. In connection with an offering of units, our Board of Directors will adopt a unit agreement and unit certificates that set forth the terms and conditions of the particular series of our units, and we will describe the specific terms of our units and the offering in a prospectus supplement. We also will file as exhibits to the registration statement, or will incorporate by reference from reports that we file with the SEC, the form of unit agreement and unit certificate. The information below, and any description of our units in a prospectus supplement, is only a summary and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the unit agreement and unit certificate for the particular series of our units.

General

We may issue, in one more series, units comprised of shares of our Class A common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants, in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of such unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in such unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of our units being offered, including:
·the designation and terms of our units and of our securities comprising our units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
·the terms of the unit agreement governing the units;
·a discussion of any material and/or special United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the units; and
·any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of our units or of our securities comprising our units.

Unit Agent

We may issue our units under an agreement between us and one or more unit agents. If we elect to enter into an agreement with a unit agent, the unit agent will act solely as our agent in connection with our units and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any registered holders of our units or beneficial owners of our units. We will indicate the name and address and other information regarding the unit agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of our units if we elect to use a unit agent.
15


PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, direct sales to the public, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities to or through one or more underwriters or dealers (acting as principal or agent), through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:
·at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
·at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
·at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or
·at negotiated prices.

We will describe the terms of the offering of the securities and the specific plan of distribution in a prospectus supplement or supplements to this prospectus, any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you, an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or other filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference. Such description may include, to the extent applicable:
·the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, agents or other purchasers;
·the purchase price of the securities or other consideration therefor, and the proceeds, if any, we will receive from the sale;
·any options to purchase additional shares or other options under which underwriters, dealers, agents or other purchasers may purchase additional securities from us;
·any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;
·any public offering price;
·any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
·any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

We may also sell equity securities covered by this registration statement in an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. Such offering may be made into an existing trading market for such securities in transactions at other than a fixed price on or through the facilities of the Nasdaq Global Market or any other securities exchange or quotation or trading service on which such securities may be listed, quoted or traded at the time of sale. Such at the market offerings, if any, may be conducted by underwriters acting as principal or agent.

Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement. Dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and compensation received by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts. If such dealers or agents were deemed to be underwriters, they may be subject to statutory liabilities under the Securities Act.

If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement, other than securities covered by any option to purchase additional shares or other option. If a dealer is used in the sale of securities, we, or an underwriter, will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. To the extent required, we will set forth in the prospectus supplement the name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may change from time to time.

We may use underwriters, dealers or agents with whom we have a material relationship. In such case, we will describe in the prospectus supplement the name of the underwriter, dealer or agent and the nature of any such relationship.

We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, the agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by certain types of institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts in the prospectus supplement.

We may provide agents, dealers and underwriters with indemnification against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or dealers or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Agents, dealers and underwriters or their affiliates may engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

All securities we may offer, other than Class A common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

Any underwriter may be granted an option to purchase additional shares, and engage in stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. An underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the option to purchase additional shares or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time. These transactions may be effected on any exchange or over-the-counter market or otherwise.

16

Any underwriters, dealers or agents that are qualified market makers on the Nasdaq Global Select Market may engage in passive market making transactions in our Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the Class A common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
17

LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Baker & Hostetler LLP, Cleveland, Ohio will pass upon the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus and any supplement thereto. Additional legal matters may be passed upon for us or any underwriters, dealers, or agents by counsel that will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.


EXPERTS


The audited financial statements as of December 30, 2025 and for the period then ended incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Noodles & Company for the year ended December 31, 2024, appearing in Noodles & Company’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 30, 2025, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

18

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus is part of the registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and does not contain all the information set forth or incorporated by reference in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. Because we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments to those reports, and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act can also be accessed free of charge on our website. These filings will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our website address is www.noodles.com. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.
19

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE


The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” certain of the information that we file with it after the date of the filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to the documents containing that information. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.

The documents listed below are incorporated by reference in this prospectus (excluding any information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items unless such Form 8-K expressly provides to the contrary) until the termination of the offering under this registration statement:
·our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025, filed on March 26, 2026;
·our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 filed on May 7, 2026 and the quarter ended June 30, 2026 filed on July 24, 2026;
·our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed (except for items 2.02 and 7.01) on February 4, 2026, February 13, 2026, March 9, 2026, March 30, 2026 and May 14, 2026; and
·the description of our capital stock set forth in Exhibit 4.2 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, together with any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

All documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, except as to any portion of any report or document that is not deemed filed under such provisions, (i) on or after the date of filing of the registration statement containing this prospectus and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (ii) on or after the date of this prospectus until the earlier of the date on which all of the securities registered hereunder have been sold or this prospectus has been withdrawn, shall be deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the date of filing of those documents. The information in documents that we file in the future will update and supersede the information currently included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We will provide a copy of these filings (including certain exhibits that are specifically incorporated by reference therein) to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered. You may request a copy of any or all of these filings at no cost, by writing or calling us at:

Noodles & Company
520 Zang Street, Suite D
Broomfield, Colorado 80021
(720) 214-1900


Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K, are also available on our website at https://noodles.com. Information contained on our website or accessible through our website is not incorporated by reference herein.

You should read the information relating to us in this prospectus together with the information in the documents incorporated by reference. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to incorporate information furnished, but not filed, with the SEC.



20


PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered.
Amount To Be Paid
SEC registration fee$13,810
Nasdaq Global Market fee(1)
FINRA filing fee(1)
Accounting fees and expenses(1)
Legal fees and expenses(1)
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses(1)
Printing and miscellaneous fees and expenses(1)
Total
$13,810
(1) These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.


Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or who is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith; that indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled; and the indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and administrators. Section 145 also empowers the corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liabilities under Section 145.

Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director or officer to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director or officer (i) for any breach of the director’s or officer’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit.

Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws provide that we shall indemnify our directors and officers, and may indemnify our employees and other agents, to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, and our bylaws provide that we shall indemnify directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our future directors and officers.

This is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, both of which have been filed with the SEC and are included as an exhibit to this registration statement.
II-1


Item 16. Exhibits.
(a)Exhibits
Exhibit NumberExhibit Description
1.1*Form of Underwriting Agreement
3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-192402) filed on November 11, 2013)
3.2Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35987) filed on February 13, 2026)
3.3Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35987) filed on August 24, 2015)
4.1Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form S-1/A (File No. 333-192402) filed on June 17, 2013)
4.2**
4.3**
4.4*Form of Debt Securities
4.5*Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate
4.6*Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate
4.7*Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate
4.8*Form of Unit Agreement
5.1**
23.1**
23.2**
23.3**
24.1**
25.1^Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Indenture
107**
101.INS**XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL**XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**XBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
    ___________________________________
* To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Exchange Act and incorporated herein by reference, if applicable.
** Filed herewith.
^To be filed, if applicable, in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act and the applicable rules thereunder.








Item 17. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(l)(i), (a)(l)(ii) and (a)(l)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement;
 
(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

(d) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date;

(e) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser;

(f) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and

(g) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(h) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

II-3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Broomfield, State of Colorado, on August 21, 2026.

NOODLES & COMPANY
By: /s/ JOSEPH CHRISTINA
Joseph Christina
Chief Executive Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Mike Hynes and Kathy Lockhart, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ JOSEPH CHRISTINA
Joseph Christina
Director, Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
August 21, 2026
/s/ MIKE HYNES
Mike Hynes
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
August 21, 2026
/s/ KATHY LOCKHART
Kathy Lockhart
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
August 21, 2026
/s/ JEFFREY JONES
Jeffrey JonesChairmanAugust 21, 2026
/s/ THOMAS LYNCH
Thomas LynchDirectorAugust 21, 2026
/s/ DREW MADSEN
Drew MadsenDirectorAugust 21, 2026
/s/ BRITAIN PEAKES
Britain PeakesDirectorAugust 21, 2026
/s/ ELISA SCHREIBER
Elisa SchreiberDirectorAugust 21, 2026
/s/ SHAWN TAYLOR
Shawn TaylorDirectorAugust 21, 2026

II-4
ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

EX-4.2 DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

EX-4.3 FORM OF INDENTURE

EX-5.1 OPINION OF BAKER HOSTETLER

EX-23.1 CONSENT OF ERNST AND YOUNG LLP

EX-23.2 CONSENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP

EX-FILING FEES

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