v3.26.1
Cover - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Jul. 21, 2026
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2026  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-35987  
Entity Registrant Name NOODLES & COMPANY  
Entity Central Index Key 0001275158  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-29  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 84-1303469  
Entity Address, Address Line One 520 Zang Street, Suite D  
Entity Address, City or Town Broomfield  
Entity Address, State or Province CO  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 80021  
City Area Code 720  
Local Phone Number 214-1900  
Title of 12(b) Security Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share  
Trading Symbol NDLS  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   5,966,660