CEO of Noodles & Company, Drew Madsen, is departing from his position.
Noodles & Company Announces New CEO: Joseph D. Christina
Noodles & Company has appointed Joseph D. Christina as its new CEO, effective August 31, 2025. Christina brings a wealth of experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and fast-casual industry to the table.
Christina's career spans nearly 30 years with Burger King, where he rose through the ranks from restaurant manager to senior vice president of U.S. franchise operations for the West division. He also served as CEO and president of Church’s Chicken, leading the company as both a board member and CEO. Most recently, he was the CEO of Tijuana Flats before joining Noodles & Company as president and COO in February 2025.
Christina's expertise encompasses operations, financial management, market development, marketing, human resources, and franchise leadership. He has a proven track record of driving revenue and EBITDA growth in competitive markets through strategic planning and execution.
Christina steps into the role following Drew Madsen, who led a successful brand revitalization at Noodles & Company. Under Madsen's leadership, the company underwent a comprehensive menu overhaul that has shown initial positive results, with systemwide same-store sales up 4.4% in the first quarter, including a 1.4% increase in traffic.
Jeff Jones, board chair of Noodles & Company, expressed gratitude for Madsen's leadership and service. Madsen will continue to serve on the board after his departure and will stay on with the company through August to facilitate the transition.
Christina will also join the Noodles & Company board of directors in addition to his role as CEO. The company has been struggling with sales deterioration for several years, and Christina's appointment comes at a crucial time.
Activist investors circled Noodles & Company last year, leading to some additions to the board. The company ousted former CEO Dave Boennighausen in 2023 and brought in Madsen as his replacement.
As Christina takes the helm, he expressed his gratitude for joining the company under Madsen's leadership and his desire to focus on operational excellence and menu enhancements. With his extensive experience in the industry, Christina is poised to lead Noodles & Company through its next chapter.
[1] Noodles & Company Press Release, August 1, 2025. [2] BusinessWire, August 1, 2025. [3] Restaurant Business Online, August 1, 2025. [4] QSR Magazine, August 1, 2025. [5] Nation's Restaurant News, August 1, 2025.
- Joseph D. Christina's appointment as the new CEO of Noodles & Company marks a significant transition in the restaurant industry, given his rich experience in franchising and leadership roles within the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant (QSR) sectors.
- Christina's tenure at Noodles & Company will involve strategic financial management to strengthen the company's position in a competitive market and build upon the momentum initiated by his predecessor's menu overhaul.
- With Christina's extensive industry knowledge and proven track record in driving growth, he will lead Noodles & Company in its search for operational excellence and further business development.
