First Meridian got one. Then Boise. Now this ‘craveable’ chain opens in Nampa today

Noodles & Company threw its concept at the wall in Idaho for the first time in 2012 — and it stuck.

After debuting at The Village at Meridian, the national chain followed with two Boise stores the following year. And although the one near Boise State shuttered in 2018, Noodles & Co. clearly likes what it sees here.

The third Treasure Valley location — and first in Canyon County — opens Wednesday, March 9, in Nampa. Located at 1275 N. Happy Valley Road, Suite 105, Noodles & Company will offer a variety of globally inspired noodle dishes. Those include “the fast casual industry’s first tortelloni and new chef-curated salads,” according to a publicist. Customers also can anticipate “a generous rewards program for guests along with convenient curbside pickup, delivery and dine-in at the restaurant.”

Founded in 1995, Noodles & Company has expanded to 465 locations by focusing on noodles, soups, salads — and selection. Rather than specializing only in, say, macaroni and cheese or Asian noodle dishes, its menu offers globe-trotting variety. It does some things better than others, but the chain has managed to adapt in an evolving industry.

“Turn your taste buds into taste BFFs,” Noodles & Company brags on its website, “with craveable flavors from around the world made just the way you like. From beloved classics like ooey-gooey Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, to new favorites like Cauliflower Rigatoni in Light Onion Cream Sauce, or our new Family Meals, let’s get you started on a new adventure today.”

Noodles & Company now operates six restaurants in Idaho. In addition to the Nampa store, Treasure Valley locations include 535 N. Milwaukee St. (near Boise Towne Square) and 2274 N. Eagle Road, Suite 100 (The Village at Meridian).

This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 4:00 AM with the headline "First Meridian got one. Then Boise. Now this ‘craveable’ chain opens in Nampa today."