Moe's Southwest Grill vs Noodles & CompanyFranchise Comparison 2026
Moe's Southwest Grill and Noodles & Company represent two different approaches in the QSR space. Here's how they compare on investment costs, fees, revenue potential, and market presence.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moe's Southwest Grill | Noodles & Company | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 | 0% |
| Total Investment (Low) | $350,000 | $693,000 | -49% |
| Total Investment (High) | $710,000 | $1.5M | -51% |
| Cash Required | $250,000 | $400,000 | -38% |
| Royalty Rate | 5.0% | 5.0% | Same |
| Advertising Fee | 3.0% | 2.5% | Higher |
| Estimated Revenue | $920,000 | $1.1M | -16% |
| Number of Locations | 720 | 450 | More |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1995 | Newer |
| Training Duration | 4 weeks | 5 weeks | Shorter |
Note: Data sourced from public FDD filings and industry reports. Actual costs vary by location, real estate, and format. Always review current FDD Item 7 and Item 19 disclosures before making investment decisions.
Detailed Analysis
About Moe's Southwest Grill
Fresh Tex-Mex with free chips and salsa. Part of Focus Brands. Strong unit economics and operational simplicity.
About Noodles & Company
Global noodle dishes from Asian to Mediterranean cuisines. Fast-casual format with fresh preparation.
Investment Comparison
Moe's Southwest Grill requires a lower initial investment (avg $530,000) compared to Noodles & Company(avg $1.1M), making it more accessible for first-time franchisees. However, Noodles & Company may offer higher revenue potential.
Fee Structure
Noodles & Company has lower ongoing fees (7.5% total) compared to Moe's Southwest Grill(8.0% total), which means more of each sales dollar stays with the franchisee. Over time, this can significantly impact profitability.
Market Position
Moe's Southwest Grill has a significantly larger footprint with 720 locations compared to Noodles & Company's 450. This larger network typically means better brand recognition, more purchasing power, and stronger operational support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Moe's Southwest Grill vs Noodles & Company franchise?
Moe's Southwest Grill requires an initial investment of $350,000 to $710,000, while Noodles & Company requires $693,000 to $1.5M. Moe's Southwest Grill has the lower average investment at $530,000.
What are the ongoing fees for Moe's Southwest Grill vs Noodles & Company?
Moe's Southwest Grill charges a 5.0% royalty plus 3.0% advertising fee (8.0% total). Noodles & Company charges 5.0% royalty plus 2.5% advertising fee (7.5% total). Noodles & Company has lower total ongoing fees.
Which franchise makes more money: Moe's Southwest Grill or Noodles & Company?
Based on estimated average unit revenue, Noodles & Company generates $1.1M per location compared to $920,000 for Moe's Southwest Grill. However, profitability depends on many factors including local market, operating costs, and management.
How many locations does Moe's Southwest Grill have vs Noodles & Company?
Moe's Southwest Grill has 720 locations, while Noodles & Company has 450 locations. Moe's Southwest Grill has the larger footprint, which typically means stronger brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Is Moe's Southwest Grill or Noodles & Company a better franchise investment in 2026?
Both Moe's Southwest Grill and Noodles & Company are established QSR brands with proven models. Moe's Southwest Grill offers a lower entry point, while Noodles & Company shows higher average revenue. The best choice depends on your available capital, local market conditions, and personal goals. Always review the current FDD before making investment decisions.
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