Although only three of Carino's current units are franchises, the chain expects to grow through franchising, not company-owned stores. A 20-store franchise agreement in the Southwest is under development, as are two contracts for 70 additional franchises elsewhere in the United States. Ten Carino's franchises are also slated for Egypt. A noodle-based restaurant chain with an array of international dishes was a niche waiting to be filled. Noodles are inexpensive, healthy, versatile and fast.
Customers place orders at the counter, take their seats and wait to be served.
Tips are not expected and patrons are responsible for refilling their beverage. Although Kennedy considers Noodles a concept with broad appeal for customers of all ages, its target audience is actually somewhat narrow. That's our main criterion. For now, Noodles is focusing on the Midwest, with a total of 11 units in Wisconsin, Colorado and Minnesota. By year's end, the company plans to have 20 restaurants in those markets, as well as in Chicago and Milwaukee.