Noodles & Co. Opens First NJ Location in East Brunswick

A restaurant with more than 330 locations in the U.S. will open its first set of New Jersey doors on Monday right here in East Brunswick.

Noodles & Company is a new restaurant that offers pasta, salads, soup and sandwiches in three styles: Italian/Mediterranean, American, and Asian.

The restaurant is operated by Mascott Corporation, the same company who recently opened the East Brunswick and North Brunswick Smashburger locations.

Scott Gilman, president and CEO of Mascott Corporation, said the idea to open a Noodles & Company location came about during his trips to Denver, Colo., where the restaurant originated and is quite popular, with 40 locations in the Denver metro area.

"If you're in Denver, you get to know noodles," he said.

Gilman said the idea behind Noodles & Company is "Something really different," in that it specializes in noodle dishes from around the world. All dishes are made in-house with fresh ingredients and as much locally sourced produce as possible, he said.

Two types of gluten-free noodles are available, as are vegetarian-friendly dishes, Gilman said.

The restaurant's menu includes such offerings as "Pad Thai," "Steak Stroganoff," "Pesto Cavatappi" and "Bangkok Curry."

Dishes are available in full and half-sized portions, and can be customized to each customer's taste, Gilman said, with ingredients easily omitted, doubled, or the dish otherwise altered.

Shrimp, two types of chicken, steak and tofu are available as add-ons.

Noodles & Company's most popular offering is its "Wisconsin Macaroni and Cheese," which is also available as "Truffle Mac" with white truffle oil, sauteed mushrooms and topped with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

Cashiers are referred to as "Noodle Ambassadors," and are versed in the menu to help explain each dish and aid customers in deciding what they'd like to try, he said.

Seating is in the style of a full-service restaurant, Gilman said.

Customers place their order and pay at a counter and are given a number to take to their table. Food and silverware is brought via tray by staffers to the tables, and beverages are self-service. Noodles & Company staffers also clear each table's dishes.

Gilman said the slogan for Noodles & Co. is "Your World Kitchen," in reflection of the variety of the menu.

"Noodles & Company really is trying to expand a new market," he said. "Nobody (else) specializes in noodle dishes (from) around the world," he said.

According to a press release from Mascott Corporation, the East Brunswick location is just the beginning. Over the next 10 years, the Hillside-based company plans to open 40 Noodles & Company locations throughout northern and central New Jersey.

Noodles & Company will give the East Brunswick community a sneak peek of its offerings this weekend before it has its official opening next week.

The restaurant will offer one free meal per person between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.

The restaurant will also accept donations on Saturday to benefit the East Brunswick Department of Recreation, according to the release. 

The official opening date is Monday, May 13.

Noodles & Company is located at 683 Route 18 south.

For more information on Noodles & Company, including menu offerings, visit www.noodles.com.