Noodles & Company CEO Dave B: What it means to be a Noodler

Nobody knows Noodles like Dave Boennighausen. Having joined Noodles as an analyst in 2004, he now holds the reigns of the Denver-based national brand. In those 13 years some things have changed, but the essence of what makes Noodles special never has. Life @ Noodles sat down with Dave (affectionately known as Dave B) to get his perspective on the iconic brand he leads.
When you began your Noodles journey back in 2004, what were you doing and what were your first impressions of the company?
DB: “I was hired as a financial analyst. My initial impression was just that people here were extremely positive, and weren’t afraid to make emotional connections with one another. They treated each other like family.”
In your opinion, what does it mean to be a Noodler?
“It means that you have passion and pride in what you do, and that you’re making an impact in the lives of others. I think we have done a great job of keeping our values at the core of what we do, even during some challenging moments in the last few years.”
What has been the most challenging time in your career with Noodles?
“There have been a few, but honestly the one of the hardest things we’ve all dealt with was the recent death of (Restaurant General Manager) Chris Plummer in Indiana. Chris started with Noodles as a dishwasher in 2006 and worked his way up to general manager. He was so inspiring to those around him and when we lose somebody, the whole Noodles family suffers, but it’s in those times that we really come together.”
Is there anyone that really inspired you over the years at Noodles?
“To be honest, I draw more inspiration from the folks working everyday in our restaurants more than anybody else. They are really the lifeblood of this company and we wouldn’t be where we are now without them.
There are lots of little things that people have done over the years that have inspired me as well. I remember when I was still going through my interview process, then-VP of Human Resources, John Puterbaugh, had remembered that I am an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and he actually called me at 6 in the morning to poke fun at me by mentioning that he was outside Wrigley Field in Chicago. John’s relentless compassion for others and endless positive energy was contagious, and that seemingly small act was a big part of why I chose Noodles. It really exemplifies how awesome the people at Noodles are.”
Are there any things that we do better now, compared to in 2004?
“We have a better understanding now that the guest experience will never surpass the team member experience in terms of importance. You can never have happy guests if you have an unhappy team. We have made a lot of progress in that arena.”
Any parting words for folks who might be considering a career at Noodles?
“When I was growing up, there was this pervasive, negative connotation surrounding working in restaurants. I personally feel that working in this industry is truly honorable, and that the people at Noodles are making a big impact on those around them, as well as the community at large, thanks to our core values. Choosing the restaurant industry can be an excellent, rewarding career move, especially if you choose Noodles & Company.”
Dave is excited about the future of Noodles, and for good reason. To hear more about Life @ Noodles, check out some other blog posts, or to get your career moving, head over to Noodles.com/careers.

