WICHITA — Colorado-based Noodles is scouting Wichita for possible restaurant sites.
“We are absolutely looking at sites in Wichita,” says Jill Preston, director of public relations.
In “the state of Kansas in general, we’ve had a lot of growth,” she says.
Noodles recently opened in Lawrence, and the chain is doubling its presence in the Kansas City area.
“Wichita makes a lot of sense for us,” Preston says.
She says the chain looks for college and urban settings.
“We are, obviously, looking for communities that are growing,” Preston says.
The chain is, of course, known for its noodles.
“You can get anything from pad Thai to mac and cheese . . . to wonderful Mediterranean dishes,” Preston says. “There’s really nothing else quite like it in the city.”
There also are soups and salads.
“There’s a bit of something for everyone,” Preston says.
Small noodle bowls are $4.25. Regular-size bowls are $5.25. Protein costs $2.25 more, and there are 14 fresh vegetables from which to choose.
“We really can customize it to your liking,” Preston says.
She says there are 16 dishes with 400 or fewer calories.
Diners order at a counter, and then their food is brought to them.
“We don’t scream out your name,” Preston says.
She says real dishes, not plastic, are what meals are served on, and customers don’t bus their own tables.
“It’s kind of the best of both worlds,” Preston says of fast and casual dining.
The chain is opening about 35 new restaurants this year. Preston says Wichita isn’t on the calendar yet “but that could change.”
The chain has 240 restaurants in 18 states.
Preston says she has family in the Wichita area and keeps getting messages from them.
“Tell ’em to look in this part of town,” the relatives say.
“It’s really funny,” Preston says.
Not to mention encouraging, she says.
“I’m personally excited.”