Neds Noodle Bar

About Neds Noodle Bar

Founded by Roberto Narroni and James Breslaw in 1998, Neds Noodle Bar claims to the first noodles in a box concept in London. Narroni had been a chef at hotels in Rome, Melbourne and London, while Breslaw worked in restaurants in New York. The first Neds Noodle Bar opened at London County Hall in 2000, while Shoreditch was its first franchise site. It now has five sites - in London, Basildon, Oxford, Southampton and Milton Keynes. In October 2022, Narroni told Propel that he was trialling robotic chefs to help with staffing shortages and would roll it out to all his sites if successful. In February 2023, Narroni told Propel he had introduced a staff profit-sharing scheme and has funds for new sites but is seeking the right locations. In August 2025, Breslaw stepped away from the business, with Narroni buying him out. Breslaw said: “It’s with a very heavy heart that after 25 years, I say goodbye to my beloved company, Neds Noodle Bar. After breaking my neck surfing in 1998 in India, I decided my next venture would be away from the trend of west London and I would venture to south London, a place I did not know and was off the map in my consciousness. Ted Schama (founder of consultancy One Voice Hospitality) had told me about a large Ferriswheel going up along the Thames and was sure this area of the Southbank would be revitalised and rebuilt. He was not wrong. The Southbank now feels like the centre of the universe, a far cry from when we opened in 2000. Seven restaurants later in other cities in the south east of England, we built a resilient company with great cash flow and no company voluntary arrangements in sight. To remain relevant on the high street for 25 years is a testament to the staff who pour the love passion and sweat daily into their routine. Neds Noodles revolutionised quick service restaurants in the UK and many copied our concept. There is no bigger compliment in business than this. We never made it to the mountain top but still achieved greatness all the same. I never expected the ending to come as it did, but when your body tells you, it’s time, it’s just a matter of time till your mind catches up. It’s time for a break and then to find another gem in an undiscovered part of this wonderful country.”

Why franchise with Neds Noodle Bar

• ✓Neds Noodle Bar can operate successfully in a variety of locations and formats thanks to a efficient and versatile operation and string business model comprising four main revenue streams – dine in, takeaway, delivery and office catering. The company has profiled and listed ideal town and cities in the UK to expand to has property agents on hand to assist. It uses social media platform to connect with customers and has both a strong brand image and health credentials. The company says it has a proven product and business model, as well as a great team environment and experienced mentors. In house training will take six to eight weeks. Support includes business coaching and marketing materials; assistance with property selection and business plan; training programme; operation manuals; store design, equipment ordering and supply chain guidance; on-site support during opening; quarterly evaluations and advice from a development team. The franchise fee is £20,000, with start-up costs ranging from £122,500 to £238,5000, excluding VAT, which can be reimbursed once you start trading. The company had contacts at several of the main banks to help with funding. Store footprint is 850-1,250 square feet, and average fit out time is 10-12 weeks. The company said: “Results from Neds Noodle Bar stores to date are impressive, driving profitable sales. The most important factors for performance are the location of the franchise and how well it is run. A Neds franchisee pays a one-time franchise fee plus a percentage of sales revenue as royalty, and gains tried and tested products and services, detailed techniques in running and promoting the business, training of employees, group buying power and ongoing help.”

Investment breakdown