Noodles & Co. Has Closed Its Shop in the Delmar Loop

Another restaurant has pulled out of the Loop.

Noodles & Co., which was one of the first chains to open on the street, in 2007, closed its doors without warning this week. The signage has been taken off its storefront building, with a sign in the window saying the Wisconsin-based chain is closing its "restaurant at Del Mar."

But while the sign directs customers to the chain's St. Louis location, on Hampton at Chippewa, the company's website suggests a different option: A new shop "coming soon" to 1624 South Hanley Road in Richmond Heights.

The Loop has been plagued by closures and delays as contractors strive to put the final touches on tracks for a new trolley line. The main point of entry into the neighborhood, at Skinker and Delmar, was recently closed for two weeks; beyond that, ongoing work has led to intermittent lane closures on the street and, occasionally, long backups for cars trying to get in and out via Skinker.

Other chains to take leave of the neighborhood in the last year include Saint Louis Bread Co. (which pulled out late last year and is now a McArthur's Bakery and Cafe) and Smoothie King (which is about to become 8 Dollar Deli).

Noodles & Co. isn't alone, either, in moving to Richmond Heights: Big Shark Bicycle Co. recently relocated from the Loop to a new shop on Big Bend Boulevard.

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