One bright spot during the recession has been the world of Colorado fast-casual food. And that’s not to say unhealthy food. First, Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill hit a milestone with its 1,000th store opening this year. Now, Noodles & Company has been racking up such good business that a big-league investment group led by Catterton Partners has stepped in to bring the Broomfield-based restaurant chain to the next level. Noodles & Company, which already employs about 5,600 people at 250 locations in 18 states, hasn’t disclose the purchase price, according to the Denver Business Journal.

Kevin Reddy will remain president, CEO, and chairman of Noodles & Company, which J. Michael Chu, managing partner of Catterton Partners, calls “one of the premier growth concepts and leaders in the restaurant industry.” The restaurant got its start in Cherry Creek in 1995 by offering noodle bowls with influences ranging from American to Asian. Jill Preston, director of communications for Noodles & Company, tells Westword the change won’t be discernible from a customer’s perspective: “We’ll still be based in Broomfield, our brand won’t change, we’ll still have the same executive team, and our guests probably won’t see a difference when they come into our restaurants.” However, from a business perspective, the company is now poised for major growth.