BROOMFIELD — Noodles & Co. (Nasdaq: NDLS)  has promoted Dave Boennighausen to CEO, effective immediately, the company announced Wednesday.

Boennighhausen had served as interim CEO since July 2016 after the resignation of former CEO Kevin Reddy.

“Dave is a proven leader who has made numerous contributions to the Company during his long tenure, most recently while serving as our interim Chief Executive Officer,” Andrew Taub, managing partner at L Catterton and a director at Noodles, said in a prepared statement. “His financial and business acumen and vision, as well as his ability to bring people together, have been enormous assets during this period of transition, and we are confident that he is the right long-term leader for Noodles & Company going forward.”

Boennighausen said, “I am honored to lead Noodles & Company, as we continue to solidify our foundation for improved performance across all areas of the business.  We have a unique brand and an experienced and passionate team, and I believe we are taking the necessary steps in order to activate the brand and improve momentum.”

Noodles also named Paul Murphy, currently CEO of Del Taco Restaurants Inc., its new executive chairman, effective July 10. Robert Hartnett will step down as chairman of the company’s board, but will remain a director.

Noodles earlier this year announced plans to close 55 underperforming locations in the wake of disappointing sales, but also has been opening some new stores in more-established…