Sitting at a table surrounded by empty bowls, a group of teenagers talk animatedly. Earlier, they had been slurping up the last bits of noodles from their bowls. The consensus of Point Park University students Ryan Bailey, Alesia Knott and friends was clear – they were satisfied with their bellies full of noodles.”It was delicious,” said Bailey, a sophomore broadcasting major.Knott, a sophomore musical theater major, was dissatisfied with one thing, though it did not affect the overall experience.”It was delicious, even without ketchup,” Knott said.The condiment is essential for her enjoyment of macaroni and cheese, but even she agreed with Bailey.Noodles & Company snuck into Market Square during Point Park University’s December break. The new restaurant, adjacent to Chipotle, provides students with the opportunity for fresh eats and potential job opportunities.  Inside, noodle enthusiasts have their choice of Mediterranean, American or Asian noodle varieties, along with a few choices of soup, salad and sandwiches from the menu. Noodles come in two sizes, regular and small, and are both priced below six dollars.”I had a bottle of IBC soda and mac and cheese, and it was under $7, and I’m full. I mean, that’s cheaper than the school’s food,” Knott said.Restaurant guests order up front at the register and can choose to take their food out with them or to take a number and be served at a table. Orders can also be placed online at www.noodles.com.When dining in, food comes out heaped in big white bowls and customers can choose to eat their noodles with a fork or chopsticks. Although diners can order up front and service is speedy, Noodles & Company is not the typical fast food joint.Unlike many restaurants, Noodles & Company does not use microwaves, freezers, or can openers.  “Everything we do is fresh prep every day, two times a day. We actually do our prepping procedures right down here at the end of the registers. So it’s all in view of the guest,” Travis Lumbrezer, general manager, said enthusiastically.According to the Noodles & Company website, the chain was created in 1995 after the founder, Aaron Kennedy, decided to create a hybrid between fast food service and fresh ingredients. Kennedy was inspired by the variety of low quality fast food joints in New York City.Lumbrezer, 42, of Squirrel Hill, who has worked in the restaurant industry previously for several other restaurants, finds this fresh system to be innovative.”There is a ‘no nuke policy’ here,” he said with a laugh.Another attitude the restaurant adheres to, according to Lumbrezer, is “really good food, served by genuine nice people, in a clean comfortable environment.”Brittney Smith, 18, a freshman forensic science major, was hired to be one of those “genuine nice people.” Dressed up in a black baseball cap and black T-shirt, Smith greets guests from the cash register with a smile. After the food is prepared, it is Smith’s job to deliver it, provide drink refills and bus the table, all without receiving tips. Noodles & Company’s philosophy according to their website is to be “a tip-free environment.”However, Lumbrezer said tips mistakenly left on tables are saved in a jar in the office to pay for motivational things, such as pizza parties. It may seem tedious to work hard without tips, but Smith is excited about her job.”It’s like a family here. We all joke around, but when we have to we get back to business,” Smith said between taking customers’ orders at the register.Smith praises the restaurant for being cooperative about scheduling hours. So far, they have been dedicated to working around her busy school schedule. Plus, she enjoys the food.”I eat here every day,” Smith said.So far, Lumbrezer finds the new Market Square location to be successful.”We have fantastic lunch crowds. Lines all the way out the door and wrapped out onto the sidewalk,” Lumbrezer said. He said students and businessmen alike come in to eat. The restaurant also saw business from local Pittsburgh sports fans during Penguins and Steelers game days.”People are realizing we’re here and we’re open later and on Sundays,” Lumbrezer said.Although Noodles & Company does not currently offer student discounts, interested pasta admirers can sign up online to receive promotional email offers and discounts.