Qdoba Mexican Eats continues to plan its massive expansion.
The Mexican fast-casual chain has announced the addition of 33 new locations to its development pipeline, bringing its total restaurant commitments to more than 500. Through several significant franchise agreements, Qdoba will soon expand its presence in the Northeast, Midwest, and beyond.
“Qdoba’s momentum continues to accelerate, driven by strong franchise partnerships and a commitment to quality,” said Jeremy Vitaro, Qdoba’s director of development. “We’re excited to welcome new franchisees who bring industry expertise and a shared passion for original flavors. By surpassing 500 development commitments, we’re solidifying our position as a leading fast-casual brand, poised for long-term success.”
In the Northeast, PFGS, LLC will develop 15 Qdoba locations in the Springfield, Massachusetts, and Hartford, Connecticut markets. The group also owns multi-family franchises and operates several KFC and Dunkin’ locations.
Empire Inc. has committed to developing 10 Qdoba locations in the Columbus, Ohio, metropolitan area. The group has extensive experience in franchising and restaurants as multi-family franchisees of Subway, Dunkin’, and Wing Snobs, while operating more than 100 restaurants in several states. Also in the Midwest, Roaring Forks, LLC will expand its portfolio of more than 60 Qdoba locations with the opening of three more restaurants in Rockford, Illinois.
In the Pacific Northwest, Dhote & Turner, LLC signed an agreement to develop four locations, strengthening Qdoba’s growing presence in the region. The group is comprised of a family of entrepreneurs and friends with extensive experience in food service, retail, and business development.
Non-traditional growth is similarly expanding for Qdoba:
- The Gideon Toal Management Group recently opened a new non-traditional Qdoba location in Terminal A of Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York City.
- This spring, Qdoba will open at Colorado State University-Pueblo in partnership with Aladdin Campus Dining, marking the first collaboration between the two companies.
- In January, TIG, one of the largest franchise groups in the Qdoba system, opened a second restaurant on the Rutgers University campus. This new addition expands its portfolio of more than 30 restaurants.
- Qdoba says it continues to look to the future to expand, seeking franchises multi-unit company with experience developing key markets, including Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, and Tampa, while also expanding into non-traditional locations such as universities, airports, military bases, and casinos.
- Headquartered in San Diego, Qdoba operates approximately 800 locations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Qdoba Mexican Eats was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1995, and began as a restaurant called Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill. The brand went through several names before settling on Qdoba Mexican Grill, and finally Qdoba Mexican Eats.
Brand history
- It was originally called Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill
- It was then called Z-Teca
- It eventually established itself as Qdoba Mexican Grill
- Later it changed its name to Qdoba Mexican Eats
Brand philosophy
- Their mission is to make the world a tastier place.
- Celebrate your guests
- Focuses on offering authentic and fresh flavors
- Prepare guacamole by hand
- Grill chicken and steaks
Brand expansion
- In 2022, Butterfly Equity acquired Qdoba
- At that time, Qdoba had nearly 750 locations in North America.
- In 2022, Qdoba arrived in Puerto Rico with its first restaurant in San Patricio Village in Guaynabo.
Qdoba says innovation, change, and experience have helped it improve and grow the brand.
