San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats has signed two new development agreements to open 50 new restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville. A recent acquisition and expanded development commitment from B Wild Investments, LLC is further accelerating franchise-led growth.
“We’re thrilled to partner with proven franchise operators who share our people-first culture, exceptional standards for guest service and commitment to disciplined growth,” says Jeremy Vitaro, chief development officer, QDOBA.
QDOBA and its franchise partners currently operate over 865 restaurants, with plans to double the brand’s footprint to approximately 2,000 restaurants within the next 8 years and open 100 restaurants annually, while expanding the share of franchised locations to 85% of system restaurants.
A former McDonald’s operator that transformed the Atlanta market into the U.S. system’s top-performing region has committed to opening 30 QDOBA restaurants in Atlanta.
A large Zaxby’s operator that grew from 0 to 12 locations in Middle Tennessee in just 6 months has committed to opening 20 QDOBA restaurants in Nashville.
QDOBA is also growing with existing franchise partners. 7 Star Eats, an affiliate of B Wild Investments, LLC, has completed the acquisition of 22 QDOBA restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, growing its footprint to 42 restaurants across Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Washington. The transaction elevates 7 Star Eats to one of QDOBA’s largest franchise partners.
An expanded 63-unit development commitment across Colorado, Utah, Washington, Nevada and New Mexico also reflects B Wild’s growing conviction in QDOBA.
“Mexican fast-casual is one of the most attractive segments in restaurants, and QDOBA has the brand, menu and unit economics to win,” says Barry Dubin, founder and CEO of B Wild Investments. “Just as important, the QDOBA leadership team has been an exceptional partner — aligned, commercial and genuinely invested in advancing the brand in partnership with franchisees. That partnership approach is why we’re committed to growing meaningfully alongside QDOBA.”
QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with 865 locations in 46 states across the U.S., as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea. For more information, visit www.QDOBA.com.
SOURCE: QDOBA Mexican Eats