Qdoba Mexican Grill was recently honored as Corporate Partner of the Year by the American Red Cross for its commitment to supporting the organization’s effort to provide blood to patients in need. The award was presented by the American Red Cross Massachusetts Region at the group’s annual meeting.
The meeting was attended by members of the Red Cross Board of Directors, Red Cross staff and community leaders to recognize outstanding donors and sponsors who have made an impact on blood collections in Massachusetts throughout the year. Jeff Ackerman, president and CEO of Chair 5 Restaurants, the Massachusetts Qdoba franchisee, was on hand to accept the award.
"Qdoba has always been passionate about supporting charitable organizations and events in our community, so it only made sense to partner with the American Red Cross, which plays such an important role in our region’s blood donation, disaster relief, health and safety instructing, and youth mentoring efforts," Ackerman said. "We’re honored to be recognized by this truly prestigious organization that has positively changed the lives of millions of people and families across the globe."
Over the last year, Qdoba has supported a number of American Red Cross events and initiatives including the Sept. 11 Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at Fenway Park and City Hall in Boston. Qdoba also donated a taco bar and chips and salsa for the Red Cross’ 100-person staff at Fenway, and provided all blood donors with food and coupons. Additionally, Qdoba helped promote the blood drive by prominently displaying banners in some of their high-traffic Boston locations including Kenmore Square, and leveraged their social media networks including Twitter and Facebook to reach consumers and raise awareness for the event.
Chair 5 Holdings LLC, a Wellesley, Mass.-based restaurant company, has plans to open three more Qdoba store locations this year, including Woburn Mall, Causeway Street and in Dedham’s new Legacy Place.
