Food & Beverage

Qdoba customers getting sauced at flavor bar

June 22, 2021

Qdoba is launching a line of signature salsas, sauces and toppings that allows guests to dial up the flavor when creating their own burritos, bowls and other entrees.

"Our goal is to give customers more exciting ways to show their flavor and create a meal that is tailored for their taste buds," Karin Silk, Qdoba VP of Menu and Off-Premises, said in a company press release. "Unlike other fast-casual restaurants that sporadically innovate or typically provide one or two standard selections, we're continuing to add variety with new choices that are spicy, smoky, tangy and mild. Our newest add-ons are available at no extra cost for the customer — and provide the perfect finishing touch to any bowl, quesadilla or burrito."

The chain drew inspiration from different regions in Mexico to bring some of the most incredible flavors, said Chef Katy Velazquez.

The latest additions include:

• Tangy Pickled Red Onions: Hand-sliced and pickled in-house, these bring bright, crispy flavor to any entrée. "These onions are seen on tacos all over Mexico. Their zesty lime flavor is the perfect complement to any dish," Velazquez said.
• Jalapeno Verde Sauce: This fiery blend is made from roasted jalapenos and Aji chiles, perfectly balanced with fresh cilantro, cotija cheese and lime juice to create a creamy, bright flavor with a spicy kick, Velazquez said. "This was inspired by creamy, spicy and roasted jalapeno salsas found in Monterrey," she said.
• Chile Crema: The somewhat spicy, creamy sauce "features smoky heat from chipotles in adobo and pairs well with everything," Velazquez said.
• Roasted Tomato Salsa: Crafted from fire-roasted, farm-fresh tomatoes, which are harvested at the end of the growing season, caramelized to perfection and blended with fresh cilantro, this is based on a classic mild table salsa, Velazquez said.

The signature salsas, sauces and toppings will be available at all 740 Qdoba restaurants across the U.S. and Canada.