Franchising
Qdoba inks 22 franchise deals
November 11, 2024
Qdoba, which has nearly 800 locations, achieved 14 consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales and signed 22 franchise agreements during the fiscal year ending September 2024. It also posted a 7.7% comp sales increase compared to last year's 6.3% comp sales increase.
"The demand for Mexican fast-casual dining continues to surge, and Qdoba is well-positioned to meet that demand while offering an exciting investment opportunity for franchisees," CDO Jeremy Vitaro said in a company press release. "Our year-to-date successes are a testament to the strength of our brand, driven by innovative offerings and an unwavering commitment to quality. With strategic incentives and unmatched franchisee support, Qdoba is the ideal partner for operators looking to expand in this dynamic market."
The chain made corporate investments this year, including nearly $30 million in restaurant-level capacity and technology upgrades and remodeling efforts across 80 company restaurants.
Recent development news includes a number of significant agreements, such as Thrive Restaurant Group — a large multi-unit Applebee's franchisee — committing to develop 30 restaurants in North and South Carolina; Q Eats LLC, an experienced multi-unit IHOP franchisee, signing 15 restaurants across Greater Houston as one of the brand's newest franchisees; and Golden Maize Restaurants, a former Wingstop franchisee, planning five locations in Westchester County, New York. Additionally, leveraging its success with Dunkin' franchises, franchise operators Cafua Management Company and Mountain View Management are expanding into Qdoba with five restaurants in Pennsylvania, with further growth anticipated across Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and other markets aligned with Cafua Family operations.
The company announced earlier this year that it was expanding in Portland, Chicago, Greensboro, Reno and Washington D.C.
Internationally, Qdoba continued its partnership with the Army & Air Force Exchange Services to open its first locations in Asia, marking a milestone with restaurants at military bases in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea.
To further fuel growth, Qdoba introduced a limited-time $100,000 cash incentive for certain new unit openings, while consumer engagement surged with menu hits like Brisket Birria, Loaded Tortilla Soup, Citrus Lime Shrimp, Mexican Street Corn, and Habanero Lime Steak, according to the release.
Qdoba is seeking qualified multi-unit franchise operators to help propel development efforts in target markets nationwide, including in and around non-traditional venues like airports, universities, military bases and casinos.
