Staffing

Qdoba promotes VP to CMO of Marketing

Photo: Qdoba

September 29, 2025

Qdoba has promoted Jon Burke to chief marketing officer.

Burke will oversee brand storytelling, integrated marketing, guest loyalty and digital engagement. He will also be responsible for culinary innovation, with Chef Katy Velazquez promoted to vice president of culinary innovation, reporting to Burke.

"Jon is a trusted and respected leader who has earned this opportunity with his many contributions to Qdoba 's momentum," CEO John Cywinski said in a company press release. "He will be excellent in his new role, and we are blessed to have a very talented marketing and culinary team supporting Jon."

The promotion comes as Qdoba plans for rapid expansion, with more than 825 restaurants currently in operation and over 600 locations in its development pipeline across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The company recently signed one of its largest franchise agreements in brand history, a 50-restaurant deal with B Wild Investments, LLC.

Burke, who joined Qdoba as vice president of national marketing in 2023, said the company is focused on its core offerings.

"We are putting food front and center — flame-grilled cooking, freshly prepared ingredients, and unique offerings like free guacamole and queso on any entree," Burke said. "Investing in what sets us apart is crucial on the road to consumer discovery, especially as we target 100-plus restaurant openings a year."

Prior to joining Qdoba , Burke held marketing roles at Jollibee Foods, Applebee's, McDonald's and Del Taco.