QDOBA is expanding in opposite corners of the United States, the Southeast and the Northwest. The Mexican fast casual restaurant has signed two development agreements to open 50 new restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville, and a recent acquisition and expanded development commitment from B Wild Investments, LLC is further accelerating franchise-led growth in the Northwest.
"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," said 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 eight years and open 100 restaurants annually, while expanding the share of franchised locations to 85 percent of system restaurants.
50 QDOBA Restaurants to Open in Atlanta and Nashville
According to a company press release, the expansion in Atlanta and Nashville is due to agreements with two experienced franchise restaurant owners. 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. And a large Zaxby's operator that grew from zero to 12 locations in Middle Tennessee in just six months has committed to opening 20 QDOBA restaurants in Nashville.
QDOBA Franchise Partner Acquires 22 Restaurants, Raises Development Commitment to 63
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.
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," said 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."