Qdoba to Launch 30 New Stores in Carolina, Expanding Southeast Reach

Qdoba Mexican Grill has revealed plans to open 30 new stores in collaboration with Thrive Restaurant Group, a top franchise operator based in Wichita.

This expansion aims to increase Qdoba's presence in the fast-casual dining sector.

Expanding South: Qdoba's New Horizons

Qdoba Mexican Grill is set to expand its footprint significantly, with plans focusing on cities such as Greenville and Wilmington in North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Greenville in South Carolina.

CSA reports that Jeremy Vitaro, Qdoba's chief development officer, has expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with Thrive Restaurant Group for a significant expansion since March. He praised Thrive's aggressive and quality-focused entry into the Carolinas, highlighting their commitment to excellent construction, operations, and customer service.

This ambitious growth is part of Qdoba's strategy to almost double its size from over 760 locations to around 1,600 over the next ten years. The San Diego-based chain plans to open over 50 new restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico this year.

John Cywinski, CEO of Qdoba, commended Jon Rolph, CEO of Thrive, describing him as an exceptional leader and partner.

Cywinski is confident that Thrive will greatly contribute to realizing Qdoba's full potential in the Carolinas, emphasizing that Qdoba stands out in a highly competitive restaurant category.

Qdoba recently introduced a new cash incentive program to support its expansion goals. The program offers $100,000 to qualified franchisees who commit to opening new Qdoba restaurants by September 2026, aiming to attract more franchise partners for its growth plans.

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Thrive Restaurant Group Joins Qdoba's Ambitious Growth Plan

According to Eat This, Thrive Restaurant Group, known for being the country's second-largest franchisee of Applebee's, is broadening its horizons.

The company employs over 8,000 individuals and operates 170 restaurants across 15 states under five brands, including Applebee's, Qdoba, Bakesale, Carlos O'Kelly's, Homegrown, and Modern Market Eatery.

Recently, Qdoba announced that it had signed ten new agreements this year to develop more than 70 new restaurants. This is part of an ambitious plan, with nearly 400 new restaurant commitments in the pipeline, signaling significant growth for the fast-casual chain.

Qdoba Mexican Eats, a leader in the fast-casual dining sector, has a rich history of innovation and growth, as its website highlights.

Established in 1995 in Denver, Colorado, as Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill, the restaurant changed its name to Z-Teca Fresh Mexican Grill in 1997 and Qdoba Mexican Grill in 1999.

Qdoba's focus on fresh ingredients and flavorful food has driven its steady expansion. By 2005, the company celebrated the opening of its 200th store. This growth continued, with Qdoba reaching its 600th location in 2011 and launching its first international store in Canada in 2012.

In 2015, the restaurant was rebranded as Qdoba Mexican Eats®, highlighting its varied menu and improved dining atmosphere.

Qdoba's commitment to fresh, flavorful food has earned it the USA Today's #1 Fast-Casual Restaurant title for five consecutive years. With over 750 locations across 47 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Qdoba continues to offer high-quality, diverse menu options that attract loyal customers.

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