QDOBA Signs Agreements for Nearly 90 New Restaurants in Eastern U.S.

QDOBA Mexican Eats has announced the signing of new development agreements with several multi-brand operators to expand its presence in the Eastern United States. The agreements involve the opening of nearly 90 new restaurants, contributing to the brand's ongoing growth strategy in the Mexican fast-casual sector.

The Rose Group has committed to a 35-restaurant development agreement, which includes the acquisition of two corporate locations in State College and Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This expansion will cover key markets in Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. The Rose Group currently operates 55 Applebee's Grill + Bar restaurants and Shannon Rose Irish Pubs in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Doherty Enterprises has signed a 27-restaurant development agreement to expand QDOBA's presence in Northern and Central New Jersey, as well as New York's Hudson Valley and Capital Region. Doherty Enterprises manages over 140 restaurants across various brands, including Applebee's and Panera Bread, and has a history of successfully scaling concepts in the Northeast and Southeast.

Cafua Management Company has expanded its existing agreement with QDOBA, adding a commitment to open 25 additional restaurants in Central and Upstate New York, including the Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley. Cafua Management Company is noted as the largest private Dunkin' franchisee globally, with over 200 locations.

The Tattva Group, led by Neil Patel, has also expanded its relationship with QDOBA. The group, which operates over 75 units across brands such as Dunkin', Little Caesars, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, and Jimmy John's, has acquired QDOBA restaurants in South-Central Pennsylvania and plans further development in the region.

These agreements are part of QDOBA's broader strategy to collaborate with experienced multi-unit operators, aiming to incorporate Mexican fast-casual dining into portfolios that include brands like Applebee's, Panera Bread, and Dunkin'. Currently, multi-brand franchisees operate approximately 80% of QDOBA's restaurants. The brand is targeting more than 100 new openings annually by 2027, with a goal of nearly doubling its U.S. footprint by 2032.

QDOBA's expansion strategy focuses on high-demand markets with strong interest from multi-unit operators, prioritizing the Eastern U.S. and states such as California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas.