#United States #San Diego #QDOBA #Franchise Award #Mexican Restaurant

QDOBA Celebrates Franchise Success at Their Annual Brand Conference

On November 5, 2025, QDOBA, the increasingly popular number two Mexican fast-casual restaurant chain in the United States, hailed its franchise partners' exceptional contributions during its annual Brand Conference. This event marked a milestone in the brand's ambition to double its U.S. footprint by 2032, highlighting awards presented across 50 categories to stand out contributors who exemplify operational excellence and dedication to quality.

Recognizing Achievement in Franchise Leadership

Among the evening's highlights, three franchises were specifically acknowledged for their outstanding performance:

• - Franchise Partner of the Year: The Winters Group, led by franchisee Chris Winters, expanded from five to twenty-two locations while maintaining top-notch operations and ramping up new franchisee support. They also clinched the Marketer of the Year Award, thanks to Heather Heimbach's initiatives that enhanced community engagement through philanthropy.
• - General Manager of the Year: Carmen Reyes-Ibarra from the Roaring Fork location demonstrated exemplary leadership, earning high marks in sales, food safety, and training metrics. Her restaurant ranks among the top 1% in performance, thanks to her focus on guest-first culture and high standards.
• - Operator of the Year: The Froccaro Group, a family-owned entity managing nine restaurants, is known for driving innovative digital solutions that improve brand operations and customer loyalty, averaging over 10,000 active guests per restaurant.

This recognition underscores QDOBA's franchise-first approach that has propelled the rapid growth of its network, with more than 825 restaurants now in operation across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and nearly 600 new locations under development.

The Road Ahead for QDOBA

During the conference, Kevin Carroll, Chief Operating Officer, noted, "QDOBA's franchise partners are the hands and hearts behind the brand, growing alongside us and showing up for their teams and guests daily." He emphasized the potential for further growth, as the brand aims for acceleration in guest engagement and market reach.

Commitment to Franchise Development

With over 85% of QDOBA's restaurants operated by franchisees, the brand is solidifying its strategy to maintain this significant model while pushing for further expansion. Recently, QDOBA teamed up with Neil Patel and The Tattva Group, known for managing well-established brands like Dunkin' and Buffalo Wild Wings, to open more locations in key markets; Pennsylvania's Harrisburg and Baltimore in Maryland are among their upcoming targets.

Franchisees recognize QDOBA's potential as a reliable investment, thanks to its diverse menu packed with enticing flavors, such as complimentary guacamole and queso, along with strong unit economic performance.

Expansion Plans and Market Priorities

In striving to double its store count by 2032, QDOBA has designated California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas as key markets for immediate expansion. The goal is to achieve over 100 restaurant openings annually by 2027, bolstered by comprehensive support and innovative training resources for franchise operators.

For more information and to locate the nearest QDOBA restaurant, visit QDOBA.com. The fast-casual chain is renowned for serving fresh, quality ingredients, preparing them in-house daily, and offering customizable menu options ranging from burritos to tacos. With a commitment to flavor, QDOBA has consistently ranked among the best in the fast-casual restaurant sector, receiving numerous accolades for its services and guest experience.

In the competitive landscape of Mexican fast-casual dining, QDOBA's focus on franchisee excellence and operational integrity positions it well for a fruitful future, continuing to delight customers and expand across the globe.