Listen to this article

The basics:

• Qdoba signs 4 development deals to add nearly 90 Northeast locations
• Doherty Enterprises plans up to 27 restaurants in New Jersey, upstate New York
• The Rose Group will add 35 locations across Pennsylvania, South Jersey
• Expansion supports Qdoba’s goal to double its footprint by 2032

Popular fast-casual chain Qdoba Mexican Eats is teaming up with several established franchise operators to expand its presence across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

After finalizing four separate development deals, the San Diego-born brand expects to open nearly 90 new restaurants in the Northeast, according to a Dec. 10 press release.

The recently reached agreements include 27 restaurants in New Jersey and upstate New York with Doherty Enterprises. The family-run hospitality group has its base in Allendale.

With a 140-restaurant portfolio that includes national brands such as Applebee’s Grill + Bar, Panera Bread, Wendy’s, Chevy’s Fresh Mex and Jinya Ramen Bar, Doherty is considered one of the largest foodservice companies in the U.S. It is also among the largest privately held businesses in New Jersey.

Qdoba is also working with The Rose Group to add 35 units across key markets in Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Headquartered in Newtown, Pa., that group’s 55 restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic include Applebee’s sites and Shannon Rose Irish Pub locations.

Additionally, the chain said it expanded relationships with The Tattva Group and Cafua Management Co. That move will help it grow in Central and Upstate New York and South-central Pennsylvania, respectively.

Where the guac is free

Founded in 1995, Qdoba is known for its customizable bowls, tacos, nachos, quesadillas and salads. Its 830-plus footprint includes 27 restaurants in New Jersey.

Over the past few months, franchisee The Integrrity Group has open four new Qdoba spots across the state (Hamilton Township, Marlton, Linden, Secaucus).

Additional details on how many locations will come to the state, as well as where or when they’ll open, was not immediately available from Qdoba’s media representative.

A spokesperson for Doherty said they expect to add 15 restaurants in New Jersey.

The newly announced franchise agreements come as part of an effort to double Qdoba’s footprint by 2032, the press release said.

To reach its goals, the chain says it is working with experienced multi-unit operators who have an interest in “adding Mexican fast-casual to portfolios built around brands like Applebee’s, Panera Bread and Dunkin’.” Currently, multi-brand franchisees run roughly 80% of the chain’s restaurants, Qdoba said.

Following the latest signings, Qdoba says it now has more than 650 locations in its national pipeline.

In a statement, Qdoba Chief Development Officer Jeremy Vitaro said, “Proven, multi-brand operators know what works in their portfolios, and they’re choosing Qdoba because it allows them to diversify into the rapidly growing Mexican fast-casual category. They see strong unit economics, a concept that travels well across trade areas, and food guests come back for. From bold flavors to built-in value like free guacamole and queso, Qdoba gives them confidence to grow.”