Qdoba
Food & Beverage · Fast Casual
Description
What is Qdoba?
The restaurant's menu features a diverse selection of made-to-order items including burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and signature flavors. Qdoba distinguishes itself through its innovative protein options, including their popular grilled adobo chicken, slow-braised brisket, and plant-based alternatives, catering to various dietary preferences.
What truly sets Qdoba apart is their commitment to customer service and operational excellence. The brand consistently receives praise for its welcoming atmosphere, efficient service, and clean, modern restaurant environments. Their successful business model includes robust catering services and digital ordering platforms, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their favorite Mexican dishes.
Qdoba's proven track record of growth and adaptation to changing market demands makes it an attractive opportunity in the fast-casual segment. The brand maintains strong relationships with its franchisees, providing comprehensive training, operational support, and marketing assistance to ensure success. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Qdoba continues to expand its footprint while maintaining its position as a leader in the Mexican fast-casual dining category.
- 29 years of proven operational experience since 1995
- 747 established locations demonstrating system stability
- International presence across four countries including Canada, Japan, and Puerto Rico
- Exceptional unit performance with revenue 121% above sub-sector average
- Established fast-casual Mexican brand with strong market recognition
- Customizable menu platform drives customer loyalty and repeat visits
Location Analysis
Where Qdoba wins
The franchise's strong presence in the Midwest demonstrates particular success in markets with a mix of urban and suburban populations, moderate income levels, and strong lunch-time business traffic. Key success factors include locations near business districts, universities, and high-traffic retail corridors. While the brand has established strong footholds in several key markets, significant expansion opportunities exist in the Southeast and Western regions.
Ideal locations for new Qdoba franchises typically feature high-visibility sites in areas with daytime population density of 25,000+ within a 3-mile radius, median household incomes above $50,000, and proximity to office complexes or educational institutions. The fast-casual Mexican segment continues to show growth potential in both established and emerging markets, with particular opportunity in secondary markets where national chain presence is limited.
Loading map...
Is your territory available?
Let's find out.
We'll take you through a few quick questions, then Qdoba confirms availability directly.
Financial Analysis
The numbers behind Qdoba
The fast-casual Mexican segment benefits from strong consumer demand for customizable, fresh food options and convenient dining experiences. With 747 units and 29 years of operation since 1995, Qdoba demonstrates substantial system maturity and operational stability. The brand operates internationally across Canada, Japan, and Puerto Rico, indicating proven scalability beyond domestic markets.
Qdoba's reported gross revenue of $1,540,334 substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $696,569 by 121%, suggesting strong unit-level performance potential, though prospective franchisees should conduct thorough due diligence on individual market dynamics. The investment level requires significant liquid capital and net worth qualifications, making this suitable for experienced restaurant operators or well-capitalized investors.
The competitive Mexican fast-casual landscape includes established players, requiring franchisees to leverage Qdoba's brand recognition and operational systems effectively. Multi-unit development opportunities may provide economies of scale for qualified investors. Territory rights and market protection terms should be carefully evaluated during the FDD review process.
Ideal candidates possess restaurant management experience, substantial capital reserves, and understanding of fast-casual operations.
Financing partners
Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees
Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.
FranFund
CRF USA
Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.
First Bank of the Lake
Pension Pros
FDD Item 7
Initial investment range
Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $489,200 to $1,307,000. The midpoint $898,100 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.
FDD Item 19
Average gross sales
According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Qdoba has an average gross revenue of $2M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)
Growth over time
Franchise footprint
2024 Franchise Disclosure
FDD documents
Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Qdoba's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.
Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.
Buyer FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The initial investment for a Qdoba franchise typically ranges between $489,200.00 and $1,307,000.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.
Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
Franchises for you
Brands worth comparing
Other brands in the same vertical and investment band — recommendations based on what you've explored.
