The Mexican fast-casual chain has signed deals in Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland and Texas.
QDOBA Mexican Eats has signed multiple multi-unit deals to grow into the four new states. It plans to open three locations each in Indiana, Nebraska and Maryland with one location in Texas, a total of 10 new restaurants.
Indiana local Tony Ruble of Fort Wayne will manage the three Indiana locations alongside his wife and children. Ruble brings his prior experience in running multiple Smoothie King locations as well as an in-depth knowledge of the local culture and people. As a former competitive bodybuilder, he was attracted to the healthy menu and level of support available from the corporate team.
“We’re a family that tries to stay healthy and active, so we wanted to be part of a brand that shares those values. At QDOBA, you can actually see the freshness of the food, because it’s cooked right in front of you,” Ruble said.
“QDOBA’s corporate team has been very hands on and they’ve gone to great lengths to ensure that we have all the tools necessary to be successful.”
Troy Benes, the owner of Elite Nebraska Real Estate, will be in charge of the Nebraska locations. With his 20 years of experience, Benes has always been recognized as a multi-million dollar business owner in the area.
“My wife and I have always loved QDOBA. It was apparent there was room in our market for the brand to make an impact,” Benes said.
“With the brand’s commitment to quality and flavor, I’m confident that consumers will love the food. I look forward to strengthening the brand’s presence in Nebraska.”
QDOBA has focused on giving franchisees a flexible set of plans to choose from, whether traditional or non-traditional locations.
“These agreements represent the momentum we have created during our current accelerated growth phase, and we thank these franchisees for their commitment to develop QDOBA restaurants in these great markets,” said the brand’s vice president of franchise development, Shawn Caric.
“Talented and passionate multi-unit franchisees see what they stand to gain from joining QDOBA: a robust franchisee support structure, strong average unit volumes and, of course, mouth-watering food served up fresh to their communities.”
