QDOBA Mexican Eats has agreed new franchise development deals for 90 additional outlets in the eastern US, as the fast-casual chain steps up its push to expand via multi-brand operators.
After these latest signings, the company now has more than 650 restaurants in its development pipeline across the country.
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Under a 35-restaurant agreement, the Rose Group will open new QDOBA locations in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and has also taken over two corporate-operated sites in State College and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Rose Group’s existing portfolio includes 55 Applebee’s Grill + Bar restaurants and Shannon Rose Irish Pubs in the Mid-Atlantic region.
A separate 27-unit deal has been reached with Doherty Enterprises for Northern and Central New Jersey, as well as New York’s Hudson Valley and Capital Region.
Doherty Enterprises runs more than 140 outlets across several concepts, including Applebee’s and Panera Bread.
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By GlobalDataQDOBA has also broadened its ties with Cafua Management Company, adding a further 25-restaurant commitment in central and upstate New York, including the Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley.
Cafua is the largest private Dunkin’ franchisee globally, with more than 200 stores.
QDOBA has also deepened its relationship with the Tattva Group, led by Neil Patel, which operates more than 75 units across brands such as Dunkin’, Little Caesars, Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Jimmy John’s.
The group has acquired QDOBA locations in south-central Pennsylvania and agreed to further development there.
These arrangements form part of QDOBA’s wider plan to expand alongside established multi-unit operators.
Franchisees that operate multiple brands now run around 80% of QDOBA’s restaurants.
Chief development officer Jeremy Vitaro stated: “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 flavours to built-in value like free guacamole and queso, QDOBA gives them confidence to grow.”
QDOBA aims to exceed 100 new openings annually by 2027 as it works towards roughly doubling its US estate by 2032.
The company “sees significant opportunity across the US and prioritises high‑demand markets with strong multi‑unit operator interest, with near‑term emphasis on the Eastern US as well as California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.”
In September 2025, QDOBA signed a development agreement with Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments to open 50 US locations in the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico.
