A Legacy of Flavor and a Future of Bold Growth

Making the World a More Flavorful Place™

Qdoba Catering Setup

At QDOBA, we crave a world filled with flavor. Not just the mouthwatering, flame-grilled, freshly diced in-house kind. We celebrate the flavor our community brings.

From our friendly staff to our lively guests, it’s the people who make our world flavorful. That’s why our sauces, salsas and toppings come free with every meal (lookin’ at you, guac and queso). Because flavor inspires flavor.

So be the spicy nachos this universe needs. When you live and breathe flavor, others will do the same. That’s how together, we’re making the world a more flavorful place.

Our Brand Pillars

Hospitality

We believe in kindness and respect for all, and we know that every individual makes a difference.

Positivity

People with positive attitudes make better co-workers. They focus on what can be done and inspire others to do the same.

Performance

We are a company of high performers dedicated to greatness!

A Hand-Crafted Path to Success

QDOBA has a history of innovation that led us to become a successful, established brand. Today, we are one of the best fast-casual franchise opportunities available. Follow our journey from one store to 750+ locations across 47 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.

QDOBA favicon
1995
6th Ave & Grant St sign

Founded as Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill in Denver, Colorado

1997
ZTeca Fresh Mexican Grill

Name changed to Z-TECA

1999
QDOBA Mexican Grill

Name changed to QDOBA Mexican Grill

2005
200 Franchise

Opened our 200th store

QDOBA favicon
2011
600 Franchise

Opened our 600th store

2012
Q inside maple leaf

First international location opened in Canada

2015
QDOBA Mexican Eats

Name changed to QDOBA Mexican Eats®

2019
person holding up 2MM sign

Reached 2 million rewards members

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2019
700 franchise

Opened our 700th store

2022
Q on a coffee cup

Expanded sustainable packaging with 100% recyclable strawless lids and compostable bowls

2022
Puerto Rican flag

Opened first location in Puerto Rico

2022
Butterfly + QDOBA

Acquired by Butterfly Private Equity

Fresh Ideas That Set Us Apart

No microwaves. No freezers. No can openers.

QDOBA Pride is our commitment to serving fresh, flavorful food combinations that outshine the competition and keep our guests coming back.

Our flavorful Mexican food is made in house.

We have more flavors and tastes than our competitors.

We only use high-quality ingredients.

Our flexible menu fits with our guests' lifestyles.

QDOBA Exterior

A Flavorful History

Founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1995, QDOBA has been serving up fresh Mexican food for over 25 years. Innovation, change and experience have helped improve and grow the brand into what it is today.

2 people share Qdoba nachos

Rewards to Savor

QDOBA Star

QDOBA’s loyalty program was named America’s Best Loyalty Program the last 3 years in a row, Highest Amongst Fast-Casual in 2022 by Newsweek magazine.

Bold Leadership That Keeps Us Strong

John Cywinski, Chief Executive Officer, Modern Restaurant Concepts

John Cywinski

Chief Executive Officer, Modern Restaurant Concepts

John Cywinski was appointed to the position of CEO of Modern Restaurant Concepts in January 2023. Modern Restaurant Concepts (MRC) is a leading fast casual restaurant company with approximately 800 restaurants, currently comprised of the QDOBA, Modern Market Eatery, and Lemonade brands. MRC is a privately-held restaurant company owned by Los Angeles, California-based Butterfly Equity (www.bfly.com).

John is an accomplished and recognized leader who is known for building high-performing teams with a passion for innovation, operational excellence, and unparalleled culture. Prior to joining Modern Restaurant Concepts, Mr. Cywinski served as the President of Applebee’s Grill & Bar for six years, where he led a dramatic transformation and resurgence of the $4.4B business. Before his role at Applebee’s, Mr. Cywinski also served as the President of KFC where he led the successful turnaround of the $4.5B U.S. business from 2010 to 2014 while at Yum! Brands. Prior to joining Yum!, Mr. Cywinski spent four years as a franchisee, owning and operating ten successful Dunkin’ Donuts and Sonic restaurants in Chicago, which he has since sold.

John previously served as Applebee’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from 2001 through 2006, while spearheading innovative initiatives like Applebee’s Carside To Go, and the iconic “Eatin’ Good In The Neighborhood” ad campaign. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice-President of U.S. Brand Strategy for McDonald’s Corporation, President of Buena Vista Pictures Marketing for the Motion Picture Group of The Walt Disney Studios, and head of U.S. Marketing for Burger King Corporation. John started his career with Leo Burnett Advertising in Chicago and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.

In addition to being a Board Member for Modern Restaurant Concepts, John currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association and is a recipient of IFMA’s Silver Plate Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the restaurant industry.

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Eric Williams

Eric Williams

Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Williams became Chief Operating Officer in July 2021. Prior to this position, he served as Vice President of Franchise and License Operations and Director of Operations. Before joining QDOBA, Mr. Williams was President and CEO of Circle City Star, LLC, which operates franchised Hardee’s and Red Burrito restaurants. He also worked as COO of CKE Restaurants in Franklin, Tennessee.

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Prashant Budhale

Chief Technology Officer

Mr. Budhale became QDOBA’s Chief Technology Officer in July 2024.  Prior to joining Qdoba he held executive positions at several companies; most recently he was with Inspire Brands as Head of Technology leading Sonic Drive In’s technology initiatives.

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Paul Sinowitz

Paul Sinowitz

Chief Supply Chain Officer

Mr. Sinowitz currently serves as the Chief Supply Chain Officer and oversees all aspects of the supply chain for food, packaging, marketing and indirect categories for QDOBA’s 700+ U.S and Canadian restaurants. Prior to QDOBA, Paul spent 11 years at MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, held multiple senior Supply Chain roles with Sonic Restaurants, Yum Brands (KFC) and Advantica Restaurants (Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Coco’s, Carrow’s and Hardees).

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Mel Tucker

Mel Tucker

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Tucker joined QDOBA as Chief Financial Officer in April 2022. He has more than 20 years of financial leadership experience with both publicly held and privately-owned retail companies. He has served in a variety of roles with a diverse group of retailers such as Home Depot, PetSmart, Genesco, and most recently Ideal Image where he has learned the value of supporting store management, fact-based, data-driven decision making, and strategic planning.  ​

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