Latest news with #QDOBA
Yahoo
13-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fransmart Launches Investment Platform for Early-Stage Restaurant and Franchise Brands
Team that launched franchising for Five Guys, QDOBA, The Halal Guys and invested early in Sweetgreen and Cava opening co-invest platform to qualified investors ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fransmart, the franchise development company behind some of the most successful restaurant and retail chains is launching an investment platform giving individual accredited investors a seat at the table for early-stage restaurant and franchise chain growth opportunities. The platform allows qualified investors to co-invest alongside Fransmart in promising emerging concepts with check size starting at $50,000. Many investors don't hear about these emerging brands until they are much larger and therefore wind up competing with the larger more sophisticated capital partners, but there is a tremendous amount of wealth to be generated investing in earlier valuations with the rights to continue investing as companies need more. Unlike traditional private equity approaches that target more mature concepts and business investments, Fransmart's platform is focused exclusively on "angel-stage" emerging concepts with strong unit economics and clear runway for rapid expansion. "For years, we've helped launch emerging concepts into global brands many generating billions in sales," said Dan Rowe, Founder and CEO of Fransmart. "Many of our larger franchisees ask for a chance to co-invest in the brands they are franchising. Now we're giving our franchisees and other qualified investors access to the earliest, most exciting stages of that journey and essentially splashing gas on a fire." The move is rooted in Fransmart's proven ability to spot winners early. The firm invested early in CAVA and Sweetgreen and even saw Chipotle when it only had a single location. They discovered Sweetgreen while standing in line at its original 500-square-foot shop in Georgetown, long before it became a national name. The team was also instrumental in scaling Five Guys, QDOBA, The Halal Guys, and PayMore from local favorites into national chains. "By the time brands are open in multiple markets and predictable revenue streams, you've already missed the big returns," said Rowe. "We invest at the angel stage, when concepts are raw and revolutionary. That's where fortunes and founders' dreams are made." Brands must meet stringent criteria, including two years of financial documentation, unit-level profitability, a compelling growth story, and franchisee satisfaction data. The concepts will have strong fundamentals like good unit economics, control their own supply lines, and strong leadership teams. Fransmart's team evaluates every opportunity using the same metrics and standards that have driven its success over the last two decades. Qualified investors can learn about potential opportunities by joining the email list at About Fransmart Fransmart is the global leader in franchise development, selling over 5,000 franchises worldwide and turning emerging franchise concepts into national and global brands for 25 years. Company Founder, Dan Rowe, identified and grew brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries, QDOBA Mexican Grill, and The Halal Guys from 1–5-unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. The company's portfolio includes some of the most recognizable names in the franchise industry, with collective portfolio brands generating billions in sales across thousands of locations worldwide. For more information about Fransmart's investment options, visit Media Contact: Jenny Budwig FransmartPhone: (480) 789-0148 Jenny@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Fransmart Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Qdoba secures $527M fund to support growth
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Qdoba's private equity owner, Butterfly Equity, announced Tuesday that it has secured a $527 million continuation fund to support the growth of the franchised Mexican fast casual chain. The deal was led by Apollo S3 — a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, which owned Qdoba until Butterfly's acquisition of the brand in 2022 — and is supported by new and existing investors. The fund 'provides an attractive liquidity option for QDOBA's existing investors, strengthens the Company's capital structure and provides a clear runway to achieve its next phase of growth,' according to the announcement of the transaction. Dive Insight: Since acquiring Qdoba in 2022, Butterfly has made major changes to the brand: Qdoba sold more than 110 restaurants to franchisees in 2023, and another 11 in 2024, according to its franchise disclosure document. These sales shifted it from being significantly company-owned to overwhelmingly franchised. Qdoba is looking to franchising to bolster its growth, with more than 500 units in various stages of development. The investment is intended to speed up the 800-unit chain's expansion, per the press release. 'We have been impressed by the progress that Butterfly has made in positioning QDOBA for sustained growth and believe the depth and breadth of the Apollo platform enables us to execute bespoke transactions like this,' said Steve Lessar, Apollo partner and co-head of S3. Qdoba's unit economics are also growing. According to the chain's FDD, same-restaurant sales across 377 mature franchised restaurants rose 9.3% in fiscal 2022, 5.8% in FY 2023 and 8.0% in FY 2024. 'Given this trajectory, we expect to double QDOBA's system sales over the next five years,' Qdoba CEO John Cywinski, who has led the chain since 2023, said in the press release. This sales growth is in keeping with the overall strength of the fast casual segment, though 2025 has not been kind to Qdoba's largest competitor, Chipotle, which saw same-store sales fall 4% in Q2. Despite the sales trouble at major brands, the restaurant sector is still drawing investment and M&A interest from major investors and private equity firms. Just this week, Philz Coffee sold to Freeman Spogli, for a reported $145 million. Recommended Reading Qdoba signs another 77 store agreements Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
QDOBA restaurant expands with 800th location in Florida
Mexican restaurant franchise QDOBA has continued its growth trajectory with the opening of its 800th restaurant in North Miami Beach in the US state of Florida. The new location at 14583 Biscayne Blvd is part of the company's plan to extend its presence to 1,600 restaurants by 2032. The brand has more than 500 future restaurants in its development pipeline, focusing on expansion in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. QDOBA's growth strategy includes traditional venues and non-traditional locations such as universities, airports and military bases. Operating across 45 states, it offers a diverse menu with in-house prepared ingredients. Customers can customise bowls, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos and salads with toppings such as three-cheese queso and guacamole without extra charge. QDOBA CEO John Cywinski stated: "With 2025 included, we've averaged double-digit system sales growth over the past five years. "QDOBA is a powerful brand with big-time momentum and an unbelievably bright future. It's not surprising we continue to attract some of the best franchise partners from QSR and casual dining as they seek to diversify into the most attractive category in the restaurant industry." Founded in Colorado in 1995 as Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill, the brand celebrated the opening of its 200th restaurant in 2005 and was renamed QDOBA Mexican Eats in 2015. In August 2022, Butterfly Equity agreed with funds managed by affiliates of Apollo to acquire the chain and merge it with fast-casual restaurant platform, Modern Restaurant Concepts. QDOBA chief development officer Jeremy Vitaro stated: "Over the past two years, QDOBA has welcomed nearly 20 new franchise partners, expanding our portfolio of high-quality, proven multi-brand restaurant operators from across the industry.' In March 2025, QDOBA committed to opening 33 new franchise locations across the US. "QDOBA restaurant expands with 800th location in Florida" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Little girl goes viral on TikTok for crying over missing guacamole
A five-year-old Colorado girl captured the internet's heart with a video of her crying over a food chain forgetting her 'favorite' sauce – and leading to her crowning as a guacamole princess. 'I'm very heartbroken QDOBA, cause you forgot my favorite sauce, guacamole,' lil' red-haired Astoria 'Stori' Massa says with tears streaming down her face in an April 30 TikTok video posted by her mother – which has since racked up 5.5 million views. To make things right, QDOBA, a Mexican restaurant chain, deemed Astoria their 'Chief Guacamole Officer,' gifting her an official chef jacket and hat, teaching her how to whip up their secret recipe — and even putting her to work behind the counter. Massa told The Post how utterly 'sad' she felt after learning her beloved side of avocado goodness was missing from her order, which typically includes a chicken and cheese quesadilla, chips, a large guacamole and a brownie for dessert, she said. 'My mom tried to give me salsa instead. I said, 'No, take that outta here. Nope, I don't want that! I want the guacamole!'' she recalled. Her mother captured the 'heartbreaking and hilarious' moment on video, which she originally intended for Astoria's grandmother and aunt's eyes only. 'We knew she loved QDOBA's guacamole but had no idea to what extent. I tried to give her some salsa, as she stated earlier, and there was no way anything could replace the guacamole for her,' mom Brenna Massa said. Astoria frequents her local QDOBA — pronounced 'Q-dough-bah' — 'pretty much every week, mostly.' 'I love taco Tuesday,' she gushed. Astoria 'Stori' Massa was deemed 'Chief Guacamole Officer' at QDOBA. Drew Bennett So the taco-loving tot was thrilled to be able to go behind the scenes of the fast casual joint. 'It was my first job I ever had,' she proudly pointed out. In the apology video QDOBA originally sent Massa, its chef apologized, and promised to 'make it right by sending you so much guacamole your brain's gonna explode.' The taco-loving tot said it 'was so fun to wear the chef coat and hat' while pitching in at the Mexican restaurant chain. Drew Bennett 'Because guacamole doesn't travel well, we opted to give her a generous QDOBA gift card instead,' a rep from the eatery explained. As for a free side of guac for the rest of her life, the rep pointed out, 'as for all guests, QDOBA's guacamole is free with any entrée' anyway.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
QDOBA Celebrates Class of 2025 with Chips and Queso Graduation Cap and Free Year of QDOBA for Lucky Grads
Leading Fast-Casual Mexican Restaurant Offers Bold and Flavorful Ways for Graduates to Top Off their Big Day, Including a Cheesy Giveaway and Flavor-Packed Catering Options SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Who needs to toss your cap when you can snack from it? This graduation season, QDOBA is solving those mid-ceremony cravings with the ultimate grad gear: the Chips & Queso Graduation Cap. Custom-designed to hold your personal stash of signature queso and chips, it's the tastiest way to say, 'I'm ready for adulthood.' After all, what better flex is there than wearing your favorite snack on your head? Five lucky grads will win this cheesy, one-of-a-kind accessory just in time for their big day, turning tassels and heads as they cross the stage. But the celebration doesn't stop there. Each winner will also receive free QDOBA for a year1, ensuring their first year, post-grad meals are covered – whether they're too busy to cook or still learning their way around the kitchen. 'Graduating is a huge accomplishment—but let's be honest, those hours-long ceremonies can leave you hungry,' said Kelsey Kraatz, Sr. Manager of National Media at QDOBA. 'We're excited to help grads celebrate with a fun way to enjoy their favorite chips and queso in style—and kick off 'adulting' with free QDOBA for a year, keeping the party (and the snacks) going well beyond graduation day.' Beginning May 13 at 11 a.m. EDT, grads can enter for a chance to win one of five QDOBA Chips and Queso Graduation Caps, along with QDOBA for a year, by commenting on QDOBA's dedicated giveaway post on TikTok or Instagram with their school name and the hashtag #QDOBASweepstakes and following @QDOBA on Instagram and TikTok. All entries must be received by Thursday, May 15. Full contest details, rules and regulations available here. QDOBA is also here to take the stress out of graduation party planning with its delicious and convenient catering options. From its signature customizable Hot Bar—which allows guests to build their own bowls, nachos and salads with a choice of protein and a variety of toppings, including fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, chile corn salsa, choice of salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream and lettuce—to Boxed Meals and Taco Kits, there's truly something for everyone. QDOBA will even deliver and set it all up for you, so the food is ready when the party starts. Whatever you choose, QDOBA lets you enjoy the celebration while they handle the cooking! For more information about QDOBA and its flavorful, chef-crafted menu, visit About QDOBA Mexican Eats QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with approximately 800 locations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea. Committed to bringing flavor to people's lives, QDOBA uses ingredients freshly prepared in-house by hand throughout the day to create a variety of flavorful menu options. Guests can experience QDOBA's delicious offerings by enjoying one of its chef-crafted signature eats for convenience and ease, or by customizing their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings. Premium toppings can always be added to entrées at no extra charge, including signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole. For six years running, QDOBA has been voted the 'Best Fast Casual Restaurant' as part of the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Backed by over 25 years of proven success in the United States and, recently, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea, QDOBA is prioritizing franchise growth in key markets such as Alabama, California, Georgia, Idaho, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. Today, QDOBA serves up bold flavors at locations across 46 states nationwide. Non-traditional opportunities are available nationwide. For additional information about the QDOBA franchise opportunity, visit Discover more at or on the QDOBA app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Fans can also connect with QDOBA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok. 1Based on an average of one meal every 2 weeks for 52. Roughly 25 visits with an order value of $20. Equivalent to $500 total, given as a QDOBA gift card. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE QDOBA
