Qdoba Mexican Eats
About this franchise
Founded in Denver, Colorado in 1995, Qdoba Mexican Eats is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain with over 700 locations in the U.S. Focused on freshly prepared food, Qdoba offers a hip atmosphere, innovative menu options, and franchise opportunities for growth.
Highlights
- ✓Over 375 locations operated by franchisees.
- ✓Flexible restaurant footprints ranging from 400 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft.
- ✓Community-oriented with a focus on providing meals to children nationwide.
- ✓Training and ongoing support provided.
- ✓Potential for catering services to grow business.
Available in
Qdoba Mexican Eats franchise: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to open a Qdoba Mexican Eats franchise?
Our directory lists the total estimated investment for Qdoba Mexican Eats as between $545,500 and $1,294,000. In franchising generally, a total investment range like this is meant to cover the one-time costs of getting open — items such as the initial franchise fee, buildout or equipment, signage, initial inventory, training and travel, licenses, and a period of working capital. Where your own project lands inside the range usually depends on real estate, local construction costs, and the size of the location. Always confirm the current figures against Item 7 of the franchisor's Franchise Disclosure Document before budgeting.
What is the Qdoba Mexican Eats franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee listed for Qdoba Mexican Eats in our directory is $40,000. An initial franchise fee is a one-time payment made at signing, and across franchising it typically buys the right to operate under the brand in a defined territory for the term of the agreement, along with initial training and opening support. It is separate from the rest of your startup budget and separate from ongoing royalties. The fee and what it includes are disclosed in Items 5 and 7 of the FDD.
What is the royalty rate for Qdoba Mexican Eats?
The royalty listed for Qdoba Mexican Eats is 5%. A royalty is an ongoing fee paid to the franchisor, most often calculated as a percentage of gross sales rather than profit, and it funds continuing support such as systems, supply relationships, and brand standards. Many systems also charge a separate advertising or brand-fund contribution on top of the royalty. Because royalties are usually charged on top-line sales, model them against conservative revenue assumptions when you build your pro forma. Item 6 of the FDD lists all recurring fees.
Is Qdoba Mexican Eats a good fit for semi-absentee ownership?
Qdoba Mexican Eats is listed in our directory as a semi-absentee opportunity. Semi-absentee generally means the business is designed to be run day to day by a hired manager while the owner stays involved part-time — typically overseeing financials, hiring, and local marketing rather than working shifts. Owners in this model commonly keep outside income during the ramp-up period. It still requires real oversight: the quality of your general manager is usually the single biggest variable in how well a semi-absentee unit performs.
Which states is Qdoba Mexican Eats available in?
Qdoba Mexican Eats is listed in our directory as available in 50 states — effectively nationwide. Availability at the state level does not mean every market inside that state is open: specific trade areas in larger metros are often already awarded or reserved for existing owners. Confirm current openings for your market directly, and review Item 12 of the FDD for how territory rights are defined.
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