March 14, 2025 // Franchising.com // SAN DIEGO — QDOBA continues its franchise expansion with agreements to bring more than 33 new locations to key markets across the country. Alongside its network of traditional franchise restaurants, QDOBA is also accelerating non-traditional development, with new locations opening in airports, universities, and military bases.
QDOBA celebrates several franchise groups spearheading major market developments, including PFGS, LLC, Empire Inc., Roaring Forks, LLC, Holy Guacamole, and Dhote & Turner, LLC.
In the Northeast, PFGS, LLC is set to develop 15 restaurants across the Springfield, Massachusetts, and Hartford, Connecticut markets. The group is also a multi-unit franchise owner, operating multiple KFC and Dunkin’ locations. Notably, Johnny Muhammad, former head of company operations for KFC U.S., is fulfilling a personal dream of becoming a franchise owner—an aspiration inspired by his father. His transition from corporate leadership to ownership represents a compelling story of entrepreneurship and vision.
Empire Inc. has committed to developing 10 locations in the greater Columbus, Ohio, market. The group brings extensive franchise and restaurant experience as multi-unit franchisees of Subway, Dunkin’, and Wing Snobs, managing more than 100 restaurants across multiple states.
The Midwest continues to see expected growth with new developments and agreements, as the second largest QDOBA franchisee in the system is expanding. Roaring Forks, LLC will add to their portfolio of more than 60 locations, planning three more restaurants in Rockford, Illinois. Meanwhile, Holy Guacamole signed on to develop a restaurant in Jamestown, North Dakota. With previous ownership experience at Dairy Queen and Quiznos, the Holy Guacamole group also brings restaurant experience and acumen to QDOBA.
In the Pacific Northwest, Dhote & Turner, LLC signed to develop four locations, adding to QDOBA’s expanding presence in the area. The group is a family of entrepreneurs and friends with extensive experience in foodservice, retail, and commercial development.
Non-traditional growth is also expanding for QDOBA, underscoring the brand’s growing appeal across the nation.
SOURCE QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA Mexican Eats is a leading fast-casual Mexican chain with more than 750 restaurants located across the United States and in Canada.