QDOBA Mexican Eats Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Qdoba Mexican Eats, originally founded as Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill in Denver, Colorado in 1995, has evolved significantly over the years. The brand underwent a name change to Z-TECA in 1997, and then to QDOBA Mexican Grill in 1999, before finally settling on QDOBA Mexican Eats in 2015.
QDOBA prides itself on serving fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine without the use of microwaves, freezers, or can openers, setting it apart from competitors by emphasizing quality and freshness in its food preparation.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, QDOBA has expanded its reach considerably since its inception. The franchise started franchising in 1997, two years after its foundation, and has since grown across the United States, Canada, and even Puerto Rico.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise? It costs on average between $237,000 – $1,294,000 to start a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. QDOBA Mexican Eats offers 2 types of franchises:
| Type of Qdoba Restaurant | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Non-Traditional Qdoba Restaurant | $236,500 – $939,000 |
| Qdoba Restaurant | $545,500 – $1,294,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchised traditional restaurant. For more information on the costs required to start a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Development costs: plans, legal fees, permits | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Leasehold improvements | $200,000 – $525,000 |
| Furnishings, fixtures and equipment | $185,000 – $330,000 |
| Signage | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| IT and other systems | $40,000 – $101,000 |
| Opening inventory | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Travel and living expenses while training | Varies |
| Miscellaneous preopening expenses | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Grand opening advertising | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Insurance | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Liquor license | Varies depending on location |
| Real property lease/purchase costs | Varies depending on location |
| Business licenses, health permits and similar permits | $500 – $3,000 |
| Additional funds – 3 months | $25,000 – $150,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST (excluding real property and liquor license costs) | $545,500 – $1,294,000 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many QDOBA Mexican Eats locations are there?
As of the latest data, Qdoba Mexican Eats operates 777 locations across the United States and Canada. Of these, approximately 613 are franchised locations, while 164 are company-owned. This mix has been achieved through a refranchising strategy, where Qdoba sold several company-owned units to franchisees in recent year
What is the total investment required to open a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise?
The total investment required to open a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise ranges from $237,000 to $1,294,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise?
QDOBA Mexican Eats franchisees are required to pay a 5% royalty fee on gross sales for both Traditional and Non-Traditional Restaurants.
Additionally, franchisees must contribute a 3.5% marketing fee of gross sales, which covers national advertising campaigns and local promotional efforts to support brand growth and customer engagement. These fees help ensure consistent brand management and marketing across all franchise locations.
Who owns QDOBA Mexican Eats?
QDOBA Mexican Eats is owned by Modern Restaurant Concepts, which is a portfolio company of Butterfly Equity, a private equity firm specializing in the food sector. Butterfly Equity acquired QDOBA in 2022 through a merger with Modern Restaurant Concepts, a fast-casual restaurant platform that also includes brands like Modern Market Eatery and Lemonade.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
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