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.
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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 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise? A QDOBA Mexican Eats franchised restaurant makes on average $1,695,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,200,000 yearly revenue for similar Mexican franchises. Below are a few QDOBA Mexican Eats competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Qdoba Mexican Eats 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.
What are the financial requirements to become a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchisee?
To become a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchisee, candidates must meet specific financial requirements. A potential franchisee needs a minimum net worth of $1 million and at least $500,000 in liquid capital.
These financial thresholds ensure that franchisees have the necessary resources to manage initial investments and ongoing operations effectively, setting them up for long-term success within the franchise system.
How much can a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a QDOBA Mexican Eats franchise are approximately $1.7 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.7 million yearly revenue can result in $255,000 EBITDA annually.
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.
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