QDOBA Appoints New Chief Operating Officer
QDOBA is excited to announce the appointment of Kevin Carroll as the new Chief Operating Officer, taking the helm of restaurant operations for the fast-growing brand. With his extensive background in the restaurant industry, he is set to enhance QDOBA's operational strategies across its network of approximately 800 locations.
Kevin Carroll's Extensive Experience
Carroll comes to QDOBA following a successful tenure as COO of Applebee's Grill & Bar, where he significantly impacted the brand, which operates over 1,600 restaurants. His leadership experience also includes serving as the Senior Vice President of Operations at Chili's Grill & Bar, where he was responsible for a massive 700-restaurant portfolio and thousands of team members. His transition to QDOBA signals a renewed commitment to excellence in guest service and operational growth.
Enhancing Company Culture and Performance
CEO John Cywinski expressed his enthusiasm for Carroll's arrival, highlighting his exceptional leadership qualities and deep industry respect. Cywinski noted, "Kevin is a deeply experienced and highly regarded executive with a well-deserved reputation for excellence. We consider ourselves fortunate to have him guide us through this period of unprecedented growth. His guest-first orientation and integrity are invaluable assets for our team." Carroll's approach to leadership aligns well with QDOBA's mission to deliver outstanding dining experiences.
QDOBA's Growth Strategy
Under Carroll's guidance, QDOBA is poised for continued growth, targeting an ambitious expansion plan that aims to double its footprint within the next decade. The brand's recent performance shows a 7.7% increase in comparable sales for the latest fiscal year, building on last year’s 6.3% growth. This track record of success positions QDOBA as a key player in the competitive fast-casual dining segment of the Mexican cuisine market.
Anticipating Future Opportunities
Carroll expressed his excitement about joining QDOBA, stating, "I'm thrilled to be partnering with John again to support this extraordinarily well-positioned brand. QDOBA has the potential to revolutionize the fast-casual segment further, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented team and franchise partners to unlock the brand's full potential." His vision reflects a commitment to not only growth but also improving operational efficiencies across all units.
About QDOBA Mexican Eats
Founded with a mission to provide flavorful meals made from fresh, quality ingredients, QDOBA currently operates around 800 locations in North America. Guests are invited to customize their own dishes, enjoying premium toppings at no additional cost, including signature options like 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole. The brand prides itself on its customer-centric approach, consistently leading to recognition as the "Best Fast Casual Restaurant" in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. With Carroll's leadership, QDOBA aims to enhance its already impressive reputation in the fast-casual industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Chief Operating Officer of QDOBA?
Kevin Carroll has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of QDOBA, bringing a wealth of experience from the restaurant industry.
What was Kevin Carroll's previous position?
Prior to joining QDOBA, Carroll served as the COO of Applebee's Grill & Bar, managing operations for over 1,600 restaurants.
What recent sales growth did QDOBA achieve?
QDOBA reported a 7.7% increase in comparable sales for its latest fiscal year, building on prior year’s growth of 6.3%.
What are QDOBA's expansion plans?
QDOBA aims to double its restaurant footprint to over 1,600 locations in the next decade, indicating ambitious growth plans.
How does QDOBA prioritize customer experience?
The brand emphasizes a guest-first orientation, allowing customers to customize their meals with premium toppings at no extra charge, enhancing the dining experience.
