Hyperion Brands, LLC is the latest multi-unit operator to commit to QDOBA’s expansion in California.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QDOBA Mexican Eats, America’s rapidly growing #2 brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, has signed a new development agreement for 17 restaurants across San Diego County. The agreement is led by Hyperion Brands, LLC, a San Diego based multi-unit operator.
“California is a priority growth market for QDOBA,” said Jeremy Vitaro, Chief Development Officer at QDOBA. “We’re excited to grow the brand with the Hyperion Brands team, a proven, operations-first organization that also brings a strong development track record and a hometown advantage.”
QDOBA and its franchise partners currently operate approximately 875 restaurants, with plans to double the brand’s footprint to approximately 2,000 restaurants and open 100 restaurants annually in the years ahead.
The San Diego agreement adds to QDOBA’s growth across California, following a development agreement signed earlier this year to bring the brand to Ventura and Santa Barbara with an experienced QSR operator. Both agreements reflect QDOBA’s broader franchise development strategy to grow with multi-unit operators.
“We see real opportunity for QDOBA to stand apart with its fresh, customizable menu and signature offering of free guacamole and queso with any create-your-own entrée,” said Cesar Shih, CEO and Co-Founder, Hyperion Brands, LLC, who is also a franchise owner and multi-unit operator of Habit Burger & Grill. “As a San Diego based operator, we’re looking forward to bringing QDOBA’s bold flavors and great value to our guests across the region.”
Frequently Asked Questions about QDOBA’s Franchise-Led Expansion
Q: Where is QDOBA growing across California?
New development agreements will expand QDOBA’s footprint across San Diego County and introduce the brand to Ventura and Santa Barbara. QDOBA sees growing demand in markets such as Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Bernardino and the Bay Area. Meanwhile, QDOBA operates in San Diego International Airport and is expanding nationwide in non-traditional venues, including airports, universities and military bases.
Q: What U.S. markets are a priority for QDOBA?
QDOBA focuses on high-demand markets where multi-unit franchise operators see strong opportunity, with continued emphasis on key states including California, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.
Q: Why are multi-unit operators choosing to develop QDOBA?
QDOBA gives multi-unit operators a way to diversify into Mexican fast-casual, one of the strongest segments in restaurants, and supports them with a modern digital operating platform and national marketing support. The menu is craveable and fully customizable, and QDOBA stands apart by adding free signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole to any create-your-own entrée.
Q: How does QDOBA’s franchise-led model support long-term growth?
QDOBA is focused on partnering with operators who share its commitment to exceptional guest experience and disciplined development. Franchisees already run a growing majority of the brand’s restaurants, and QDOBA plans to expand that share as it scales toward roughly 2,000 restaurants in the years ahead.
For more information and to find the location nearest to you, please visit QDOBA.com.
About QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with 875 locations in 46 states across the U.S., as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea. Committed to bringing flavor to people’s lives, QDOBA prepares fresh ingredients by hand in-house throughout the day and flame-grills its chicken and steak to create a variety of bold, flavorful menu options. Guests can experience delicious offerings at QDOBA by customizing their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings. Premium toppings can always be added to entrées, including a free portion of signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole on any create your own entrée.
For seven consecutive years, QDOBA has ranked among the top fast-casual restaurants in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, including six years at #1. QDOBA was also recently named one of Yelp’s Most Loved Airport Brands, a distinction based on extensive analysis of ratings and reviews from travelers.
Discover more at QDOBA.com or on the QDOBA app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Fans can also connect with QDOBA on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.
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SOURCE QDOBA Restaurant Corporation
