Major franchisee Doherty Enterprises adds Qdoba to its roster

Doherty Enterprises Inc., one of the country’s largest franchisees, is adding Qdoba Mexican Eats to its portfolio with a new agreement to develop 27 restaurants in select New York and New Jersey markets throughout the next several years. 

The agreement represents a strategic expansion for Doherty Enterprises, whose portfolio currently includes 158 restaurants across Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Wendy’s, Chevys Fresh Mex, JINYA Ramen Bars, and several proprietary concepts. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Qdoba restaurants into the Doherty Enterprises family,” president and chief operating officer Timothy Doherty said in a statement. “Qdoba is an exceptional brand with impressive momentum, strong unit economics, and a menu that truly resonates with today’s guests. This partnership reflects our disciplined approach to growth, aligning with best-in-class brands that complement our portfolio, and which allow us to serve our communities in new and meaningful ways.”

The partnership comes as Qdoba experiences rapid growth. In June, the chain opened its 800th location, and in August, it secured a $527 million round of funding from Butterfly Equity to accelerate growth. This builds on Qdoba’s inaugural $305 million securitization fund in late 2023 from Butterfly, which acquired the Mexican fast casual chain in 2022.

Related:Panera leans into December procrastination with new Circle Back meal and promotion

Since that acquisition, Qdoba has named industry veteran John Cywinski chief executive officer and transitioned into a franchise-first model. Cywinski previously led Applebee's. The company also shared its goal to approximately double its unit count to reach roughly 1,500 restaurants, and this latest round of funding from Butterfly is expected to accelerate that growth.

Qdoba said it selected Doherty Enterprises as one of its lead development partners based on the company’s decades-long track record of successfully scaling national restaurant brands, operational excellence, and deep experience operating in the New York and New Jersey market.

“We’re excited to work together with Doherty Enterprises to bring Qdoba’s craveable, customizable Mexican fast-casual experience to more communities across New York and New Jersey,” chief development officer Jeremy Vitaro said in a statement. “Their local market knowledge and focus on guest experience make them a natural fit as we continue to expand our footprint.”

In 2026, Doherty Enterprises is planning to open new Wendy’s, Panera Bread, Applebee’s, and Jinya Ramen Bar locations, while also completing more than 15 Applebee’s remodels. Established in 1985, Doherty is ranked as the 27th largest franchisee in the U.S. by Restaurant Finance Monitor.

Related:Sweet Tomatoes revival, Noodles and Company stock, Firehouse Subs growth

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso