Qdoba

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 21, 2023

The CEO of Qdoba-parent Modern Restaurant Concepts is borrowing from the playbook used during his leadership at Applebee's and KFC. The first step, however, was selling the Lemonade brand.

Operations

Qdoba is betting on franchising to double its unit count

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 10, 2023

The No. 2 Mexican fast casual has a long way to go to get close in size to arch rival Chipotle, but Qdoba is refranchising in a shift to the asset-light model.

Premium

Food

After a pandemic break, restaurants added a lot of new menu items this summer

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 03, 2023

Customers returned to dining out and operators greeted them with a record number of limited-time offers. The result was a summer of love on restaurant menus.

Marketing

As March Madness begins, restaurants make a mad dash to snag fans

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 02, 2023

Menu specials and deals are in the works to boost sales both on- and off-premise during the NCAA tournament.

Financing

Qdoba’s buyer Butterfly Equity raises another $1 billion for food companies

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 15, 2022

The private equity firm, which owns Modern Restaurant Concepts, now has $4 billion in assets under management.

Financing

Butterfly Equity to acquire Qdoba

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 09, 2022

The private equity fund will merge the 750-unit burrito chain with Modern Market and Lemonade owner Modern Market Concepts.

Operations

Queso, please? Virtual brands go niche as they mature

By Heather Lalley on Jun. 29, 2022

What started early in the pandemic as a cheap, easy way to sell more wings and burgers is morphing into more-targeted digital menu offerings like melty cheese and loaded potatoes.

Leadership