Kevin served as COO for Applebee’s Grill & Bar from 2016. Credit: QDOBA Mexican Eats/PRNewswire.

US fast-casual Mexican restaurant QDOBA has appointed Kevin Carroll as its chief operating officer (COO).  

Kevin’s leadership experience in the restaurant industry will guide QDOBA’s operational strategy and execution across 800 locations in Puerto Rico, the US and Canada.  

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The move comes after the restaurant reported a 7.7% rise in comparable sales for the fiscal year ending September 2024, which builds on the previous year’s 6.3% growth. 

The brand has experienced four years of significant growth and plans to expand its current footprint to more than 1,600 restaurants by 2033.  

Kevin served as COO for Applebee’s Grill & Bar from 2016, and was previously senior vice-president of operations at Chili’s Grill. During 27 years with the Bringer International-owned company, he rose from the role of a restaurant general manager.

QDOBA CEO John Cywinski said: “I’ve worked alongside Kevin for many years, and I know first-hand the invaluable leadership and partnership he’ll bring to the QDOBA brand. Kevin is a deeply experienced and highly regarded executive with a well-deserved reputation for excellence.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Beyond his character and integrity, what I value most about Kevin is his guest-first orientation and his commitment to a culture of accountability. We are very fortunate to have a leader of Kevin’s calibre help guide us at this time of unprecedented growth.” 

Carroll said: “QDOBA is indeed the best-kept secret in the restaurant industry, and I’m looking forward to working alongside our talented team and franchise partners to unlock our full potential.” 

In March 2024, QDOBA appointed Jeremy Vitaro as chief development officer and international head.