Fast-casual restaurant chain QDOBA Mexican Eats has announced its expansion in the US state of Arizona with two new restaurants opening in Phoenix and Scottsdale in December 2024.

The upcoming openings represent the brand's first standalone locations in the state, complementing existing on-campus outlets at Grand Canyon University and Arizona State University. 

The Phoenix restaurant will be located at 4901 Ray Road Space #100. The Scottsdale location will be at 4821 N. Scottsdale Road Suite 100.  

Their grand opening festivities are planned for January 2025.  

The new outlets will create 80 new jobs in the region, and recruitment for both full-time and part-time positions is underway. 

Both will have a 2,000ft² interior. The Phoenix location will have an additional 1,000ft² outdoor seating area, and the Scottsdale location a 1,500ft² outdoor seating area featuring a fireplace.

Designed to cater to high demand, both will have two full-service lines, an open grill "theatre" and modern décor with real wooden furniture. 

QDOBA chief development officer Jeremy Vitaro said: "QDOBA is an exceptionally well-positioned brand in one of the most attractive restaurant categories, with the Greater Phoenix area offering significant growth potential.  

"We are excited to bring our delicious, bold flavours, freshly prepared food and everyday value to local residents for the first time." 

QDOBA offers Mexican-inspired menu items that are prepared fresh daily, including customised burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads.  

It offers premium toppings such as 3-cheese queso and handcrafted guacamole at no additional cost.  

The new outlets are part of a broader strategy of QDOBA to nearly double its North American presence in the decade to 2034.

Currently operating 800 restaurants, QDOBA aims to open up to ten more in the Arizona-Southwest region by 2026.

In October 2024, QDOBA appointed Kevin Carroll as its chief operating officer.