US-based fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand QDOBA has announced plans to double its store footprint over the next ten years.

The brand currently operates 750 restaurants in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.

QDOBA, which is part of Modern Restaurant Concepts, plans to open 40 new venues this year, followed by 60 in 2024 and more than 80 locations annually from 2025.

Modern Restaurant Concepts CEO John Cywinski said: “QDOBA is an exceptionally well-positioned brand in one of the most attractive restaurant categories.

“We possess long-standing momentum, strong unit economics, a compelling operating model, an extraordinarily passionate guest following and significant untapped geographic potential.”

As part of its selective re-franchising strategy, the Mexian restaurant chain recently divested 77 company-owned restaurants to the existing North Fork Fresh Mex franchisee.

With this deal, North Fork now operates 97 QDOBA restaurants located across various US states, including Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Virginia.

As QDOBA's largest franchise partner, North Fork has also committed to building 73 new restaurants over the next seven years.

North Fork co-owner Jacob Stauffer said: “Without a doubt, this agreement with QDOBA provides us with a tremendous opportunity to not only further expand our business but also benefit team members throughout our organisation.

“We've seen great success since aligning with QDOBA years ago and know the brand provides a distinct business advantage as we tackle important yet underserved markets in the months ahead.”