QDOBA EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT WITH GRAND OPENINGS AT KADENA AIR FORCE BASE AND CAMP FOSTER

SAN DIEGO (August 22, 2024) — QDOBA, America’s #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, in collaboration with the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (Exchange), proudly announced today the grand openings of its first-ever locations in Asia at Kadena Air Force Base and Camp Foster, both situated in Okinawa, Japan. Notably, these are also the first QDOBA locations to open outside North America, including Puerto Rico. This is a significant milestone as the brand focuses on its international expansion, bringing a taste of home to the troops stationed far from their families.

“Expanding QDOBA to our military communities overseas is a tremendous honor,” said Jeremy Vitaro, Chief Development Officer at QDOBA. “Our longstanding partnership with the Exchange has allowed us to serve the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence as we explore new opportunities for global growth.”

For over eight years, the Exchange has teamed up with QDOBA to bring quality dining experiences to the Bravest Customers in the World at military installations across the United States. With the successful opening of these two new locations, the Exchange continues to deliver on its commitment to serving those who serve. The partnership now encompasses 32 QDOBA restaurants operated by the Exchange across the United States and two in Asia, with plans to expand further in mid-September with two at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in South Korea.

Like every QDOBA restaurant, the new locations are in alignment with the Exchange’s BE FIT 360 initiative to aggressively expand the availability of better-for-you options on U.S. military installations. Each location’s robust menu will offer high-quality ingredients made in their kitchens. This includes flame-grilled adobo chicken and steak, hand-sliced and sautéed fajita veggies, freshly made pico de gallo, as well as free hand-crafted guacamole and signature 3-cheese queso. Guests can build their own meal by selecting from a variety of ingredients to create flavorful burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and salads.

This announcement highlights QDOBA’s continuous momentum in expanding its footprint, with a projected opening of 20 non-traditional locations during FY24 (October 1, 2023-September 29, 2024). Of these, 40% are military locations, including 5 operated by the Exchange, and 60% are university locations. Looking ahead to FY25 (September 30, 2024-September 29, 2025), QDOBA is projecting to open 20-25 additional non-traditional locations, with the following breakdown: 10% airport, 10% military, 60% university, and 10% casino.

For additional information about the QDOBA franchise opportunity and available territories, prospective franchisees can visit www.qdobafranchise.com. 

About QDOBA Mexican Eats

QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with over 750 locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Committed to bringing flavor to people's lives, QDOBA uses ingredients freshly prepared in-house by hand throughout the day to create a variety of flavorful menu options. Guests can experience QDOBA's delicious offerings by customizing their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings. Premium toppings can always be added to entrées at no extra charge, including signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole.  For six years running, QDOBA has been voted the "Best Fast Casual Restaurant" as part of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.  

Guests can order ahead for pick-up, delivery or catering at QDOBA.com or on the QDOBA app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play.  Fans can also connect with QDOBA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter / X and TikTok.

About the Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 52nd-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.7 billion in earnings that support the military community, including through contributions to critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/ExchangePAO.

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