Thrive Restaurant Group to Lead 30-Unit QDOBA Expansion Across the Carolinas

A fast-casual Mexican-inspired restaurant chain will soon expand into the Carolinas.

According to a QSR Magazine press release , QDOBA has inked a 30-unit development agreement with Thrive Restaurant Group , one of America’s leading franchise operators. The company employs over 8,000 people across five brands, 170 restaurants, and 15 states.

Led by CEO and President Jon Rolph , Thrive will introduce new QDOBA locations in various North Carolina and South Carolina cities, focusing on Greenville (NC), Wilmington (NC), Myrtle Beach (SC), Columbia (SC), and Greenville (SC).

“We are thrilled to partner with Jon and his Thrive team,” said John Cywinski , CEO of QDOBA. “Jon Rolph is a tremendous leader, partner, and culture-builder, and one of the best franchisees I’ve had the pleasure to partner with throughout my career. QDOBA is an exceptionally well-positioned brand in the most attractive restaurant category and I’m confident Thrive will help us unlock our full potential in the Carolinas.”

With more than 750 locations across 47 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, QDOBA is known for its inexpensive Mexican-inspired fare, including San Francisco-style burritos, tacos, quesadillas, chile con queso, and tortilla soup.

“We are delighted to enter the QDOBA system alongside John Cywinski and the QDOBA team,” said Rolph. “QDOBA is a powerful brand with big-time momentum and an unbelievably bright future. We can’t wait to get started.”

Dave Phillips, Thrive’s Marketing Director, told What Now Charleston that no specific sites have been selected yet, so opening dates are still to be determined. Stay tuned for updates as this expansion unfolds.