QDOBA, Doherty Enterprises sign deal for 27 new restaurants, including sites in northwest New Jersey
Doherty Enterprises, Inc., one of the nation’s largest multi-brand restaurant franchisees, has entered into a new development agreement with QDOBA Mexican Eats® that will bring 27 new locations to New York and New Jersey over the next several years, the companies announced Friday.
The partnership designates Doherty as QDOBA’s exclusive development partner in select New York counties—from the mid-Hudson Valley through the Capital Region—and across New Jersey. Company officials said approximately 15 of the new locations will open in New Jersey, with sites planned in Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. Exact towns have not yet been released.
“We are thrilled to welcome QDOBA restaurants into the Doherty Enterprises family,” said Timothy Doherty, president and COO of Doherty Enterprises. “QDOBA is an exceptional brand with impressive momentum, strong unit economics, and a menu that truly resonates with today’s guests. This partnership reflects our disciplined approach to growth, aligning with best-in-class brands that complement our portfolio, and which allow us to serve our communities in new and meaningful ways.”
The expansion marks a significant strategic move for Doherty, whose portfolio includes 158 restaurants across Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Wendy’s, Chevys Fresh Mex, JINYA Ramen Bar, and several proprietary concepts. QDOBA becomes the eighth brand in the company’s lineup.
QDOBA selected Doherty Enterprises as a lead development partner based on its decades-long history of scaling national brands and its extensive operating experience in the New York/New Jersey market. The fast-casual Mexican category continues to grow faster than the broader restaurant sector, driven by demand for customizable menus and digital ordering.
“We’re excited to work together with Doherty Enterprises to bring QDOBA’s craveable, customizable Mexican fast-casual experience to more communities across New York and New Jersey,” said Jeremy Vitaro, chief development officer for QDOBA Mexican Eats. “Their local market knowledge and focus on guest experience make them a natural fit as we continue to expand our footprint.”
The expansion comes during a period of significant growth for Doherty Enterprises, which plans to open new Wendy’s, Panera Bread, Applebee’s, and JINYA Ramen Bar locations in the coming year while also completing more than 15 Applebee’s remodels across both states.
“This agreement marks an important milestone for our entire organization,” Doherty said. “Our teams across development, legal, finance, operations, and strategy worked tirelessly on this opportunity, and their dedication continues to fuel our momentum. Our success has always been rooted in our people, and this next chapter with QDOBA is a testament to their hard work.”
More information about Doherty Enterprises and career opportunities is available at www.dohertyinc.com.
