Qdoba has named Jeremy Vitaro as its new chief development officer and head of international. Vitaro has more than 20 years of development experience, most recently serving as CDO of Little Ceasars Pizza. Prior, he was the VP of U.S. development at Dunkin’ Brands. He also spent nine years as VP of international development at Dunkin’ Brands, where he oversaw the opening of more than 4,000 new Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins locations. In his new role, he will be responsible for Qdoba’s asset-light development strategy, including new unit growth, remodeling, refranchising, acquisition, prototype design, and real estate and construction.
"We are thrilled with Jeremy's decision to join the Qdoba leadership team," John Cywinski, CEO of Qdoba and Modern Market Eatery, said in a statement. "Qdoba is an exceptionally well-positioned brand and what I consider to be the best kept secret in the restaurant industry. I'm confident Jeremy is the right leader to partner with our franchisees to unlock our full potential, both in and outside of the U.S.”
Cywinski added that accelerated restaurant growth is an “important engine” for the Qdoba brand, which now counts over 750 locations in the U.S. and Canada. In November, the company closed its inaugural $305 million securitization just over a year after its acquisition from private equity firm Butterfly, which merged Modern Restaurant Concepts with Qdoba. The acquisition also shifted the company’s strategy to asset light, with nearly 80% of the system now franchised. With that strategy in place, Cywinski has shared a goal of approximately doubling Qdoba’s current unit count of about 750 restaurants to about 1,500 restaurants.
"I am extremely excited to help Qdoba drive strong, healthy growth by partnering with our terrific franchise partners," Vitaro said in a statement. "The brand has a unique and attractive position within a great category and a very talented team, as well as a strong franchisee and corporate restaurant foundation upon which to build."
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