Dive Brief:
- Qdoba appointed Jeremy Vitaro as its chief development officer and head of international business, the company said Monday in a press release.
- Vitaro, who has over 20 years of development experience, most recently served as Little Caesars’ chief development officer for three years.
- In his new role, Vitaro will be responsible for the fast casual’s asset-light development strategy, which includes restaurant growth, remodels, refranchising, acquisitions, new designs and real estate and construction.
Dive Insight:
While at Little Caesars, Vitaro helped open hundreds of new restaurants, growth that included extending the chain into new markets like New York City. Adding delivery and digital channels made the chain more attractive to more urban consumers, as well.
Prior to Little Caesars, Vitaro held various leadership positions in development at Dunkin’ Brands for 18 years. His posts include vice president of U.S. development, which he held for about three years and during which time he opened over 1,000 Dunkin’ restaurants. He also was vice president of international development for roughly nine years, during which time he opened over 4,000 Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins units.
Vitaro’s experience will benefit Qdoba, which has plans to reach 1,500 units by 2033. The chain currently has over 750 restaurants, but has plotted an aggressive growth path after it was acquired by Butterfly Equity in 2022 and was later folded under Modern Restaurant Concepts.
The chain is leaning into ongoing franchising demand for Mexican fast casual, especially since its closest competitor Chipotle is comprised of all company-owned units. In addition to franchising, the chain is refranchising its corporate units. Last year, it sold 77 units to North Fork Fresh Max, which became the chain’s largest franchisee with 97 units. This operator also signed a seven-year expansion deal to open 73 units.
