QDOBA Provides Financial Relief to Franchisees with Royalty Deferral Program

Franchisor postpones 380+ small business owners' weekly royalty payments in response to COVID-19

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Mar 20, 2020, 05:01 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- QDOBA Mexican Eats, the fast casual restaurant with more than 730 locations in the U.S. and Canada, is committed to helping its franchise owners navigate the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a royalty deferral program for eight weeks, effective today. The move will enable QDOBA franchisees to protect cash flow during these unprecedented times where restaurants are adhering to the CDC guidelines for social distancing and the U.S. government's mandate for dining room closures. Above all, QDOBA is looking out for its franchise owners across North America and is taking the necessary precautions to keep both the community and its people safe, while also moving business forward.

"QDOBA understands the plight of our franchisees during these unprecedented times, and we are committed to supporting our local business owners in any way we can," said Keith Guilbault, CEO of QDOBA Mexican Eats. "Our focus with every decision is to be in the best position possible to address this downturn and continue to be a dependable choice for our guests."

Responding rapidly to the market conditions, QDOBA has begun hosting daily webinars with its franchisees to keep lines of communication open. The company has also moved to limited-contact ordering, including digital ordering through QDOBA.com or the QDOBA app, in-restaurant to-go ordering, and delivery via its third-party providers in response to the current environment.

"We pride ourselves on being a franchisor of choice, and this means open lines of communication and being responsive to what our franchisees need," Guilbault added. "We don't take this situation lightly and feel that all of the small business owners within our network are counting on us to have their back and do what's right."

For more information on QDOBA, visit QDOBA.com. Guests can also download the QDOBA app, available on the iTunes App Store or Google Play, to order online for pickup or delivery.

About QDOBA Mexican Eats

QDOBA Mexican Eats is a leading fast-casual Mexican chain with more than 730 restaurants located across the United States and in Canada. Committed to serving high-quality, freshly prepared entrées, the brand makes a range of menu items in its restaurants' kitchens daily. Guests are encouraged to experience QDOBA's delicious flavors by enjoying one of the brand's signature meals or by customizing their burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas, nachos and tortilla soup to fit their personal tastes. In 2019, QDOBA was voted the "Best Fast Casual Restaurant" as part of the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Discover more at www.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 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.